I  I 


II 


ii    i  I 


LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA1 
DAVIS 


70312 


LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 


THE  LETTERS 

OF 

DANIEL  WEBSTER 


EDITED  BY 
C.  H.  VAN  TYNE,   Pn.D. 

SENIOR  FELLOW  IN  AMERICAN  HISTORY 
UNIVERSITY  OF  PENNSYLVANIA 


ALDI 


McCLURE,   PHILLIPS   &    CO. 
NEW    YORK 


S  A.  H  FUND. 


COPYRIGHT,  1902,  BY 
McCLURE,  PHILLIPS   &  CO. 


Published  October,  1902,  N 


PREFACE 


the  time  of  Daniel  Webster's  death  m  October  of  1852, 
his  papers  were  for  the  most  part  at  Marshfield,  though 
some  had  been  left  in  the  State  Department  and  in  his  rooms 
in  Washington.  An  attempt  was  evidently  made  within 
a  month  to  issue  a  volume  of  the  letters,  for  Edward  Everett 
wrote  to  Webster's  son,  Fletcher,  on  November  3,  urging  him 
to  enjoin  the  Harpers  not  to  print  his  father's  letters.  A  post 
script  added  that  Mr.  Lanman,  who  had  been  Webster's  private 
secretary,  should  be  dissuaded  from  any  publication.  A  few 
days  later  Mr.  Everett,  writing  from  Washington,  informed 
Fletcher  Webster  that  the  letters,  papers  and  pamphlets  in  the 
State  Department  belonging  to  Webster  would  be  boxed  at  once 
and  forwarded  to  Marshfield.  He  requested  that  HIS  letters  to 
Webster,  if  found  among  the  papers,  should  be  returned  to  him. 
After  these  letters  were  sent  North,  Mr.  Abbott,  who  had  been 
Webster's  amanuensis,  received  permission  from  President  Fill- 
more  to  make  copies  of  the  semi-official  correspondence  between' 
himself  .and  his  ex-Secretary  of  State.  This  manuscript  was 
also  added  to  the  mass  of  the  Webster  papers. 

By  the  will  of  the  deceased,  four'  literary  executors  had  been 
appointed:  Edward  Everett,  George  Ticknor,  C.  C.  Felton  and 
George  T.  Curtis  were  to  receive  Webster's  papers  and  determine 
their  disposition.  Within  sixty  days  they  began  energetic  efforts 
to  get  the  letters  of  which  no  draft  or  copy  had  been  kept.  Cards 
were  sent  to  a  large  number  of  persons  known  to  have  had  corre 
spondence  with  Webster.  Many  responded  with  copies  of  the 
desired  letters,  or  sent  the  originals  to  be  copied.  Thus  far  the 
work  of  preserving  the  memory  of  the  great  statesman  was  well 
and  efficiently  done. 

The  will  had  provided  for  the  literary  remains  in  the  follow 
ing  manner:  "And  I  direct  my  son,  Fletcher  Webster,  to  seal 
up  all  my  letters,  manuscripts,  and  papers,  fy  at  a  proper  time  to 
select  those  relating  to  my  personal  history  fy  my  professional 
and  public  life,  which,  in  his  judgment,  should  be  placed  at  their 

[vii] 


viii  PREFACE 

(the  executors)  disposal,  #  to  transfer  the  same  to  them,  to  be 
used  by  them  m  such  manner  as  they  may  think  fit."  With  a 
view  to  effecting  this  wish,  Edward  Everett,  for  the  executors, 
wrote  Fletcher  Webster  in  June  of  1854,  as  follows:  "Since  the 
choice  out  of  so  great  a  mass  of  materials  of  those  adapted  for/ 
the  press  can  only  be  made  to  advantage  on  a  collective  view  of 
the  whole,  we  shall  be  gratified  to  receive  from  you,  as  soon  as 
convenient,  such  of  the  papers  as  you  shall  judge  proper  to  be 
placed  at  our  disposal,  and  we  will  then,  as  soon  as  possible,  select 
from  them  fy  the  collection  made  by  ourselves  those  which  it  may 
be  expedient  to  publish,  at  the  present  time,  and  these  we  wilt 
place  in  your  hands  for  that  purpose,  agreeably  to  your  request. 

"What  further  use  may  be  made  of  the  papers  as  materials  for 
a  comprehensive  history  of  your  father's  life,  will  be  a  question 
for  further  consideration;  and  on  this,  and  every  other  part  of 
our  duty,  we  shall  at  all  times  be  desirous  to  learn  your  views,  and 
most  happy  to  have  it  in  our  power  to  comply  with  your  wishes." 

From  the  time  of  this  letter  the  whole  matter  seems  to  have1 
rested  for  over  a  year,  when  Everett,  having  been  importuned  by 
Fletcher  Webster  for  an  opinion,  writes,  September  10,  1855, 
that  "he  has  no  hesitation  m  stating  his  confident  belief  that  the 
correspondence  <§•  other  papers  of  your  late  honored  father  now 
in  your  possession  $  in  that  of  his  literary  executors  contam- 
ample  material  for  several  volumes  not  less  interesting  and  valu 
able  than  those  already  published; — perhaps  for  the  general 
reader  still  more  interesting. 

"It  may  be  proper  to  add  that  at  their  meeting  on  the  llth. 
June,  1854,  it  was  resolved  by  the  Literary  Executors,  that  such 
portions  of  your  father's  correspondence  fy  papers  as  it  might  be 
deemed  expedient  to  publish,  should  be  placed  in  your  hands  for 
that  purpose." 

Then,  late  in  October,  we  find  Edward  Everett  writing  of  bags 
and  trunks  of  papers  laid  before  the  trustees  a  week  previously. 
He  had  been  directed  to  address  an  official  letter  to  Fletcher  Web 
ster  concerning  the  papers.  He  makes  some  suggestions  about 
speeches  to  be  preserved — which  never  were — and  the  form  to  be 
given  any  publication  of  the  letters.  He  then  reveals  to  us  that 
Fletcher  Webster  had  only  put  into  the  literary  executors'  posses 
sion  the  letters  which  he  "proposed  to  publish,"  and  Mr.  Everett 
urges  the  propriety  of  placing  all  in  their  hands — "who  will 
make  a  business  of  examining,  classing,  probably  binding,  $ 
otherwise  carefully  preparing  for  permanent  preservation  $  fu~ 


PREFACE  ix 

ture  use,  such  as  are  adapted  for  it. — Your  father's  will,  I  thmk, 
evidently  contemplates  the  performance  of  this  office  by  us.  His 
reference  to  Mr.  Abbott  implies  it.  Great  value  will  hereafter 
attach  to  these  papers,  scarcely  inferior  to  those  of  Washing 
ton.  It  is  desirable  for  your  Father's  reputation  as  a  states 
man  <$•  jurist,  that  they  should  be  put  into  the  most  convenient 
form  for  consultation.  Washington's  papers  were  as  good  (or 
as  bad)  as  burn'd,  till  Mr.  Sparks  took  them  in  hand,  25  years 
after  his  death,  arranged,  bound,  $  indexed  them. 

"The  performance  of  this  great  work — for  such  it  is — will  not 
delay  the  contemplated  publication  of  two  additional  volumes  of 
correspondence,  speeches,  fy  writings; — though  I  fear  you  over 
rate  the  impression,  that  it  is  to  be  the  affair  of  three  or  four 
months." 

A  week  later  Mr.  Everett  sent  Fletcher  Webster  the  mass  of 
correspondence,  with  some  advice  as  to  the  proprieties  in  editing 
them.  He  did  not  think  it  proper  to  publish  the  letters  to  and 
from  Webster's  first  and  second  wife;  just  a  few  "specimens  to 
illustrate  his  domestic  relations."  He  urged  the  omission  of  the 
parts  of  letters  relating  to  money  matters.  He  thought  it  not 
expedient  to  publish  the  letters  relating  to  the  Randolph  duel. 

Fletcher  Webster  then  made  a  formal  request  of  the  executors 
for  the  copies  of  letters  which  surviving  friends  of  Webster  had 
placed  in  their  hands.  He  had,  he  asserted,  promised  to  have 
the  volumes  of  correspondence  ready  for  the  press  in  January, 
1856,  and  had  not  time  to  recur  to  the  sources  of  these  letters. 
He  offered  to  submit  his  selection  to  the  executors. 

Thus  far  the  editor  has  the  story  from  original  manuscripts; 
the  rest  is  partly  derived  from  conversation  with  persons  who  are 
in  a  position  to  know  the  truth.  He  has  also  the  story  told  in 
Fletcher  Webster's  preface  and  that  of  Curtis  in  his  "Life  of 
Webster."  Finally,  he  has  the  results  of  observations  made  while 
examining  the  several  collections  of  Webster  manuscripts. 

Fletcher  Webster's  "Private  Correspondence  of  Daniel  Web 
ster"  appeared  in  1856.  After  its  publication  he  returned  the 
borrowed  copies  to  the  literary  executors,  but  in  a  confused  con 
dition.  The  papers  left  by  his  father  were  not  turned  over  to 
the  executors  in  any  logical  way.  The  three  principal  collections 
now  existing  seem  to  be  a  hodge-podge.  The  letters  might  have 
been  laid  upon  the  floor  and  shoveled  into  three  heaps.  There  is 
no  division  on  the  basis  of  intimacy,  date,  or  subject. 

The  letters  kept  by  Fletcher  Webster  were  finally  given  to 


x  PREFACE 

Professor  Sanborn,  who  had  aided  him  in  the  editing,  and  the 
greater  part  to  Peter  Harvey,  who  had  been  Daniel  Webster' st 
closest  friend  toward  the  dose  of  his  life.  Mr,  Harvey  evidently 
added  to  his  collection,  and  June  14,  1876,  personally  presented 
them  to  the  New  Hampshire  Historical  Society.  Here  for  the 
first  time  they  were  unfolded,  fastened  in  volumes  made] 
for  such  purposes,  and  carefully  preserved.  It  is  this  great  col 
lection  of  over  3,500  letters  which  furnishes  the  mass  of  corre 
spondence  herein  published.  The  society,  with  a  generous  desire 
to  place  Webster's  correspondence  before  the  public,  has  given 
every  facility  to  the  editor  for  getting  correct  copies  of  the  un 
published  letters  and  papers. 

But  the  fate  of  the  rest  of  the  letters  is  not  to  be  forgotten. 
After  Mr.  Everett  and  Mr.  Felton  left  the  work  undone,  Mr. 
Ticknor  had  been  regarded  as  the  fit  biographer  of  Webster;  but 
he  never  performed  the  service,  and  it  fell  to  George  T.  Curtis,. 
With  the  letters  collected  by  the  executors,  the  volumes  of  the 
"Private  Correspondence"  and  a  few  papers  borrowed  from  Peter 
Harvey  and  Professor  Sanborn,  Mr.  Curtis  wrote  his  work. 
There  is  evidence  in  plenty  that  Mr.  Harvey  did  not  know  what 
was  among  his  papers,  or  that  he  did  not  choose  to  allow  them  to 
be  used.  Mr.  Curtis  reports  as  lost  a  number  of  documents  which 
are  now  published  from  the  letters  once  in  Peter  Harvey's  posses 
sion.  After  making  this  use  of  the  executors'  collection,  Mr. 
Curtis  kept  the  mass  of  papers  in  a  supposed  fireproof  warehouse, 
and  it  is  to  the  discriminating  selection  by  Mr.  C.  P.  Greenough 
of  the  majority  of  the  valuable  letters  in  this  aggregation  that 
we  owe  their  preservation.  He  obtained  permission  to  examine 
and  take  those  which  he  selected  for  his  own  collection.  After 
he  had  examined  about  two-thirds  of  the  mass  of  papers,  the 
warehouse  was  burned,  and  the  remaining  papers  with  it. 

Now,  of  these  three  preserved  collections  of  Mr.  Webster's 
papers,  the  editor  has  had  free  use  of  two,  that  of  the  New 
Hampshire  Historical  Society  and  that  of  Mr.  Edwin  W.  San 
born,  of  New  York  City.  From  the  latter's  collection  there  are 
about  30  letters  incorporated  in  this  book.  The  failure  to  get 
the  use  of  all  of  the  letters  in  Mr.  Greenough's  collection*  has 
greatly  altered  the  plan  of  the  editor,  who  hoped  to  make  this 

*  Mr.  Greenough  has  very  kindly  permitted  me  to  use  ten  of  the  letters 
which  I  regarded  as  the  most  important  in  his  fine  collection.  It  ought  to  be 
explained  also  that  the  great  majority  of  the  letters  in  Mr.  Greenough's  col 
lection  are  letters  to  Webster  and  not  from  him. 


PREFACE  xi 

collection  complete.     That  ideal  is  impossible  without  the  nearly 
400  DESIRABLE  letters  contained  in  Mr.  Greenough's  collection. 

Solely  with  a  desire  to  aid  accurate  study  of  Webster,  the 
editor  wishes  to  state  the  results  of  a  critical  comparison  of  some 
of  the  original  letters  with  those  published  in  Fletcher  Webster's 
edition  of  his  father's  correspondence.  Of  greatest  importance 
is  the  fact  that  omissions  in  the  text,  often  for  very  poor  reasons, 
are  not  indicated.  Where  the  parts  omitted  are  of  value,  they 
have  been  incorporated  in  their  proper  place  in  this  work.  Over 
forty  unindicated  omissions  have  been  discovered  m  the  process 
of  comparing  only  a  small  per  cent,  of  the  whole  number  there 
published.  Again,  there  are  many  evidences  of  careless  work — 
names  are  confused,  dates  are  wrong,  words  and  phrases  are  in 
correct,  and  initials  are  used  where  the  original  has  the  full  name. 
There  is  a  systematic  omission  of  unpleasant  things  that  Webster 
had  to  say  concerning  Abolitionists.  It  must  be  remembered, 
however,  that  the  book  was  published  before  the  war  and  while 
the  anti-slavery  agitation  was  at  its  height.  The  editorial  sin  in 
most  cases  is  not  in  the  omission,  but  in  not  indicating  the  omis 
sion.  Another  exhibition  of  editorial  frailty  is  in  the  correction 
of  spelling.  The  rough  farmers,  John  Taylor  and  Porter 
Wright,  are  made  to  write  like  cultured  scholars.  The  real 
charm  of  their  letters  to  their  fellow- farmer,  Daniel  Webster,  is 
thus  lost. 

In  carrying  out  this  work  a  number  of  facts  about  the  fate  of 
Webster  papers  have  been  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  editor. 
Every  effort  has  been  made  to  trace  Webster  letters,  and  possible 
owners  in  all  parts  of  the  country  have  been  written  for  that 
purpose.  Nevertheless,  letters  which  surely  were  written,  and,  in 
fact,  letters  the  preservation  of  which,  is  positively  attested,  are 
not  to  be  found.  Even  correspondence  sent  the  literary  execu 
tors  and  listed  in  letters  to  them,  which  the  editor  has  seen,  are 
missing.  Webster's  letters  to  his  first  wife  he  must  personally 
have  destroyed,  though  he  kept  her  letters  to  himself  nearly  25 
years.  Again,  many  letters  written  by  him  to  Fletcher  Webster, 
and  of  which  the  latter  makes  especial  mention,  are  not  to  be 
found.  It  is  known  that  Julia  Webster  deliberately  destroyed 
her  father's  letters  to  her.  In  a  list  of  known  English  corre 
spondents  of  Webster,  there  is  but  one  name  which  may  be  found 
ayiong  the  published  or  unpublished  letters.  The  Earl  of 
&erby,  Lord  Wharncliffe,  Sir  Charles  R.  Vaughn,  Mr.  Kenyan, 
Robert  W<ff2fh,  Sir  James  Graham,  Earl  Spencer,  Miss  Edge- 


xii  PREFACE 

worth,  and  the  Archbishop  of  York  are  known  to  have  been  corre 
spondents  of  Webster.  One  of  the  most  remarkable  lacunae  is 
the  absence  of  letters  to  and  from  Rufus  Choate.  It  seems  in 
credible  that  these  two  men  could  have  been  such  warm  friends 
for  many  years  and  have  exchanged  only  two  or  three  letters. 

In  preparing  the  papers  for  publication,  the  editor  has  sought 
to  render  to  the  reader  an  exact  copy*  of  such  letters,  to  which  he 
has  had  access,  as  reflect  the  character  of  the  man,  show  his  rela 
tions  with  his  family,  friends,  or  the  public,  and  illustrate  his 
political  motives.  The  mass  of  petty  letters  to  him  which  con 
stitute  one  of  the  penalties  of  greatness  has  hardly  a  claim  for> 
preservation.  Curiosity  gets  a  transitory  pleasure  upon  the  dis 
covery  that  there  were  hundreds  of  silly  people  who  wanted  a  loch 
of  Webster's  hair,  or  poets  who  hoped  that  he  would  "grant  to 
the  bard  the  boon"  of  permitting  a  poem  to  be  dedicated  to  him 
self,  "the  wondrous  man."  One  came  "all  the  way  from  the  far 
Hesperus  to  the  Athens  of  America"  to  see  his  hero.  If  Web 
ster  was  in  trouble,  there  came  a  flood  of  anonymous  condolences 
full  of  absurd  sentiment.  If  he  was  ill,  every  anonymous  granny 
sent  her  sovereign  remedy,  and  even  his  corns  did  not  escape  the 
solicitude  of  admirers.  When  he  rendered  his  country  some 
great  service,  and,  in  consequence,  was  more  than  usually  bur 
dened,  every  little  debating  society  over  the  broad  land  HONORED 
him  by  choosing  him  to  deliver  an  oration  at  their  next  meeting. 
Boats  about  to  be  launched  were  named  for  him,  and  he  had  only 
to  deliver  the  oration  at  the  launchmg-festival.  Anonymous 
words  of  warning  apprised  him  of  secret  machinations  making 
against  him,  and  prophets  foretold  his  election  to  the  Presidency 
at  an  early  date.  Hundreds  of  nobodies  sent  him  their  valuable 
advice  in  great  historical  crises.  As  a  matter  of  course,  all  such 
ephemeral  literature  has  been  discarded.  But  there  are  letters 
of  another  sort,  homely,  quiet  letters  from  the  wife  or  children, 
containing  much  that  is  trivial  and  commonplace,  mingled  with  a 
few  sentences  that  reveal  the  home  life  or  the  characters  of  the- 
family.  These  the  editor  has  taken  the  liberty  to  mutilate  and 
to  print  only  such  portions  as  can  be  a  source  of  information. 
With  Webster's  letters  to  others  no  such  liberty  has  been  taken. 
It  may  be  added  that  in  no  case  has  any  letter  been  anatomized 
for  the  purpose  of  concealing  unpleasant  facts  or  characteristics. 

*  All  errors  in  the  manuscript  are  reproduced  in  the  printed  copies,  whethe  r 
of  spelling,  punctuation,  or  grammar. 


PREFACE  xiii 

The  same  may  be  said  of  the  letters  themselves  "which  have  been 
examined  by  the  editor.  He  has  had  no  reason  for  discarding 
except  that  of  economizing  space  by  ignoring  the  relatively  un 
important.  In  using  his  editorial  judgment  for  this  purpose, 
he  has  not  forgotten  that  persons  will  come  to  these  letters  for 
widely  different  purposes.  He  has  tried  to  keep  in  mind  the 
wants  of  all,  from  the  economist  to  the  theologian.  In  the  letters 
about  the  farm  even  the  botanist  and  zoologist  have  not  been  for 
gotten,  and  the  mathematician  can  ply  his  mysterious  trade  in 
untangling  Webster's  financial  affairs.  The  editor  ought  to 
mention  in  this  connection  that  in  the  New  Hampshire  Historical 
Society  vault  (Section  B,  Shelf  I,  No.  16)  there  are  a  large 
number  of  notes  about  routine  work  that  passed  between  Web 
ster  and  FUlmore,  the  contents  of  which  have  no  possible  value 
now,  but  in  the  mass  indicate  the  volume  of  business  that  passed 
between  them.  There  are  also  (Section  B,  Shelf  I,  No.  18)  many 
packages  of  legal  papers  pertaining  to  Webster's  law  practice, 
but  not  in  any  way  illuminating  his  own  business  methods. 

Finally,  as  to  the  arrangement  of  material  m  this  volume,  it 
has  seemed  to  the  editor  unwise  to  place  every  letter  in  its  chron 
ological  order,  regardless  of  its  nature.  Many  letters  make  no 
mention  whatever  of  the  statesman's  public  life,  and  deal  only, 
with  the  farm,  home  affairs,  abstract  questions  of  morals  not  con 
nected  with  the  events  of  the  day,  and  matters  havmg  no  effect 
upon  political  motives.  The  editor  will  grant  that  his  judgment 
may  err  in  this,  and  to  meet  that  possibility  a  chronological  list 
of  all  the  letters  has  been  made. 

The  arrangement  adopted  presents  the  different  aspects  of  the 
great  character  of  Webster.  Sydney  Smith  said  that  "the  mean 
ing  of  an  extraordinary  man  is  that  he  is  EIGHT  men,  not  one 
man;  that  he  has  as  much  wit  as  if  he  had  no  sense,  and  as  much 
sense  as  if  he  had  no  wit;  that  his  conduct  is  as  judicious  as  if  he 
were  the  dullest  of  men,  and  his  imagination  as  brilliant  as 
though  he  were  irretrievably  ruined"  It  is  to  illustrate  the 
eight  men  that  this  division  serves.  If  it  were  possible,  it  would 
be  desirable  to  set  apart  Webster  as  the  orator,  the  statesman, 
the  jurist,  and  the  diplomat;  but  those  phases  are  so  woven  in 
the  woof  of  the  letters  that  only  the  mind  is  subtle  enough  to 
extricate  them;  the  hand  cannot  divide  them  one  from  another. 
Therefore,  the  fragments  which  throw  a  little  light  upon  his 
early  life,  the  more  related  letters  which  narrate  his  career  as 
politician  with  local  interests,  and  the  volume  of  correspondence 


XIV 


PREFACE 


which  tells  with  fair  completeness  the  story  of  his  life  as  a  great 
national  statesman  have  been  selected  for  those  purposes.  Then 
the  unrelated  residue  has  been  used  to  portray  the  man. 

In  the  matter  of  annotation  the  editor  has  attempted  only  to 
account  for  letters,  when  preceding  or  following  letters  do  not 
do  it,  and  to  give  a  few  brief  statistics  about  those  persons  writ 
ing  or  written  to  whose  reputation  was  local  rather  than  national. 
Such  explanations  are  only  made  upon  the  first  mention  of  the} 
persons  in  question.  The  sources  of  the  letters  are  also  indi 
cated,  except  the  great  number  printed  from  the  New  Hampshire 
Historical  Society  collection.  The  assumption  may  be  made  that 
the  original  is  there,  if  not  otherwise  indicated.  As  to  the  accu 
racy  of  the  copies,  the  editor  has  with  very  few  exceptions  per 
sonally  compared  the  originals  with  the  copies,  which  were  made 
by  experienced  and  trustworthy  typewriters. 

It  is  with  real  pleasure  that  the  editor  takes  up  the  subject  of 
his  obligations.  To  have  experienced  the  kindness  that  he  has 
everywhere  met  in  the  prosecution  of  this  work  is  in  Itself  a  rich 
reward.  It  seemed  as  if  every  one's  enthusiasm  and  love  for  the 
great  character  of  Webster  went  out  to  the  humble  compiler  of; 
his  correspondence.  In  several  instances  the  persons  to  whom  a 
letter  of  inquiry  had  been  sent — persons  wholly  unknown  to  the 
editor — wrote  an  urgent  invitation  to  come,  stay  under  their  own 
roof,  and  examine  their  letters  at  leisure.  If  the  invitation  was 
accepted,  the  host  received  and  treated  the  guest  as  royally  as  if 
he  were  the  great  "Expounder"  himself.  Then  there  has  been 
the  kindly  counsel  and  the  earnest  enthusiasm  for  the  success  of 
the  work.  To  Professor  John  Bach  McMaster,  of  the  University 
of  Pennsylvania,  I  am  especially  indebted  in  that  particular. 
From  the  librarian  of  the  New  Hampshire  Historical  Society, 
Rev.  N.  F.  Carter,  I  have  received  such  kind  consideration,  as 
sistance  and  warm  approval  of  my  work  that  mere  acknowledg 
ment  here  seems  trivial.  Nor  is  the  library  committee  of  that' 
society,  Amos  Hadley,  Rev.  C.  L.  Tappan,  Mrs.  Frances  C. 
Stevens,  to  be  forgotten  in  the  expression  of  my  gratitude.  Their 
broad  views  of  the  demands  of  such  a  publication  have  given- 
me  a  latitude  in  the  execution  of  this  work  which  greatly  adds  to 
its  value.  For  friendly  aid  in  the  matter  of  tracing  letters,  I  am 
indebted  to  Mr.  Albert  S.  Batchellor,  of  Littleton,  N.  H.,  who 
also  lent  his  warm  approbation  and  earnest  argument  in  favor- 
of  permitting  me  to  use  the  N.  H.  Historical  Society  collection, 
as  did  Mr.  L.  D.  Stevens  and  Rev.  C.  L.  Tappan,  of  that  society. 


PREFACE  xv 

Mr.  Otis  G.  Hammond,  of  the  New  Hampshire  State  Library, 
placed  every  facility  of  that  library  at  my  disposal  and  mani 
fested  great  personal  interest  in  the  execution  of  the  work.  Mr. 
Fred  L.  Paxson,  of  Philadelphia,  lent  me  the  earnest  aid  of  a 
friend  in  the  work  of  research.  In  the  labor  of  editing  I  have  been 
greatly  aided  by  the  privileges  granted  me  at  the  Harvard 
Library  and  in  the  Pennsylvania  Historical  Society  Library. 
Mr.  John  W.  Jordan,  of  the  latter  institution,  has  shown  especial 
interest  in  this  work,  and  gave  valuable  suggestions  as  to  the* 
sources  of  letters,  as  well  as  personally  soliciting  the  owners  of 
letters.  Mr.  C.  E.  Bliss,  of  Bangor,  Me.,  who  owns  one  of  the 
finest  collections  of  Websteriana  in  existence,  personally  aided  my 
work  with  his  material,  and  gave  many  valuable  suggestions. 
My  obligation  to  the  Honorable  George  F.  Hoar  is  unique.  Be 
sides  placing  his  collection  of  Webster  letters  at  my  disposal,  he 
gave  kindly  and  judicious  counsel  and  imparted  an  enthusiasm 
to  my  work  which  nothing  but  his  strong  sympathy  with  Webster 
could  give.  Charles  Francis  Adams  unreservedly  furnished  the 
Webster  letters  found  in  the  Adams  archives.  Judge  Charles  R. 
Corning,  of  Concord,  N.  H.,  manifested  throughout  a  lively  in 
terest  in  the  work  and  kindly  lent  the  letters  in  his  hands  for 
copying.  The  others  to  whom  the  reader  and  editor  are  indebted 
for  letters  loaned  or  copies  sent  are  Mr.  Charles  Roberts,  of 
Philadelphia;  Mr.  A.  F.  Lewis,  Fryeburg,  Me.;  Isabel  D.  Bran 
son,  Summit,  N.  J.;  Mr.  J.  B.  Foster,  of  Bangor,  Me.;  Mr* 
Horatio  Gates  Cilley,  of  Manchester,  N.  H.;  Mr.  M.  D.  Bisbee, 
librarian  of  Dartmouth  College;  Mrs.  E.  H.  Oilman,  Miss 
Frances  E.  Moulton  and  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Bell,  of  Exeter,  N.  H.; 
Mr.  Arthur  G.  Stevens,  of  Concord,  N.  H.;  Miss  Emma  E.  Webb,, 
of  Bangor,  Me.,  and  the  Boston  Athenaum.  The  editor  has 
also  selected  a  few  letters  of  Webster's  which  had  been  published 
in  books  either  very  rare  or  to  which  one  would  not  naturally 
refer.  Such  sources  are  indicated  in  the  annotations.  Books 
which  contain  letters  which  have  not  been  here  incorporated  are: 
"Memoir  of  R.  C.  Winthrop,"  Massachusetts  Historical  Society 
Proceedings,  Vol.  V.,  p.  £78,  and  also  the  last  volume  issued, 
"Life  and  Writings  of  Jared  Sparks,"  "Chancellor  Kent's  Me 
moirs,"  "Private  Correspondence  of  Henry  Clay"  (13  letters), 
"Life  and  Correspondence  of  Rufus  King,"  "Dickinson's  Life, 
Letters,  and  Speeches,"  "Memoir  and  Correspondence  of  Jere 
miah  Mason,  Cambridge,  1873";  "Scribner's  Magazine,"  Vol. 
XXVI.  (in  the  articles  by  Senator  Hoar).  These  are  in  addi- 


xvi  PREFACE 

tion  to  the  well-known  sources,  such  as  Curtis'  "Life  of  Daniel 
Webster,"  Lanman,  Harvey  and  Lyman's  lives  of  Webster; 
the  "Private  Correspondence,"  the  "Works  of  D.  Webster,"  and 
the  official  letters  found  in  the  government  documents  and  the 
volume  of  "Diplomatic  Letters  of  D.  Webster."  There  are  un 
published  letters  in  the  American  Antiquarian  Society  and  in 
the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society  libraries. 

With  these  dry  bits  of  information  the  editor  takes  leave  of 
the  work  of  collecting  Webster's  unpublished  letters  and  papers. 
He  has  learned  that  there  is  much  of  the  commonplace  in  ihff 
work  even  of  a  truly  great  man.  There  is  abundant  evidence 
that  the  massive  mind  of  Webster  needed,  if  it  was  to  manifest 
its  greatest  power,  the  spur  of  a  great  national  crisis.  Webster 
had  to  feel  that  the  fate  of  a  nation  hung  upon  his  words,  if  he 
was  to  render  the  best  that  was  in  him.  It  must  not  be  forgotten 
that  even  his  great  formal  orations  were  delivered  upon  stirring 
patriotic  occasions.  His  mind  had  little  subtlety,  and  his  letters 
have  none  of  that  ingenuity  in  the  phrasing  of  trivial  matters 
which  is  characteristic  of  the  typical  literary  man.  He  was 
always  planning  some  monumental  work  in  the  field  of  literature, 
but  never  wrought  it  out.  He  seems  to  have  been  ever  absorb 
ing  and  thinking,  and  then,  when  the  hour  came  for  tremendous 
action,  his  unwilling  mind  got  under  way  and  we  get  a  glimpse 
of  him  hammering  out  a  great  speech  in  a  few  days  or  a  few 
hours,  only  to  relax  again  when  the  bolt  is  spent,  and  to  go  on 
in  a  commonplace  way  until  he  is  again  aroused.  The  chief 
charm  of  his  letters  is  the  weight  which  his  judgments  carry  with 
them.  It  is  terrible  to  be  denounced  by  that  overwhelming  mind, 
and  good  to  be  pleasing  in  the  sight  of  Jove.  Sometimes  he  was 
irritable,  rarely  petty,  but  usually  wholesome,  magnanimous,  and 
with  a  lofty  dignity.  It  is  for  Webster,  the  man,  that  one  comes 
to  the  letters;  the  statesman,  the  jurist,  and  the  orator  are  m  the 
volumes  which  we  call  his  works. 


CONTENTS 


1  Letters  to.     2  Letters  from. 
WEBSTER'S   EARLY  LIFE 


BRADLEY,  SAMUEL  1 
BINGHAM,  JAMES  H. 1 
DANA,  JUDSON  - 
DAVIS,  MOSES  1     . 
FULLER  1 
HERBERT,  GEO.  2 
McGAw,  JACOB  2 
MOODY,  STEPHEN  1     . 
ORATION,  AN 
PAYSON,  HON.  MOSES  P. 1 


PAGE  PAGE 

6  PICKERING,  TIMOTHY  *    ...  29 
.  7, 14  SAWYER,  NATHANIEL  2     .  3 

23  SPARHAWK,  SAMUEL  2      ...  26 
16  TERRIBLE  TRACTOR ATION,  REVIEW 

25  OF  THE  FIRST  CANTO  OF            .  19 

25, 27  WEBSTER,  EBENEZER  *      ...  18 

15  WEBSTER,  EZEKIEL  2         ...  22 

24  WEBSTER,  EZEKIEL  *         ...  22 

7  WEBSTER,  MEIIITABLE  2    .       .       .  14 
29  WEBSTER,  SALLY  2      .      .      .      .  17 


WEBSTER,     THE     LOCAL    POLITICIAN 


BALDWIN,  HENRY  2  ....  84 
BALDWIN,  HENRY  *  ....  83 
BOYD,  SAMUEL  *  ....  88 
BROWN,  REV.  FRANCIS  *  75 

CONSCRIPTION  BILL,  AN  UNPUB 
LISHED  SPEECH  ON  THE  .  .  56 
CUTTS,  JR.,  EDW.  *  ....  32 
KENT,  MOODY  l  .  .  .  40,69 
LAWRENCE,  MR.  2  ....  49 
LAWRENCE,  MR.  *  ....  50 
MARCH,  CHARLES  1  32,  34,  35,  36, 37 

38, 39,  40,  42,  43,  44, 45,  46,  47 
MASON,  JEREMIAH  *      71,  73,  74,  76,  78 

80, 81,  82,  84, 85,  86, 87,  91, 93 


McGAw,  JACOB  1  ....  77 
PAIGE,  JAMES  W. 1  .  .  72,73,90 
PAYSON,  HON.  MOSES  P.1  .  .  70 
PERKINS,  DR.  CYRUS  l  ...  77 
PERKINS,  T.  H.,  et  al.1  ...  90 

THOM,  JAMES  * 49 

SMITH,  JEREMIAH  A  ...  79 
SPEECH  ON  THE  CONSCRIPTION 

BILL,  AN  UNPUBLISHED  .  .  56 
SULLIVAN,  WILLIAM  l  ...  50 
WALDRON,  MR.2  ....  48 
WEBSTER,  EZEKIEL  2  .  52,  89,  91 
WEBSTER,  EzEKiEL1  31,37,51,54,55,68 


WEBSTER,  THE  NATIONAL    STATESMAN 


ABBOTT,  G.  J. 
To  D.  FLETCHER  WEBSTER 

To  MlLLARD  FlLLMORE 

To  PETEE  HARVEY 
ADAMS,  CHARLES  FRANCIS  2   . 
ADAMS,  CHARLES  FRANCIS  x  . 


ADAMS,  JOHN  Q.1        112, 116, 122, 128 
.     449  140, 173, 176, 178,  285,  288 

.     543       APPLETON,  NATHAN  x        101,125,162, 
516,  540  173, 179, 187, 188, 305,  306, 308, 332 

.     228       ARISTA,  DON  MARIANA  1        .       .     429 
.    230      ASHBURTON,  LADY  *  ....    254 

xvii 


xviii 


CONTENTS 


ASHBURTON,  LORD  '     252, 272, 283, 308 

AYER,B.  F.1 442 

BATES,  ISAAC  C.2  ....  272 
BENTON,  THOMAS  H.2  157,169,170, 172 
BENTON,  THOMAS  H.1 

Ill,  157, 169, 170, 171, 173 
BIDDLE,  NICHOLAS  -  .  213 

BIDDLE,  NICHOLAS  J  .  190 

BIGELOW,  Mn.,  et  al.1  .  .  .289 
BLATCHFORD,  R.  M. 

(FHOMWM.  H.  SEWARD)  .       .     311 
BOSTON  COMMON  COUNCIL,  RE 
SOLUTIONS  or 471 

BREMNER,  M.  R.,  et  a/.3  .  .  462 
BRINLEY,  FRANCIS  2  .  472 

BUCHANAN,  JAMES  *  163 

CAMPBELL,  ROBERT  B.2     .       .       .     137 
(To  JOHN  RANDOLPH)      .       .     138 
CAREY,  MATTHEW  1    .  182 

CASS,  LEWis2  ....  218,461 
CHOATE,  RUFUS  2  184 

(ToGEO.  LUNT)  .  .  .  .465 
CITIZENS  OF  NEW  YORK,  THE  *  .  418 
CLAY,  HENRY2  ....  118,176 
CLAY,  HENRY1  ....  146,181 
CLAYTON,  JOHN  M.2  .  .  .  452 
CLAYTON,  JOHN  M.1  .  .  .  454 
CLEMSON,  THOMAS  G.2  .  .  .  411 
COFFIN,  NATHANIEL  *  221 

CORWIN,  THOMAS  *    .  475 

COWPERTHWAITE,  HENRY  1     .       .     214 
CURTIS,  EDWAHD  l    .       .     325,478,533 
(To  PETER  HARVEY)  .     404,406,407 
408, 409,  414, 425,'  524,  529 
DAVIS,  JOHN  1     ....    230,270 
DEARBORN,  H.  A.2 

104, 147, 185, 186, 472 
DWIGHT,  Louis 1  155 

EDITORIAL  ON  WRITING  LETTERS 

TO  THE  PRESIDENT      .       .       .     237 
EVERETT,  EDWARD  2   .       .       .    146, 331 
EVERETT,  EDWARD  J     179, 188, 189, 195 
203,  210,  266,  268, 345, 354, 361 
(To  FLETCHER  WEBSTER)  .       .     451 
EXCHEQUER,  THE      ....     249 
EX-MEMBERS'  PUBLICATIONS  AB 
BREVIATED,  THE      ....     238 
EWING,  THOMAS  *  385 

FlLLMORE,  MlLLAHD  2 

364,  436,  438, 456,  527 

FlLLMOHE,  MlLLARD  1 

421, 422, 423, 427,  428, 430 
431,  434,  437,  440,  443, 444 
445, 446,  447, 457,  461, 464 
466,  467,  468,  470,  483,  487 
505,  506,  515,  531,  533,  535 


PAGE 

(FROM  MR.  ABBOTT)  .  .  .  543 
FOOTE,  HENRY  S.1  ....  460 
FRENCH  MINISTER  OF  FOREIGN 

AFFAIRS,  THE  *  462 

FURNESS,  W.  H.2  ....  389 
GASTON,  WILLIAM  2  ....  107 
GASTON,  WILLIAM  1  .  .  .  107,119 
GRINNELL,  W.  H.,  et  al."  .  .  537 
GRINNELL,  W.  H.3  ....  541 
GRINNELL,  W.  H.1  ....  541 
GROVER,  THOMAS  D.,  et  aL1  .  .  351 
HALL,  J.  PRESCOTT  l  ...  412 
HARVEY,  JACOB  1  457 

HARVEY,  PETER  1 

221,  237,  295,  296, 362, 374 
392,  405, 408,  412, 413,  414 
415, 416, 417,  419, 422, 424 
432,  460,  468,  474,  476,  516 

(FROM  EDWARD  CURTIS) 

404, 406, 407,  408,  409 
414, 425, 524, 529 

(FROM  D.  FLETCHER  WEBSTER)    419 

(FROM  HIRAM  KETCHUM) 

463,  523,  526 

(FROM  G.  J.  ABBOTT)    .     .    516,540 

HATCH,  MR.1 543 

HAVEN,  FRANKLIN  1  514 

HENSHAW,  DAVID  1   .  477 

HILLIARD,  HENRY  W.1  .  .  .468 
HITCHCOCK,  CALVIN  '  403 

HOAR,  E.  ROCKWOOD  1     .  371 

HOUSTON,  SAMUEL  "  .  .       .     209 

HULSEMAN,  CHEVALIER  2 

447,  487,  490,  491,  495 
HULSEMAN,  CHEVALIER  1    491,494,495 

(To  PRESIDE  NT  FILLMORE  )       .    496 

(FROM  MR.  SCHWARZENBEHG)      454 

HUNT.H.1 205 

HUNTER,  WM.Z 452 

(To  D.  FLETCHER  WEBSTER)    .     449 

HUNTINGTOX,  ASABEL  *    .          .          .       445 

HUNTING-TON,  JUDGE  *  (Extract)  503 
IRVING,  WASHINGTON  2  .  .  .  232 
JARNAGIN,  SPENCER  2  342 

JARVES,  DENNING  *   .  426 

KENT,  EDWARD  *  248 

KENT,  JAMES2 333 

KENT,  JAMES  1 158 

KETCHUM,  HIRAM  2  .       .  .     474 

(To  PETER  HARVEY)  463,  523,  526 
KINSMAN,  H.  W. 2  ....  191 
KINSMAN,  H.  W.1  ....  158 
LAWRENCE,  ABBOTT  1  .  507,  513,  514 
LAWRENCE,  SAMUEL  1  .  .  418, 424 
LONGACHE,  JAMES  B.*  .  .  .  148 


CONTENTS 


XIX 


PAGE 

LONGACHE,  JAMES  B.1  .  .  .  149 
LOWELL  COMMITTEE,  THE  J  .  .  479 

LUNT,  GEO.1 466 

(FROM  RurusCnoATE)  .  .  465 
MARCH,  CHAS.  W.2  .  363,390,480 
501,  504,  517, 518,  534 
MARCOLETA,  J.  DE  *  .  .  .  .  483 
MARSHALL,  EDW.  E.1  ...  202 
MAPES,  RICHARD  J.1  ...  539 
MASON,  JEREMIAH  2  .  131 

MASON,  JEREMIAH  1 

103, 105, 109, 110, 114, 115 

136, 150, 152, 159, 188, 193 

McCuRDY,  CHARLES  J.1    .       .    497,523 

MEMORANDUM 112 

142 

174 

215 

220 

341 

386 

420 

449 

530 

542 

OBJECTS 183 

MEMORANDUM   ON   THE    INGER- 

SOLL  CHARGES        ....     319 
MESSAGE    PREPARED    FOR    PRESI 
DENT  TYLER  ON  THE  TAKIFF,A.  245 

MESSAGE,  THE 242 

MIX-TURN,  R.  B.,  et  al.2  .  .  .278 
MILLS,  JAMES  K.1  .  .  334,335,336 
MUNROE,  ISAAC  2  147 

NESMITH,  GEO.  W.1  ....  224 
NEXT  SENATE,  THE  ....  226 
NOTES  OF  7TH  OF  MABCH  SPEECH  393 
>AIGE,  JAMES  W.J  .  .  115,189 
EARCE  &  BULLOCK  J  263 

PARSONS,  THEOPHILUS  l  .  .  .  227 
PERKINS,  T.  H.,  et  al.'  .  .  .406 
JERRY,  BENJ.  F.1  356 

ETIGHU,  J.  L.1 536 

>HILLIPS,  JOSHUA  2   .  131 

JLUMER,W.'  ....     101,110 

JOPE,  LE  ROY,  et  al.  539 

HATT,  THOMAS  G.1  ....  204 

IATT,  THOMAS  G.1  ....  204 

'RESCOTT,  DR.WM.X  .       .       .       .  440 
IANDOLPH,  JOHN 

(FROM  ROUT.  B.CAMPBELL)    .  138 

IIVES,  WILLIAM  C.1  ....  508 

SERB,  HENRY  B.,  et  al.1      .       .  473 

ROGERS,  HENRY  B.,  et  a/.1      .      .  474 


PAGE 

RUSH,  RICHARD  *      ....    411 
RUSH,  SAMUEL,  et  al.1     .       .       .     261 
SARTIGES,  MON.  DE  1  .       .       .       .     511 
SCHEME    FOR   THE    SETTLEMENT 
OF  THE  NORTHWESTERN  BOUN 
DARY,  A 215 

SCOTT,  J.W.1 148 

SCHENCK'S,  HON.  R.  C.,  STATE 
MENT  IN  REGARD  TO  MR.  IN- 

GERSOLL 324 

SCHWARZENBERG,  MR. 

(To  MR.  HULSEMAN)  .  .  454 
SENATE,  THE  NEXT  ....  226 
SEVERANCE,  LUTHUR  1  .  .  458, 484 
SEWARD,  WM.  H.1  ....  231 
(To  R.  M.  BLATCHFORD)  .  .  311 
SILLIMAN,  BENJAMIN  D.1  .  .  211 
SMITH,  FRANCIS  O.  J.2  .  .  .318 
(To  FLETCHER  WEBSTER)  .  .  324 
SMITH,  JEREMIAH  *  .  .  .  115, 186 
SPARKS,  JARED  1  .  .  .  286,287 
SPEECH  IN  SENATE,  MARCH  23, 

1848.  (EXTRACT  FROM)  .  .397 
SPEECH  OF  AUGUST  12,  1848  .  399 
SPEECH  OF  TTH  OF  MARCH, 

NOTES  OF 393 

SPENCER,  HON.  AMBROSE  2  .  .  164 
SPENCER,  HON.  AMBROSE  1  .  .  167 
SPENCER,  JOHN  C.2  .  .  .  301,482 
SPENCER,  JOSHUA  A.1  .  .  .  234 

SPENCER,  J.  S.1 444 

SPRAGUE,  JOSEPH  E.1      .     125, 126, 134 
135, 138, 139, 140, 149, 152, 160 

SPRAGUE,  PELEG  1 318 

STETSON,  CHARLES  *  .  486 

STETSON,  CHARLES  A.2     .       .       .     532 
STETSON,  CHARLES  A.1     .       .       .     533 
(WEBSTER'S   INTERVIEW  WITH 

CHARLES  A.  STETSON)       .     531 

STEVENS,  A.  G.1 190 

STIMPSON,  JOHN  1  534 

STONE,  WM.  W.,  et  al.3  .  .  .196 
STORY,  JOSEPH  D.2  ....  153 
STORY,  JOSEPH  •  .  .  .  263,267 
SUMNER,  CHARLES  2  .  .  .  219 

TAVENNER,  G.  H.'  ....  520 
TAVENNER,  G.  H.1  ....  521 

TIBBS,  B.  B.s 361 

THOMPSON,  WADDY  *  .  .  .  269 
TOAST,  DANIEL  WEBSTER'S  .  .  418 
TYLER,  JOHN  * 

231,  234,  239,  273,  274,  285,  310, 317 
TYLER,  JOHN  ' 

232, 237, 241,  274,  275,  276, 309 


XX 


CONTENTS 


UNKNOWN  (To ) 

117,160,258,272,335,355 
VAN  VECHTEN,  ABRAHAM  J  .  .  174 
VAN  VECHTEN,  ABRAHAM  J  .  .  175 
VARNUM,  JR.,  JOSEPH  B.1  .  .  512 
WALSH,  ROBERT  *  148 

WEBB,  JAMES  WATSON  *  .  .  .  208 
WEED,  THUHLOW  2  .  24& 

WEED,  THURLOW  1  ....  477 
WHEATON,  HENRY  a  .  .  .303 
WHITE,  STEPHEN  2  .  161 

WILKINSON,  JUDGE  1  220 

WILLIAMS,  REUEL  2   .  258 

WILLIAMS,  REUEL  l  .  .  .  256,260 
WILLIAMS,  SHERROD  z  345 

WILLIAMS,  SHERROD  *  346 

WILSON,  JOHN  *  ....  255 
WINTHROP,  ROBERT  C.1  .  .  .  311 
WINSLOW,  REV.  HTJBBARD  *  .  .  419 

WRIGHT,  SILAS  2 179 

WEBSTER,  MRS.  CAROLINE  * 

196, 197, 198, 199,  200,  201 
203, 205,  207,  212,  223,  225 
234,  235,  236,  275,  276 
WEBSTER'S     INTERVIEW     WITH 

CHAS.  A.  STETSON 
WEBSTER'S,  DANIEL,  TOAST    .      .    418 


WEBSTER,  D.  FLETCHER  2 

151,  209,  210,  221,  223,  483,  503 
WEBSTER,  D.  FLETCHER  l 

206,  222,  241,  273,  277,  278 
279,  280,  281, 282,  286, 287 
288,  296,  297,  298,  299,  300 
302, 304, 305,  306,  307,  326 
327, 328, 329,  330,  331, 337 
342, 343, 344,  349,  350, 352 
356, 357, 358, 359,  363,  366 
367, 368, 369, 370,  371,  372 
373, 375, 376,  377, 379, 380 
381, 382,  383, 384, 385, 387 
388, 391, 393,  405,  409, 410 
415,  417,  422,  439,  464, 475 
479,  481,  506,  524,  532,  536 
537 

(FROM  G.  J.  ABBOTT)         .       .     449 

(FROM  EDWARD  EVERETT)        .     451 

(FROM  WM.  HUNTER)       .       .     449 

(To  PETER  HARVEY)    .       .    419,526 

WEBSTER,  EDWARD  2    .        354, 359,  360 

WEBSTER,  EDWARD  1  .  353 

WEBSTER,  EZEKIEL  2         ...     141 

WEBSTER,  EZEKIEL  * 

102,106,110,113,120,124 
127, 133, 141, 143, 144, 145 


WEBSTER'S  FAMILY  RELATIONS 


APPLETON,  JULIA  WEBSTER  2        .     604 

GREENE,  C.  W.2 546 

LAFAYETTE  2 574 

LEE,  ELIZA  BUCKMINSTER  2  .  .  576 
MASON,  JEREMIAH  2  ...  572 
McGAw,  JACOB1  ....  577 
PAIGE,  JAMES  W.2  ....  552 
PAIGE,  JAMES  W.1  .  .  .  570,571 
(To  MRS.  GRACE  WEBSTER)  .  569 
SWEATT,  WILLIAM  1  .  545 

WALLCOT,  SAMUEL  B.2   .       .       .     580 
WEBSTER,  CAROLINE  (MRS.)3 

579,  584,  585 
WEBSTER,  CAROLINE  (MRS.)1 

578,  589,  590,  591,  592,  596 
599,  601,  602,  607,  609 
WEBSTER,  D.  FLETCHER* 

545,  565, 574,  580,  581,  582 
583,  585,  588,  589,  600 


WEBSTER,  D.  FLETCHER  1 

574,  586,  587,  602,  603,  604 
605,  606,  607,  608 
(FROM  MRS.  GRACE  WEBSTER) 

547, 548 
WEBSTER,  D.  FLETCHER  (MRS.)1 

603,  605,  606 

WEBSTER,  EDWARD  2  .  598 

WEBSTER,  EDWARD  1 

588,  593,  595,  597,  599 
WEBSTER,  EZEKIEL  (MRS.)1  576,586 
WEBSTER,  GRACE  (MRS.)2 

548, 549,  550,  551,  553,  554 
555,  556,  557,  558,  559,  560 
561,  562,  563,  564,  565,  566 
567, 568,  569 

WEBSTER,  GRACE  (MRS.)1  .  .  546 
(To  JAMES  W.  PAIGE)  .  .  569 
(To  D.  FLETCHER  WEBSTER) 

547,  548 
WILL,  DANIEL  WEBSTER'S  FIRST    593 


CONTENTS  xxi 

WEBSTER'S  RELATIONS  WITH  HIS  FRIENDS  AND  NEIGHBORS 


-To 


CON  NELL,  MR.1     .... 

CRITTENDEN,  J.  J.1  .  .  . 
EVERETT,  EDWARD  l  .  .  . 
FOOTE,  MR.  WEBSTER'S  LINES 

(AT  MR.  BARNEY'S  DINNER 

WALKER'S) 

FELTON,  C.  C.J    .       .       .      . 
HALL,  D.  A.1      .       .      .       . 
HARVEY,  PETER  x 
KELLY,  ELLEN  1  .  . 

KELLY,  J.  W.1    .       .      .      . 
KENT,  CHANCELLOR  1     .       . 
KINGSLAND,  A.  C.1    . 
LAFAYETTE  2        .... 
LITTLE,  EDWARD  P.1 
MASON,  JEREMIAH  2        ..       . 
McGAW,  JACOB  *      .       .      . 
MORSE,  HENRY  D.1   .      .      . 
NOYES,  HIRAM  x         ... 
PAIGE,  JAMES  W.1     .      . 


PAGE 

.  620 

.  628 

.  637 

.  611 

ON 
AT 

.  637 

.  640 

.  627 

.  622 

.  622 

.  620 

.  637 

.  614 

.  638 
616,  619 
612,  632 

.  633 

.  638 

.  612 


PAGE 

PERKINS,  DR.  CYHTTS  *  .  .  619,  621 
PERKINS,  MRS.  CYRUS  l  .  .  615 

QUINCY,  JOSIAH  l  615 

RICH,  THOMAS  2  ....  614 
RUSSELL,  MOORE  l  .  .  632 

RUTLAND,  DUKE  OF  L       .       .       .     634 

SAVAGE,  REV.  * 639 

SEATON,W.W.1  .  .  .  613,633 
SMITH,  MRS.  SIDNEY  2  .  628 

STORY,  WM.  W.2  .  .  .  .635 
STORY,  WM.  W.1  ....  636 
SWEATT,  WM.  W.1  ....  634 
THOMAS,  N.  RAY  *  ....  623 

UNKNOWN   (To )        .      .     620 

WEBSTER,  MRS.  CAROLINE  1 

623,  624,  625,  626,  627 
WEBSTER'S,  MR.,  LINES  ON  FOOTE 

AT  MR.  BARNEY'S  DINNER  AT 

WALKER'S. 

WEEKS,  JOHN  W.1  ....  621 
WIRT,  WILLIAM  2  ....  617 


DANIEL    WEBSTER,    THE    FARMER    OF    MARSH  FIELD 


FARMING,  MR.  WEBSTER  ON  .      .     644 
HADDUCK,  C.  B. 

(To  MRS.  CAROLINE  WEBSTER)     673 

KELLY,  J.  W.1 663 

LE   ROY'S  FARM,  OBSERVATIONS 

UPON  MR, 660 

MEMORAHBA  UPON  FARMING: 

AGRICULTURE 658 

CATTLE  TO  BE   SENT  TO  MR. 

WEBSTER  AT  MAHSHFIELD    .     658 
DUKE  OF  PORTLAND'S  WATER 

MEADOWS 649 

MEMORANDUM    FOR    FARMING 

FOR   1848  ....     650 

MEMORANDUM    FOR    FARMING 

FOR  1851             ....     651 
MEMORANDUM  FOR  MR.  TAYLOR     651 
MEMORANDUM  FOR  MR.  DON- 
CASTER   649 

MEMORANDUM  OF  CATTLE  .       .     652 
MEMORANDUM  UPON  FARMING 
IN  ENGLAND     .  ,    647 


PLAN  OF  FARMING     .       .       .     654 
SEEDS,     PLANTS     AND     TREES 

FROM  MR.  PIERCE'S         .      .     645 
SHEEP-MARKS        ....     654 

MURPHY,  MR.* 662 

PHINNEY,  E.z  .  .  .  .  .  668 
SEATON,  W.  W.1  .  .  .  .  678 
TAYLOR, JOHN*  .  .  .  684,686 
TAYLOR,  JOHN  l  .  669,  682,  687,  688 
THOMAS,  N.  RAY  l  .  .  .  .666 

THOMAS,  RAYX 661 

TOMLINSON,  DAVID  1  ...  684 
WEBSTER,  CAROLINE,  MRS.* 

661,  670,  671,  672 

(FROM  C.  B.  HADDUCK)    .       .     673 
WEBSTER,  D.  FLETCHER  *  665,  667 

WEBSTER,  D.  FLETCHER  * 

662,  663,  665,  668,  687 
WESTON,  SETH  1 

673,  674,  675,  676,  679,  680 
WRIGHT,  PORTER  : 

677,  678,  681,  683,  685,  688,  689 


XXll 


CONTENTS 


WEBSTER'S  INTELLECTUAL  INTERESTS 


PAGE 

ABBOTT,  G.  J. 

(To  EDWARD  EVERETT)     .       .  702 

ADAMS,  J.  Q.1 698 

CURTIS,  EDWARD  l  701 

CORRECTION  OF  A  TRANSLATION   .  701 

EDUCATION,  REMARKS  ON     .       .  699 
EVERETT,  EDWARD 

(FROM  G.  J.  ABBOTT)      .       .  703 

HOPE,  MR.1 692 

HISTORY  OF  WASHINGTON'S  AD 
MINISTRATION,  PLAN  OF      .     .  705 


PAGE 

KING,  DANIEL  P.1  ....  697 
MAPES,  JAMES  J.1  ....  698 

MEMORANDUM 694 

PAGE,  JAMES  W/  ....  691 
PAIGE,  MRS.  HARRIETTE  STORY  1  702 
PICKERING,  TIMOTHY  2  .  695 

PICKET,  ALBERT,  et  al.1  .  .  .  696 
POTTER,  REV.  A.1  ....  693 
SPARKS,  JAHED  '  .  .  .  692,695 
SWEET,  SAMUEL  N.1  ....  693 
WARREN,  DR.1 694 


WEBSTER,   THE    SPORTSMAN 


BLATCHFORD,  MR.1     ....  715 

CLARK,  BENJAMIN  C.1    .       .       .  717 

FORBES,  R.  B.1 715 

SEATON,  MRS.  W.  W.1      .       .       .711 
PHESCOTT 

(FROM  GEORGE  TICKNOR)       .  713 

TAYLOR,  JOHN  "'        ....  716 


TICKNOR,  GEO.  (TO  PRESCOTT)    .     713 
WEBSTER,  MRS.  GRACE 

(To  JAMES  W.  PAIGE)  .  711,712 
WEBSTER,  D.  FLETCHER  '  710, 714, 716 
WESTON,  SETH  l  ....  714 
WHITE,  STEPHEN  '  .  713 

WRIGHT,  PORTER  *    ....     710 


WEBSTER'S  PERSONAL   FINANCES 


GRISWOLD,  GEORGE  l  . 
HARVEY,  PETER  1 
LANDON,  SAMUEL  1    . 
KELLY,  J.  W.1     .       . 
KINSMAN,  MR/ 
THOMSON,  JOHN  R.1 

.       .      .     732 

.       .       .     729 
.       .    723,730 
.       .       .     722 
.    719,720,721 
.       .       .     719 
A                      71ft 

UPTON,  CHAS.  H.J    .       .  .  .  726 

WEBSTER,  MRS.  CAROLINE  *  .  .  723 
WEBSTER,  D.  FLETCHER  J 

727,  728,  729,  730,  731,  733,  734 

WEBSTER,  WORCESTER  -     .  .  .  732 

WESTON,  SETH  '  .  ,~  .  727 

WRIGHT,  PORTER  *  731 


WEBSTER'S   RELIGIOUS  AND  MORAL   CHARACTER 


ANDERSON,  F.  D.,  et  al.1  .  .  748 

CILLEY,  HORATIO  G.:  742 

FESSENDEN,  THOMAS,  et  al?  .  745 

FULLER,  JOHN  '  742 

GODDARD,  REV.  KINGSTON  1  .  .  740 

GURLEY,  RALPH  RANDOLPH*  .  738 
JEFFRIES,  JOHN 

(To  MR.  SLEEPER)  .  .  .750 
KENT,  JAMES,  EXTRACTS  FROM 

THE  DIARY  OF  ....  744 

McGAW,  JACOB1  ....  736 


OLIVER,  JOSHUA  C.1  .  .  .  741 

RIDGELY,  CHARLES  W.1  .  .  .  745 
SLEEPER,  MR. 

(FROM  JOHN  JEFFRIES  .  .  750 

SPENCER,  REV.  ICHABOD  S.1  .  747 
SPEECH  AT  A  SUNDAY-SCHOOL 

MEETING 739 

UNKNOWN  (To )  .  .  746 

WEBSTER,  MRS.  CAROLINE  '  .  .  743 

WEBSTER,  D.  FLETCHER  l  .  .  749 
WRIGHT,  PORTEE  l  .  747,  749 


LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 


Concerning  M€b$tw'&  chatty 


_L  REVIOUS  to  Webster's  entering  the  House  of  Representa 
tives  in  1813  his  life  presents  that  dull  monotony  through  which 
genius  struggles  up  to  the  bright  upper  air  of  fame.  In 
Curtis'  "Life  of  Webster,"  and  in  the  private  correspondence, 
we  have  been  given  much  material  from  which  to  construct  the 
story  of  that  formative  period.  This  division  of  the  book  merely 
pretends  to  contribute  some  interesting  fragments,  which  will  add 
to  that  information. 

A  bit  of  genealogy  gives  a  hint  as  to  his  ancestry.  The  ora 
tion  and  reviews  show  the  state  of  his  mental  development  for  the 
first  years  after  leaving  college.  Incidentally,  we  learn  some 
thing  of  the  rude  life  from  which  he  sprang.  The  letters  of  his 
sisters  and  father  betray  the  poor  advantages  that  had  fallen  to 
their  lot.  Several  letters  from  friends  reveal  their  character  and 
the  political  and  economic  environment  in  which  Webster  began 
his  struggle  upward.  Most  of  the  letters  of  this  period  which 
the  editor  has  found  in  the  collections  examined  were  mere  petty 
business  letters,  unrelieved  by  a  line  which  revealed  the  character 
of  the  writer.  Many  of  the  letters  which  passed  between  Daniel 
and  his  brother,  Ezekiel,  might  have  been  written  by  any  petty- 
fogging  New  England  lawyer.  They  concern  John  Smith's 
fifty-dollar  note  that  has  been  protested,  or  the  hundred-dollar 
mortgage  on  Jones'  property.  Not  a  word  is  inserted  about  the 
eager  ambition  for  the  greater  field  of  action  toward  which  he 
was  doubtless  consciously  struggling. 


(From  Nathaniel  Sawyer.1) 
My  Dear  Sir:  CINCINNATI,  Feb.  24th,  1851. 

As  I  have  before  suggested  to  you,  I  think  I  have  gotten 
a  very  correct  history  of  the   family  of  our  Mothers,    (Fitts 

1  This  letter  was  found  among  Webster's  papers,  and  he  evidently  cared  to. 

[3] 


4  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

or  Fitz)  in  the  U.  S.  But  I  have  been  very  desirous  of 
tracing  it  into  our  Father  land,  but  know  not  what  point  across 
the  water  to  start  from.  I  have  accordingly  been,  for  a  long 
time,  looking  out  for  some  trace  of  the  name  there.  Last  fall  I 
put  my  eye  on  one  of  the  name  of  Fitz — Sir  John  Fitz  at  Fitz 
Ford,  in  Devonshire,  in  the  reign  of  Queen  Elizabeth.  On  the 
28th  of  Dec.  last,  I  dropped  a  letter  to  the  Post  Master  of  that 
place- — stating  our  object  to  get  information  of  our  Mothers 
family,  before  their  emigration  to  America; —  and  particularly 
of  Robert  Fitz,  who  was  our  ancestor.  And  if  he,  the  Post 
Master,  could  not  give  the  information,  would  he  be  so  kind,  as  to 
put  it  into  the  hands  of  some  one,  who  would  gratify  us? — 
And  I  took  the  liberty  of  saying,  that  your  Mother  was  one  of 
the  descendants,  &  that  you  was  likewise  anxious  to  get  the 
information. —  To  this  letter,  I  have  just  reed  a  reply,  cover 
ing  two  sheets  of  paper. —  The  letter  went  into  Devonshire 
but  there  now  being  no  town  of  that  name,  it  went  the  whole 
length  and  breadth  of  the  county,  after  being  opened  by  a  proper 
Government  officer,  &  it  was  put  into  the  hands  of  Robert  H. 
Aberdein,  Coroner  for  Devon,  Honiton,  Devonshire. —  Mr. 
Aberdein  seems  to  be  a  man  of  science,  and  has  gone  through  an 
examination  of  the  different  histories  of  the  county,  since  the 
commencement  of  the  reign  of  Eliza. —  Sir  John  Fitz,  (our 
great  ancestor,  as  there  is  now  a  probability,  so  far  as  the  investi 
gation  has  proceeded),  resided  near  the  passage  across  the  River 
Tavy,  at  the  period  when  the  River  was  forded, — the  crossing 
being  near  his  seat,  it  took  the  name  of  Fitz  Ford,  and  is  so  rep 
resented  in  the  book  through  the  reigns  of  Eliza.  1st  Jas. — 1st 
Chs.— 

The  first  word  of  the  family  is  given  by  Sir  W.  Pole,  who  lived 
in  the  reigns  of  Eliza. — Jas.  1  &  Chs.  1,  and  died  in  the  year 
1635 —  He  says  that  Sir  John  Fitz  had  issue  3  sons, — John, 
Walter,  and  Roger, — John  died  without  issue, — Walter  his 
brother  married  Mary  Samson,  and  had  issue  John  and  Robert. — 
John  married  Agnes  Grenville  of  Honer,  and  had  issue  John, 
Edward  &  George  &c.  Nothing  is  said  of  what  became  of  Rob 
ert. —  Sir  W.  Pole  does  not  give  dates,  but  from  others  after 
wards,  it  would  seem  that  Robert  would  have  been  about  the  right 
age  to  have  emigrated,  say  12  or  15  years  after  the  first  settle 
ment  at  Plymouth. —  From  all  I  can  gather,  I  am  confident, 

preserve  it.  Of  the  value  of  the  information  the  editor  can  say  nothing.  It  is 
included  as  possibly  containing  information  of  Webster's  ancestors. 


EARLY   LIFE  5 

Robert  our  ancestor,  was  a  very  strict  puritan,  &  a  pious  man. 
This  idea  I  suggested  in  my  letter; — and  Mr.  Aberdein  (who 
is  a  dissenter)  observed  that,  if  that  Robert  were  our  ancestor, 
&  had  been  a  Puritan, — the  family  were  so  high  Church,  that 
they  undoubtedly  would  have  disowned  him. —  From  all  I 
gather  from  the  historians,  the  family  appears  to  have  held  a 
high  standing,  and  many  of  them  Knighted. —  Several  Bar 
risters  of  Lincoln's  Inn.  I  send  you  a  copy  of  the  Coat  of  Arms, 
which  Mr.  A.  has  enclosed  me.  Do  you  know  there  the  Fitz  coat  of 
Arms  can  be  gotten  in  the  United  States  ? —  There  was  John  Fitz 
who  was  for  many  years  Town  Clerk  of  Newburyport,  &  a  few 
years  since  died  in  New  York,  I  think  had  them. —  But  I  now 
think  of  no  one  there,  who  was  acquainted  with  him. —  Mr.  A.  tells 
me  that  there  is  a  bookseller  in  the  City  of  Exeter  by  the  name 
of  Fitz,  whom  he  should  see  in  a  few  days,  &  thinks  probably  a 
good  deal  of  information  can  be  obtained  from  him.  Likewise 
he  will  show  my  letter  to  Mrs.  Brage,  the  daughter  of  the  lady  of 
that  name,  who  wrote  the  novel  called  Fitz  Ford  founded  upon 
the  incidents  in  the  life,  &  the  death  of  a  Sir  John  Fitz  who  was 
the  last  of  the  legal  male  line. —  Mrs.  B.  is  the  wife  of  the  Rec 
tor  in  a  church  in  the  same  county,  &  has  the  papers  of  her 
Mother. —  Thinks  she  can  throw  light  upon  the  subject. —  I 
hope  to  get  a  good  deal  more,  &  your  fame  will  assist  me  much. — 
I  will  now  give  you  two  extracts  from  Mr.  A.'s  letter, — which  will 
discover  his  feeling  upon  the  subject. — 

"Before  I  begin,  however,  allow  me  to  say,  how  much  pleasure, 
I  have  derived  from  the  desire  you  &  Mr.  Webster  have  to  trace 
out,  &  authenticate  your  Anglo-Saxon  origin,  and  how  gratified, 
I  am  should  my  exertions  &  enquiries  at  all  assist  you; — and 
whilst  you  look  back  with  pride  to  your  ancestors,  as  being  Eng 
lish,  we  English  look  with  equal  satisfaction  &  pride  on  our 
transatlantic  Brethren ;  and  feel  sure  that  the  more  the  English 
&  Americans  know  of  each  other,  the  more  closely  will  their  hearts 
be  knit  together,  as  having  one  common  descent."  *  *  * 

I  am  very  glad  Providence  has  placed  you  in  the  situation, 
which  you  now  occupy.     You  have  had  a  stormy  sea  to  encounter, 
but  you  have  done  right,  &  the  clouds  will  all  pass  off. — 
Your  affectionate  cousin,  &  friend  truly, 

NATH.  SAWYER. 


6  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Samuel  Bradley.1) 

FEYEBUEG,  March  3,  1802. 
My  Friend: — 

This  is  one  of  those  happy  mornings  when  "  Spring  looks 
from  the  lucid  chambers  of  the  south."  Though  we  have  snow 
in  abundance,  yet  the  air  is  charmingly  serene,  and  Pequawket 
puts  on  more  pleasantness  than  I  have  before  seen  it  clad  in.  If 
I  had  an  engagement  of  love,  I  should  certainly  arrange  my 
thoughts  of  this  morning  for  a  romantic  epistle.  How  fine  it 
would  be  to  point  out  a  resemblance  between  the  clear  lustre  of 
the  sun  and  a  pair  of  bright  eyes !  The  snow,  too,  instead  of 
embarrassing,  would  much  assist  me.  What  fitter  emblem  of 
virgin  purity?  A  pair  of  pigeons  that  enjoy  the  morning  on  the 
ridge  of  the  barn  might  be  easily  transformed  into  turtle-doves 
breathing  reciprocal  vows.  How  shall  I  resist  this  temptation  to 
be  a  little  romantic  and  poetical?  "  Loves  "  and  "  doves  "  this 
moment  chime  in  my  fancy,  in  spite  of  me.  "  Sparkling  eyes  " 
and  "  mournful  sighs,"  "  constancy  of  soul,"  "  like  needle  to  the 
pole,"  and  a  whole  retinue  of  poetic  and  languishing  expressions 
are  now  ready  to  pour  from  my  pen.  What  a  pity  that  all  this 
inspiration  should  be  lost  for  want  of  an  object!  But  so  it  is. 
Nobody  will  hear  my  pretty  ditties,  unless,  forsooth,  I  should 
turn  gravely  about  and  declaim  them  to  the  maid  who  is  setting 
the  table  for  breakfast ;  but  what  an  indelicate  idea ;  a  maid  to 
be  the  subject  of  a  ballad?  'twere  blasphemy.  Apollo  would 
never  forgive  me.  Well,  then,  I  will  turn  about,  and  drink  down 
all  my  poetry  with  my  coffee.  "  Yes,  ma'am,  I  will  come  to 
breakfast." 

I  wish,  my  good  friend,  I  could  think  of  some  good  thing  to 
tell  you,  but  Pigwacket  does  not  abound  in  extraordinary  occur 
rences.  The  topic  of  this  day's  conversation  is  an  intended  ride 
this  afternoon  to  Conway.  I  think  the  misses  enjoy  it  finely  in 
prospect,  and  no  doubt  the  retrospect  will  be  equally  pleasant. 
To  me,  however,  (ut  ad  me  revertor)  such  things  are  most 
charming  while  future,  and  it  is  my  object,  therefore,  to  keep 
them  future  as  much  as  possible. 

Mr.  Fessenden's  mother  is  dead.  She  departed  to  the  bourn 
whence  "  no  traveller  returns,"  about  a  week  ago.  With  bright 
prospects  of  future  felicity,  she  attended  the  summons  without 

1  Webster's  lifelong  friend.     This  letter  is  printed  in  the  Fryeburg  Webster 
Memorial,  a  rare  volume  in  the  possession  of  C.  E.  Bliss,  of  Bangor,  Me. 


EARLY   LIFE  7 

a  murmur,  and,  full  of  years,  sunk  to  repose  on  the  bosom  of  her 
Maker.  Mr.  Fessenden's  family  have  been  extremely  ill,  and  his 
lady  continues  so  yet.  He  has  not  yet  returned  from  his  attend 
ance  of  the  Legislature. 

Our  friends  Dana  and  McGaw  are  gone  to  Haverhill  court, 
and  I  have  quite  a  lonely  week.  'T would  be  a  pleasure  to  call 
at  Harry's  house  and  take  a  cup  of  coffee  with  my  friend 
Samuel,  but  he  is  not  there;  yet  this  shall  tell  him  that  he  is 
remembered  with  much  tenderness  and  esteem  by  his 

DANIEL  WEBSTER 


(To  James  H.  Bingham.1) 

HOPKINTON,  May  5,  1802. 

*     *     * 

N.  B.     I  forgot  to  tell  you,  that  in  June  next,  I  contemplate 
to  set  my  bachelor  friends  a  laudable  example. 

[Dan'l  Webster] 


(An  Oration.2) 

July  5, 1802. 

It  is  at  that  season  when  nature  is  dressed  in  her  pleasantest 
apparel,  when  the  earth  beneath  the  hand  of  Industry  has  become 
one  vast  green  altar  of  incense,  that  the  citizens  of  our  Country 
[assemble  in  their  several  temples  to  commemorate  the  birth-day 
of  their  freedom].  America  first  in  national  happiness,  is  first 
also  in  gratitude.  On  this  day  she  pays  her  homage  to  God  for 
his  goodness,  and  renders  praises  to  those  heroes  who  accom 
plished  her  revolution  as  distinguished  as  their  deeds.  While 
compassion  weeps  over  the  miseries  of  three  quarters  of  the  globe ; 
while  the  barbaric  ignorance  of  Africa,  the  pageant  slavery  of 
Asia,  and  the  kingly  robberies  and  despoilings  of  Europe  call 
from  humanity  a  tear,  America  exults  in  her  own  felicity.  She 
beholds  herself  possessed  of  every  natural  and  political  blessing. 
Her  rights  are  founded  on  the  ample  charter  of  Providence,  and 

1 D.  W.  to  J.  H.  B.     Private  corres.  of  D.  W.,  vol.  i.,  p.  231. 

2  The  brackets  indicate  phrases  which  are  exact  duplicates  of  the  Fryeburg 
4th  of  July  Oration,  1802,  which  has  been  printed.  Many  of  the  thoughts  in 
the  two  productions  are  alike,  but  differently  phrased. 


8  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

secured  by  the  valor  of  her  arms.  The  extent  of  her  territory 
embraces  the  most  salubrious  climes;  the  richness  of  her  fields 
and  the  splendor  of  her  cities  rival  the  boasted  gardens  and  capi 
tals  of  Europe;  her  commerce  floats  in  every  gale  and  mingles 
with  each  quarter  of  the  globe,  while  the  increase  of  her  popu 
lation  and  wealth  outrun  calculation  and  almost  mock  arith 
metic.  Such,  my  Countrymen,  are  the  joyful  circumstances 
under  which  we  convene  for  social  festivity;  such,  ye  venerable 
patriots,  are  the  rich  rewards  of  your  toils,  your  hardships  and 
your  dangers.  Such  the  consequences  of  that  fortitude,  which 
on  the  Fourth  of  July,  1776,  induced  you  to  pledge  yourselves 
before  God  and  the  world  to  be  free.  That  scene  was  doubtless 
one  of  the  most  solemn  and  august  which  mankind  has  ever  wit 
nessed.  The  inhabitants  of  a  few  infant  colonies  braving  the 
mightiest  monarchy  on  earth !  Wherever  they  turned  their  eyes, 
they  saw  monuments  of  the  power  of  Britain.  France  and 
Spain,  deeply  wounded  by  her  recent  victories  had  retired  from 
before  her  in  sullen  silence.  Her  flag  waved  in  triumph  over 
every  ocean  and  the  extent  of  her  conquests  bade  a  bold  challenge 
to  the  empires  of  antiquity.  With  her  right  hand  she  had  seized 
on  a  portion  of  this  western  world  larger  than  the  whole  of  Eu 
rope  ;  while  she  reached  her  left  across  the  Eastern  continent  and 
imposed  the  shackles  of  commercial  dependency  on  twenty  mil 
lions  of  people  on  the  remote  shores  of  Asia.  Gloomy,  indeed, 
were  the  prospects  of  America.  Oppressed  and  persecuted,  she 
had  no  hopes  but  in  her  own  resources.  On  the  one  hand  she 
beheld  the  frowns  of  Britain,  dark,  vindictive,  and  dreadful.  She 
saw  that  nation  which  had  lately  chastised  the  world,  springing 
upon  her  disobedient  colonies  and  crushing  them  to  atoms.  On 
the  other,  she  beheld  the  horrors  of  perpetual  slavery.  Painted 
in  imagination,  she  saw  the  frightful  form  of  Despotism,  clad 
in  iron  robes,  reclined  on  a  heap  of  ruins ;  in  his  left  hand  tax 
ation, — his  right  grasped  the  thunders.  She  saw  posterity  rise 
up  and  imprecate  curses  on  their  ancestors  for  the  tameness  of 
their  spirit.  Here  our  Country  made  a  pause,  but  it  was  not  the 
pause  of  submission  nor  despondency;  it  was  neither  the  cold 
stupefaction  of  guilt,  nor  the  trepidation  of  cowardice.  But  it 
was  the  solemn  hesitation  which  great  minds  feel  when  about  to 
enter  on  "the  scenes  of  untried  being — "  America  deliberately 
"counted  the  contest,  and  saw  nothing  so  dreadful  as  voluntary 
slavery."  Appealing  therefore  to  Heaven  for  the  rectitude  of 
her  motives,  she  resolutely  dared  the  unequal  conflict.  Cool  and 


EARLY   LIFE  9 

dispassionate,  she  stood  collected  in  her  own  strength.  Like  the 
morning  sun,  she  was  calm,  serene,  majestic;  [her  course,  like  his, 
brightened  as  she  rose,]  and  victory  was  matured  by  her  meridian 
beam. 

The  events  which  immediately  preceded  and  followed  the  dec 
laration  of  Independence,  irresistibly  hurry  back  our  minds  to 
that  period.  The  Fourth  of  July. can  never  be  celebrated  with 
out  recurring  to  the  scenes  of  the  revolutionary  war.  The  labors, 
the  sufferings,  the  bloody  battles  can  never  be  forgotten.  They 
will  long  be  remembered  by  those  veterans  who  felt  the  fury  of 
war;  who  saw  cities  in  flames  or  trod  among  their  ashes;  who 
heard  the  deep  groan  of  death,  and  with  a  true  soldier's  spirit 
wiped  the  silent  tear  from  the  cheek  of  the  houseless  orphan; 
they  will  long  be  remembered  by  their  offspring  who  are  proud 
in  the  patriotism  and  renown  of  their  ancestors.  The  lapse  of 
years  does  not  efface  the  impression  of  ancient  times.  At  this 
distant  period,  who  can  hear  the  story  of  Bunker's  hill  without 
emotion?  Who,  without  feeling  all  the  youthful  hero  in  his 
bosom,  can  be  pointed  to  the  rising  mound,  where  Warren  fell 
the  first  martyr  to  his  country? —  Contemplate  for  a  moment 
the  forlorn  situation  of  our  affairs  in  the  autumn  which  followed 
the  declaration  of  Independence,  view  the  shattered  remains  of 
our  army  retreating  through  the  Jersies ;  pressed  by  a  conquer 
ing  foe — marched  this  way  today,  countermarched  tomorrow — 
without  provisions,  without  clothing — chilled  by  the  northern 
blast,  their  marches  traced  in  blood;  without  shelter  from  the 
storms  of  heaven ;  without  shelter  from  the  more  dreadful  storms 
of  the  enemy —  Can  the  man  be  found  to  review  these  scenes, 
and  not  shed  a  tear  over  the  past  sufferings  of  his  country — 
Yet — a  ray  of  hope  breaks  in  on  the  darkness  of  despondency. 
There  is  a  point  of  depression,  beyond  which  human  affairs  are 
not  allowed  to  proceed.  WASHINGTON  at  once  converts  this 
defeated  command  into  a  conquering  legion —  His  genius  ar 
rests  the  awards  of  fortune,  and  woos  back  victory  to  his  stand 
ard.  In  despite  of  the  elements,  in  despite  of  the  united  con 
flicts  of  winds,  waters  and  enemies,  he  crosses  the  Delaware,  falls 
upon  Trenton  and  subdues  beneath  his  arm  the  hirelings  of  Ger 
many. 

From  these  scenes  our  imaginations  are  carried  over  those  of 
less  importance  to  behold  the  boastful  champion  of  the  North. 
Raging  like  the  wind,  Burgoyne  issues  from  Canada  with  an 
army  of  soldiers  and  half  an  army  of  titles ;  as  if  the  might  of 


10  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

omnipotence  were  his,  he  already  beholds  America  humbled  at  his 
feet  in  dust  and  ashes.  Champlain  receives  him,  and  he  thinks 
almost  bends  beneath  the  load  of  his  offices  and  his  greatness. 
His  proclamation,  swelled  with  a  long  list  of  honors,  &  puffed 
with  the  bug  bears  of  terror,  threatened  nothing  less  than  de 
struction,  immediate  and  inevitable.  Yet  the  plains  of  Sara 
toga  convinced  the  mighty  hero  that  splendid  epithets  and 
lordly  titles  were  poor  implements  of  war ;  and  that  all  the  stars 
and  garters  in  his  master's  gift  were  sorry  defences  against  the 
cold  thrust  of  a  rusted  New  England  bayonet.  The  victory  at 
Bennington  which  was  the  prelude  to  that  at  Saratoga,  excited 
and  deserved  the  admiration  of  the  world.  That  a  handful  of 
farmers  just  collected  from  their  cornfields,  uninstructed  in  the 
arts  of  human  butchery,  without  a  single  cannon  to  annoy  the 
enemy,  with  no  bulwarks  but  their  bosoms,  should  march  serenely 
up  to  the  lines  of  a  veteran  army,  attack,  defeat,  slaughter  and 
disperse  it,  will  scarcely  be  credited  by  posterity.  These  events 
were  the  commencement  of  a  series  of  successes,  which  finally 
terminated  in  the  happy  scene  of  Yorktown.  America  then  saw 
an  end  to  her  disasters ;  the  peace  descending  as  from  heaven,  and 
rapturously  hailed  the  bright  harbinger  of  her  happiness.  The 
roar  of  cannon  now  dies  away  on  the  ear ;  the  voice  of  the  enemy 
is  heard  no  more;  cities  rise  fairer  from  their  ashes;  commerce 
displays  her  whitened  sheets,  &  joy  lights  up  the  countenance 
lately  clouded  by  the  gloomy  horrors  of  war. 

Having  thus  rapidly  dilated  on  the  prosperity  resulting  from 
Independence,  and  counted  its  cost,  it  becomes  us,  my  fellow 
citizens,  on  this  day  ever  hallowed  to  Liberty,  to  survey  the 
ground  of  our  national  standing;  to  inquire  if  the  privileges  we 
possess  are  worth  preserving,  &  to  reflect  on  the  means  requisite 
for  their  perpetuation.  Americans  are  possessed  of  a  Constitu 
tion  free  in  its  principles  and  successful  in  experiment,  uniting 
in  itself  the  wisdom  &  experience  of  all  ages  and  all  nations.  It 
is  a  Constitution  of  their  own  choice,  and  wisely  adapted  to  the 
circumstances  of  the  Country.  [Not  dictated  to  them  by  an 
imperious  Chief  Consul  like  those  of  Holland  and  Italy],  not 
springing  from  the  deformity  of  the  Feudal  system  like  those  of 
Sweden,  Denmark  and  Russia — not  encumbered  with  a  lazy  load 
of  aristocracy  like  that  of  England,  nor  based  in  the  blood  of 
two  millions  of  people  like  the  military  despotism  of  Republican 
France ;  but  adopted  by  a  whole  community,  calmly  deliberating 
on  the  best  means  for  their  happiness.  This  Instrument  is  the 


EARLY   LIFE  11 

bond  of  our  union  and  the  charter  of  our  rights.  To  its  opera 
tion  we  are  indebted  for  our  national  prosperity,  happiness  and 
honor.  It  raised  us  from  a  state  of  anarchy  and  misrule ;  recon 
ciled  the  jarring  interests  of  individual  states,  and  matured  the 
fair  fruits  of  Independence.  To  the  preservation  of  this  Con 
stitution  every  system  of  policy  should  ultimately  tend.  It 
should  be  considered  as  the  sacred  and  inviolable  palladium, 
ready  to  wither  that  hand  which  would  lay  hold  on  it  with  vio 
lence.  Whatever  variety  of  opinion  may  exist  on  other  subjects, 
on  this  there  must  be  but  one —  Whoever  does  not  wish  to  per 
petuate  our  present  form  of  Government  in  its  purity,  is  either 
weak  or  wicked ;  he  cannot  be  the  friend  of  his  Country.  Whether 
he  wishes  to  behold  America  prostrate  before  a  throne,  or  set 
afloat  on  the  stormy  ocean  of  democracy,  his  principles  are  equally 
dangerous  and  destructive.  The  first  pillar  in  the  temples  of 
Republicanism  is  correct  and  stabile  morality.  All  Republics 
are  predicated  upon  this  principle ;  without  it  they  cannot  exist. 
Without  virtue  honesty  and  tolerance  in  rulers,  &  obedience  and 
respect  in  people,  [Constitutions  are  waste  paper  and  laws  a 
mockery.]  When  ambition,  wild  and  lawless  seizes  on  the  citizen 
entrusted  with  the  government ;  when  licentiousness  diffuses  itself 
thro'  the  community  and  corrupts  the  sources  of  power,  that  Re 
public  is  doomed  to  destruction.  Mounds  of  paper  and  parch 
ment  cannot  arrest  its  progress;  the  voice  of  reason  will  be 
drowned  and  Liberty  expire.  Over  men  void  of  principle  laws 
have  no  force,  when  they  can  be  transgressed  with  impunity.  If 
you  can  stay  the  current  of  the  ocean  by  a  bullrush,  then  may  you 
impede  the  course  of  an  aspiring,  triumphing  demagogue  by 
throwing  in  his  way  the  laws  of  his  Country.  A  power  of  re 
straining  the  tumultuous  passions  of  the  human  heart,  is  found 
only  in  the  dictates  of  solid  morality ;  this  therefore  is  as  neces 
sary  to  Republican  Governments  as  blood  to  the  Constitution  of 
man.  [Morality  rests  on  religion;  they  cannot  be  separated; 
if  you  pull  away  the  foundation,  the  superstructure  must  fall.] 
However  plausible  may  be  a  theory  of  moral  and  rational  philos 
ophy,  in  practice  it  proves  itself  a  chimera.  Our  magnanimous 
sister  Republic  on  the  other  side  of  the  water  will  therefore  par 
don  us  if  we  do  not  follow  her  sagacious  example  in  voting  that 
God  does  not  exist.  She  will  allow  us  to  be  so  puritanical,  old- 
fashioned,  &  superstitious;  such  dull  scholars  in  the  schools  of 
Deism  and  improvement  as  to  believe  the  time  will  come  when  men 
must  stand  or  fall  by  their  actions,  and  to  add  the  force  of  this 


12  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

belief  as  an  incentive  to  good  conduct —  Next  to  correct  morals 
a  watchful  guardianship  over  the  Constitution  is  the  proper 
means  for  its  support.  No  human  advantage  is  indefeasible. 
The  fairest  productions  of  man  have  in  themselves  or  receive 
from  accident  a  tendency  to  decay.  Unless  the  constitution  be 
constantly  fostered  on  the  principles  which  created  it,  its  excel 
lency  will  fade ;  and  it  will  feel,  even  in  its  infancy,  the  weakness 
and  decrepitude  of  age.  Our  form  of  government  is  superior  to 
all  others,  in  as  much,  as  it  provides,  in  a  fair  and  honorable 
manner  for  its  own  amendment.  But  it  requires  no  gift  of 
prophecy  to  foresee  that  this  privilege  may  be  seized  on  by  dema 
gogues,  to  introduce  wild  and  destructive  innovations.  Under 
the  gentle  name  of  amendments  changes  may  be  proposed  which, 
if  unresisted,  will  undermine  the  national  compact,  mar  its  fairest 
features  and  reduce  it  finally  to  a  dead  letter.  It  abates  noth 
ing  of  the  danger  to  say  that  alterations  may  be  trifling  and 
inconsiderable.  If  the  Constitution  be  picked  away  by  piece 
meal,  it  is  gone — and  gone  as  effectually  as  if  some  military 
despot  had  grasped  it  at  once,  trampled  it  beneath  his  feet,  and 
scattered  its  loose  leaves  in  the  wild  winds.  It  is  not  intended 
that  our  Constitution  is  incapable  of  all  amendment,  or  that  it 
bears  the  stamp  divine  perfection ;  It  is  indeed  the  work  of  man, 
&  like  the  rest  of  his  works  is  liable  to  error.  Yet  essential  errors 
it  cannot  possess ;  the  unexampled  prosperity  of  the  Country  for 
bids  the  idea,  and  if  it  have  inconsiderable  errors  they  had  better 
even  be  reverenced  than  its  worth  not  duly  appreciated.  To  alter 
that  Instrument  which  ties  together  five  millions  of  people,  on 
which  rests  the  happiness  of  ourselves  and  posterity,  is  an  impor 
tant  and  serious  business ;  not  to  be  undertaken  without  obvious 
necessity  nor  conducted  without  caution,  deliberation  and  diffi 
dence.  The  politician  who  undertakes  to  make  changes  in  a  gov 
ernment  with  as  much  indifference  as  a  farmer  sets  about  mending 
his  plough,  is  no  master  of  his  trade.  However  easy  it  may  be 
to  hack  away  one  provision  and  one  institution  after  another,  he 
will  find  it  impossible  to  supply  their  place,  and  what  came  to  his 
hands  a  fair  and  lovely  charter  will  go  from  them  a  miserable 
piece  of  patchwork. 

Gratitude  to  approved  public  officers  is  the  duty  of  a  good 
citizen  and  becoming  the  dignity  of  a  freeman.  Yet  it  is  not 
generally  among  the  virtues  of  Republics.  Aristides  and  Camil- 
lus  and  a  host  of  others  ancient  and  modern  are  proof  of  the 
remark.  But  shall  America  imitate  the  faults  and  the  vices  of 


EARLY   LIFE  13 

other  nations  ?  Shall  the  vast  volume  of  experience  be  to  her  an 
unprofitable  lesson?  will  she  suffer  her  worthiest  children  to  be 
traduced  and  maligned?  Shall  calumny  enter  the  shades  of 
Quincy  and  blast  the  character  of  that  man  to  whose  eloquence 
in  Congress  we  owe  the  celebration  of  this  day  ?  Shall  the  name 
of  Adams  be  united  to  Tyrany,  Oppression,  and  Aristocracy,  and 
handed  down  with  them  to  the  damnation  of  posterity?  Forbid 
it  honor!  forbid  it  decency!  forbid  it  gratitude!  Let  the  man 
have  no  punishment  but  his  conscience  who  can  wish  to  cloud  the 
evening  of  that  life  uniformly  devoted  to  the  good  of  his  Coun 
try.  Americans,  high-spirited  and  manly,  will  despise  such  base 
ness  ;  they  will  cultivate  a  grateful  and  affectionate  regard  for 
their  public  agents,  &  submit  abuse  and  calumny  to  the  stones  and 
dirt.  They  will  remember,  that  on  the  event  of  their  government 
is  pendent  the  fate  of  other  ages,  and  other  nations.  It  is  con 
sidered  as  the  grand  experiment  which  is  to  [determine]  the  prac- 
tibility  or  impractability  of  free  Constitutions. —  If  it  should 
go  on  from  prospering  to  prosper,  if  it  should  continue  to  ride 
on  the  high  wave  of  honor  and  happiness,  the  monarchies  of  the 
East  will  gradually  tumble  away.  The  diffusion  of  Literature 
and  Liberty  will  sap  their  foundation,  and  mankind  will  at  length 
respire  from  the  persecution  of  kings —  But  if  the  American 
Government  is  destined  to  tread  in  the  tracks  of  its  predecessors ; 
if  it  shall  be  found  too  feeble  to  resist  the  thunderbolt  of  "Despot 
ism  and  the  more  terrible  earthquake  of  democratic  commotion," 
then  Farewell  to  the  prospect,  the  bright,  the  charming,  the  fasci 
nating  prospect  of  Liberty  and  Republicanism ! 

Ye  tyrants,  then  enjoy  in  safety  your  bloody  triumphs  over 
humanity !  Ye  wretched  victims  of  despotism,  bound  and  fet 
tered,  lie  down  and  lick  your  chains  in  despair ! 

But  let  us  hope  the  event  will  be  propitious ;  that  our  govern 
ment  will  long  continue  a  renowned  and  matchless  instance  of 
human  wisdom  and  Republican  virtue ;  and  as  its  morn  in  '76  was 
dark  and  gloomy,  that  its  noon  will  be  bright  and  illustrious ;  and 
when  the  angel  announces  that  time  is  no  more,  may  it  go  down 
in  cloudless  majesty,  like  the  mild  radiance  of  the  setting  sun !  * — 

1  In  later  life  Webster  said  of  such  early  productions:  "While  in  college  I 
delivered  two  or  three  occasional  addresses  which  were  published,  I  trust  they 
are  forgotten ;  they  were  in  very  bad  taste.  I  had  not  then  learned  that  all 
true  power  in  writing  is  in  the  idea,  not  in  the  style,  an  error  into  which  the 
art  rhetoric,  as  it  is  usually  taught,  may  easily  lead  stronger  heads  than  mine." 
— Autobiography  in  Private  Corres.,  vol.  i,  p.  11. 


14  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(From  Mehitable  Webster.1  (?) 

_     L,  SALISBURY  [N.  H.]  October  6  1804 

Dear  Brothers 

I  wish  you  to  write  every  opportunity  you  have  by  pri 
vate  conveys  I  can  not  request  you  to  write  every  week  by 
the  mail  but  I  feel  anxious  to  hear  from  you  often,  Nabby  is 
failing  fast  she  is  but  just  able  to  walk  her  room  I  suppose  her 
to  be  in  a  weak  consumtive  state  if  she  has  not  help  soon  I  think 
she  can  not  continue  Long  Mr'  Benjm-  Huntoons  Wife  died 
about  a  week  before  her  Brother  Benjm  Page  Both  of  the  dys- 
entary, 

uncle  Wm  folks  are  well  as  usal.  Isaac  Sears  was  passing  there 
house  on  monday  evening  his  horse  threw  him  fell  on  him  Broke 
his  Leg  in  two  places  Bruised  him  verry  much  other  ways  he  was 
carried  in  to  there  house  &  will  be  Likely  to  remain  there  some 
time  if  he  Lives,  Sally  has  been  up  there  this  week,  we  have  had 
a  Letter  from  David  his  house  was  Burnt  while  he  was  down, 
Last  winter,  his  Grain  and  Clothing  destroyed  his  family  verry 
narrowly  escaped  the  devouring  flames  he  writes  a  verry  dis 
tressing  Letter  earnestly  requesting  Daniel  to  send  him  some  sup 
port  but  it  is  in  vain  for  him  to  expect  help  from  us  for  we  can 
but  just  Live  our  selves  HITTY  WEBSTER 

your  horse  arrived  Safe  is  now  in  Nath  Websters  care  uncle 
thinks  it  not  best  to  keep  him  for  Nat  makes  an  idol  of  him 
Brother  Eben  he  worships  him  he  Loves  him  now  better  than  he 
does  our  Ben  he  Loves  Daniel  Better  than  he  does  me  or  his 
Mother,  now  he  is  gone  he  idolises  his  horse,  it  is  no  Matter  for 
my  old  Mare  Justitatus  must  have  all  the  oats  it  wont  do  Brother 
Eben  [says]  Nat  will  be  undone  soul  &  Body  if  that  horse  ant 
taken  out  of  his  sight  it  is  all  he  worships 


(To  James  H.  Bingham.1) 

-P.  HANOVER,  Septr.  28th,  1803. 

Dear  James, 

Once  more  I  address  you  from  this  old  place,  verily  as  I  believe 


for  the  last  time 


1  Webster's  sister.  Ebenezer  Webster's  children  by  the  first  marriage  were 
Olle,  Ebenezer,  Susannah,  David  and  Joseph;  by  his  second  marriage  were 
Mehitable,  Abigail,  Ezekiel,  Daniel  and  Sarah.  See  Curtis'  Life  of  Webster, 
vol.  i,  p.  5.  Letter  is  addressed  to  Ez.  Webster,  Boston. 

3  A  lifelong  friend  of  Webster;  classmate  at  Exeter  Academy  and  Dart- 


EARLY   LIFE  15 

Jo,  &  I  have  spent  a  day  here  in  a  fine  way — among  the  de 
lightful  girls —  But  Jo  &  I  are  not  Bingham  &  Herbert — This 
said  Herbert  seems  to  be  highest  in  the  estimation  of  the  Misses, 
particularly.  M.  W.  &  Jo,  &  I,  &  twenty  others  might  woo  in 
vain —  And,  therefore,  since  all  pains  would  be  lost,  they  better 
not  be  applied. — 

I  have  rec'd  yours  requesting  some  account  of  my  wanderings, 
which  I  shall  answer,  in  less  haste  than  I  write  this,  when  I  get 
home  to  Salisbury.1 

I  have  only  [to]  add  that  I  want,  desire,  wish,  &  long  to  see 
your  face. 

In  all  sorts  of  weather,  your  Most  Noble  Friend 

D  W 

W.  W's  Office — Mary  in  the  house — lovely  as  Heaven — but 
harder  to  obtain — 


(From  Jacob  McGaw?) 

FRYEBURG,  July  12, 1804. 
My  Friend. 

When  very  young  I  was  taught  to  repeat  and  fully  believe  the 
catechism — and  with  equal  religious  reverence  I  learned  and 
believed  whatever  was  told  me  as  "old  sayings" —  Among  others 
I  believed,  and  hitherto  have  continued  to  believe  that  "it  is  an  ill 
wind  that  blows  nobody  good" —  What  good  has  happened  to 
any  mortal  by  reason  of  the  wind  which  blew  me  from  Fryeburg 
a  fortnight  since?  None,  I  verily  believe — and  from  this  mo 
ment  I  damn  the  proverb,  and  object  to  its  future  appearance  in 
all  genuine  Almanacks.  *  *  * 

How  the  D 1  you  could  escape  so  great  a  marsy  as  not  to 

stop  and  read  Robert  Burns  a  little  while  with  me,  I  can  not 
divine.  It  is  better  than  Allan  Ramsay  and  that  you  know  af 
forded  us  many  a  hearty  laugh  and  hearty  feast. 

We  have  Mr.  Ramsay  with  us.  He  is  a  man  of  reputedly 
great  talents — id.  est.  "quoad"  his  heels.  Anglice,  a  good  danc 
ing  master.  By  means  of  all  which,  &  by  Mr.  Cook's  aid,  the 
scholars  at  the  academy  are  making  great  improvement  in  their 

mouth  College;  later  a  State  Senator  and  State  Representative  of  New  Hamp 
shire.  *  *  *  See  the  Bench  and  Bar  of  N.  H.,  by  C.  H.  Bell,  p.  208. 

1  See,  for  promised  letter,  Private  Corres.  of  D.  W.,  vol.  i,  p.  144. 

8  This  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


16  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

heads,  heels  and  souls.  If  you  have  ought  of  sense,  or  nonsense, 
on  hand,  you  will  oblige  me  by  communicating  it  "more  or  less" 
to  me  as  soon  as  indolence  (by  which  you  and  I  are,  like  Sensible- 
ness,  "led").  *  *  * 

Yours  till  death. 

JACOB  McGAW. 

(To  Moses  Davis.1 ) 

Dear  gir  BOSTON  October  20  1804. 

It  was  not  until  after  the  departure  of  Mr.  Gilbert  from 
this  town  that  I  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  yours  of  the  10th 
inst.  Had  it  arrived  in  season  I  should  have  answered  it  by  him. 
I  had  not  the  pleasure  of  seeing  Mr.  Woodward  &  do  not  know 
when  he  left,  but  I  believe  he  was  gone  before  the  receipt  of 
yours. —  Your  requests  I  attend  to  very  cheerfully — have  called 
on  some  of  the  engravers,  &  the  plates  will  be  probably  ready 
by  the  first  conveyance —  I  am  not  a  little  concerned  that  you 
have  left  the  devices  to  my  taste  for  in  truth  my  taste  in  these 
things  does  not  weigh  down  a  grain  of  mustard  seed —  Of 
necessity  I  must  leave  the  affair  pretty  much  to  the  engraver — 
but  if  I  think  they  wont  do,  I  will  make  him  alter —  I  have 
ordered  him  to  prepare  some  drawings  of  which  I  shall  make  a 
choice,  though  I  will  not  promise  you  but  it  may  be  a  very  silly 
one. 

I  am  pleased  to  hear  that  the  Gazette2  is  coming  out  in  a  "  new 
&  fanciful  appearance  "  &  that  it  is  going  "  to  maintain  a 
dignified  rank  in  the  Washington  school"  3 — 

The  newspapers  in  New  Hampshire,  generally  have  appeared 
more  respectable  the  past  summer  than  they  ever  did  before — & 
the  election  of  the  Federal  ticket  for  Congress  is  probably  the 
consequence —  Having  done  so  much,  we  stand  committed  to  do 
more —  Having  chosen  Federal  Representatives,  we  must  (& 
will)  choose  Federal  Electors —  The  Federalists  throughout  the 
Union  expect  this  of  us,  because  they  know  we  can  do  it — if  we 
do  it  not,  we  disgrace  the  cause — or  rather  we  disgrace  ourselves 
— for  the  cause  is  too  great  &  noble  to  be  disgraced  either  by 
the  calumnies  of  its  enemies  or  the  sluggishness  of  its  friends — 

1  Addressed  to  "Moses  Davis,  Printer,  Hanover,  N.  H." 
s  The  Dartmouth  Gazette,  to  which  Webster  contributed. 
3  i.e.,  Support  the  Federalists. 


EARLY   LIFE  17 

I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  Weld  here,  six  or  eight 
days —  He  was  comfortable  as  a  lord,  with  his  dearly  beloved 
at  his  elbow —  So  we  go — &  Providence  only  knows  whose  turn 
it  may  be  next ! — we  ought  to  take  serious  warning  from  these 
things — those  of  us  I  mean  who  have  as  yet  escaped — and 
solemnly  to  reflect,  that  very  soon,  you  Newspaper  Editors  may 
be  compelled  to  introduce  our  names  also  to  your  readers,  with 
"  married  last  week,  at  "  &c — ! 

I  am  very  much  obliged  to  Mrs.  Davis  for  the  offer  of 
her  "  pumpkin  pie  " — as  I  could  not  call  at  the  time  I  hope  she 
will  keep  it —  Ezekiel  sends  his  civilities — the  bill  you  sent  him 
shall  be  settled  in  the  plate  way  Pray  inform  me  how  you  wish 
to  have  the  Plates  forwarded — 

I  am,  Dear  sir,  much  your  friend,  D.  WEBSTEE 


(From  Sally  Webster  ?) 

SALISBURY,  December  21,  1804. 
Dear  Brother 

with  pleasure  I  can  now  inform  you  that  your  friends  in  this 
place  are  all  in  good  health,  except  Mrs.  Hadduck,  who  is  very 
unwell  but  we  think  her  some  better  than  when  we  wrote  before, 
before  we  received  your  letters  by  the  mail  we  heard  that  you 
were  gone  to  New  York  with  a  gentleman  at  the  moderate  price 
of  seven  dollars  a  day  for  your  company,  it  seems  Daniel  that 
your  company  is  very  agreeable  in  Boston  as  well  as  in  Salis 
bury,  we  should  all  be  willing  to  give  as  much  to  see  you  in  this 
town  if  we  had  the  change  as  handy  as  you  have  in  Boston.  I 
can  not  think  of  any  news  to  write  to  you  about  at  present  the 
people  here  move  on  in  the  same  old  way  as  when  you  were  hear 
here,  sometimes  we  have  junkets,  sometimes  we  have  freemillers 
meetings.  I  had  almost  forgotten  to  do  my  errand  to  you.  a 
gentleman  called  here  the  other  day  and  asked  me  if  my  Brother 
Daniel  was  then  in  Boston  and  if  I  had  heard  from  him  lately 
and  he  would  have  me  by  all  means  write  to  you  and  send  his  most 
profound  respects  as  his  regard  for  you  was  very  great.  I  asked 
him  to  sit  down  but  he  could  not  tarry  a  moment  longer  than  to 
do  his  errand.  I  have  now  done  mine,  and  if  you  can  ever  find 

1  Daniel  Webster's  sister.     The  original  of  this  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W. 
Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


18  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

him  out  or  tell  me  what  his  name  is  I  should  be  very  glad  to 
know  as  I  never  saw  the  man  before  or  anything  that  looked  like 
him.  before  I  have  done  my  nonsense  I  must  tell  you  that  our 
neighbors  opposite  the  door  fought  a  duel  the  other  day,  one  with 
the  greadiron,  the  other  with  a  candlestick  the  female  however 
came  of  victoriously  and  he  with  all  speed  ran  here  for  some  lint 
and  rum  to  be  applied  immediately  for  he  was  bleeding  to  death 
with  the  wound  in  his  head  caused  by  the  greadiron.  I  fear  you 
will  now  say,  if  Salisbury  females  fight  with  such  weapons  as 
greadirons  it  is  best  for  me  to  stay  where  I  am,  and  by  that 
means  we  shall  not  see  you  all  winter.  I  hope  Ezekiel  will  write 
soon  if  he  is  not  too  much  ingaged  in  his  school,  we  have  no 
school  here  now  but  expect  one  soon  moses  will  go  all  the  time. 
Do  write  every  oppertunity  and  consider  that  if  my  letters  are 
not  agreeable  to  you  yours  are  both  pleasing  and  instructive  to 
me.  Mam  sends  her  love  to  you  both  and  thanks  you  for  your 
wishes  to  send  her  a  present  but  as  she  is  in  no  present  want  of 
any  thing  you  can  git  she  will  not  trouble  you  to  git  anything 
now.  I  must  now  end  my  letter  by  subscribing  myself  your 
friend  and  often  obliged  sister,  SALLY  WEBSTER. 


(From  Ebenezer  Webster.1 ) 

Dear  Sons:  SALISBURY  Dec  21.  1804 

Governor  Gilman  has  called  on  me  for  money  he  has  a  Large 
payment  to  make  out  soon  wishes  my  assistance  if  you  can 
hire  me  forty  or  fifty  pounds  at  Boston  and  send  it  on  by  the 
next  mail  I  will  return  it  as  soon  as  I  can  perhaps  I  can  not 
before  March  court  I  can  settle  with  Wm.  Whitehouse  without 
troubling  you  but  I  can  not  make  out  for  the  Governor  as  I 
should  be  glad  two  unless  I  can  hire  some  money  Nathn.  Web 
ster  would  like  to  take  your  horse  and  sleigh  and  meet  you  at 
Dunstable  or  go  on  to  Boston  if  you  think  it  best  and  will  write 
to  us  when  you  wish  to  Leave  Boston,  we  received  a  verry  ac 
ceptable  present  from  you  which  makes  us  verry  comfortable  this 
cold  weather  As  to  the  place  of  your  Settlement  you  must 

determine  for  your  Self  Esqr  Bowers,  Mr.  Greenleaf  and  others 
are  verry  anxious  to  have  you  at  the  center  road  Write  by  the 
next  mail  wheth  you  can  obtain  the  money  or  not. 

EBNR.  WEBSTER 

1  This  letter  accompanied  the  letter  from  Sally  Webster. 


EARLY   LIFE  19 

(Review  of  the  First  Canto  of  Terrible  Tractoration.1 ) 

Apr.  1805 

A  concern  for  the  literary  reputation  of  our  country  is  one 
of  the  least  suspicious  forms,  in  which  true  patriotism  displays 
itself.  Whoever  feels  this  concern  will  not  take  up  a  poetical 
volume,  the  production  of  his  fellow  citizen,  but  with  liveliest 
emotions.  Our  country  has  its  character  to  form.  We  are  yet 
in  our  literary  infancy,  just  "lisping  in  numbers",  just  pressing, 
with  faint  and  faltering  voice,  our  new  and  doubtful  claim  to 
literature  and  science.  Terrible  Tractoration  has  therefore  been 
read  with  peculiar  interest,  and  the  general  sentiment  will  war 
rant  us  in  saying,  with  equal  satisfaction.  In  commending 
Christopher  Caustic,  we  are  only  subscribing  to  the  opinions, 
expressed  by  the  people  of  another  country.  To  be  behind  that 
country  in  our  appreciation  of  his  merits  were  a  stigma;  it  is 
very  pardonable  to  go  beyond  it.  National  vanity  may  be  a 
folly;  but  national  ingratitude  is  a  crime,  Terrible  Tractora 
tion  was  successful  in  England  on  its  first  appearance,  and  as 
yet  seems  to  have  lost  none  of  its  popularity.  It  belongs  to 
that  class  of  productions,  which  have  the  good  fortune  to  escape 
what  Johnson  angrily,  but  too  justly,  denominates  "the  general 
conspiracy  of  human  nature  against  contemporary  merit".  It 
has  already  been  re-printed  a  second  time;  the  impression  which 
is  read  in  Boston  being  a  revised  and  corrected  copy  of  the  sec 
ond  London  edition.  The  occasion  of  the  work  seems  to  have 
been  accidental,  and  its  design,  originally  nothing  more  than  to 
ridicule  the  overglowing  zeal,  with  which  certain  English  phy 
sicians  persecuted  the  reputation  of  Perkins'  metallick  tractors. 
But  the  work  grew  beneath  the  author's  hand.  He  found  that 
Quackery  was  not  confined  to  Medicine.  He  traced  it  with  his 
eye,  and  followed  it  with  his  scourge,  into  the  regions  of  Philos 
ophy,  Natural  History,  Politicks,  Morality,  and  Poetry;  till,  in 
the  end,  a  scanty  newspaper  essay  grew  to  be  a  volume  of  satire, 
on  various  subjects.  In  the  prosecution  of  his  views  the  author 

1  This  review  by  Daniel  Webster  appeared  in  the  Monthly  Anthology,  vol.  ii, 
p.  167.  A  few  passages  are  selected  to  show  the  nature  of  his  thought  at  that 
period  of  his  life.  In  D.  Ws  Autobiography,  p.  23,  vol.  i,  of  "Private 
Corres.,"  he  says,  speaking  of  1805-1807:  "  These  were  the  days  of  the  Boston 
Anthology,  and  I  had  the  honor  of  being  a  contributor  to  that  publication. 
There  are  sundry  reviews  written  by  me  not  worth  looking  up  or  remembering.'* 
A  review  of  Johnson's  "  N.  Y.  Reports  "  appears  in  vol.  iv,  p.  206,  of  the 
Monthly  Anthology. 


20  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

has  confined  himself  to  legitimate  means.  While  pursuing  hu 
morous  associations  he  never  grows  intemperate,  immoral,  or  in 
decorous.  On  this  point  he  is  entitled  to  every  commendation. 
His  wit  is  neither  embittered  with  the  malice  of  Pindar,  nor  cor 
rupted  with  the  sensuality  of  Moore.1  * 

Dr.  Anderson,  in  the  "Recreations  in  Agriculture  and  Natural 
History",  has  said  with  great  gravity,  "that  the  mathematician 
can  demonstrate  with  the  most  decisive  certainty,  that  no  fly  can 
alight  on  this  globe  which  we  inhabit  without  communicating 
motion  to  it".  This  important  discovery,  and  others  of  the  same 
learned  Doctor,  are  very  properly  ridiculed. 

Could  tell  how  far  a  careless  fly 

Might  chance  to  turn  this  globe  awry, 
If  flitting  round,  in  giddy  circuit, 
With  leg  or  wing,  he  kick  or  jerk  it. 

The  follies  which  disgrace  the  affected  lovers  of  natural  his 
tory  receive  no  small  share  of  Caustic's  derision.  It  is  indeed 
time,  high  time  that  they  were  hooted  from  society,  loaded  with 
the  reprobation  and  contempt  of  every  man  of  sense.  Among 
the  crowds  of  men  there  is  no  more  despicable,  than  he  who  thinks 
it  an  object  to  rear  a  race  of  rabbits  with  one  ear;  unless  it  be 
another,  who  laments  the  extinction  of  a  breed  of  dogs  with  three 
legs. 

The  Whimsies  of  St.  Pierre,  the  deistical  and  atheistical  specu 
lations  of  Darwin,  that  heresiarch  in  poetry  and  philosophy,  and 
the  fooleries  of  William  Godwin,  are  assaulted  in  the  canto  with 
much  spirit  and  success.  There  are  two  schools  in  religion  and 
literature,  as  well  as  in  politicks.  It  is  gratifying  to  the  dis 
ciples  of  the  old,  that  the  author  of  Tractoration  displays  wit, 
and  sense,  and  poetry  on  its  side,  against  the  pride  and  the  folly, 
the  ridicule  and  the  ribaldry,  the  pitiable  ignorance  and  the  hate 
ful  malignity  of  philosophists,  deists,  atheists,  and  reformers. 
He  believes  that  the  harvest  of  infidelity  and  French  Philosophism 

1  The  writer  foresees  that  he  shall  be  charged  with  Puritanism,  for  objecting 
to  the  delicious  verses  of  the  Translator  of  Anacreon.  Be  it  so.  In  his 
opinion  the  author  who  cannot  please,  without  endangering  the  morals  of  his 
readers,  had  better  study  ethics  than  write  poetry.  On  the  restraints  which 
youth,  with  infinite  pains,  imposes  on  its  passions,  Mr.  M.  breathes  the  effu 
sions  of  licentious  ingenuity,  and  they  dissolve  like  scorched  flax.  The 
association  of  impure,  unhallowed  sentiments,  with  the  enchanting  power  of 
genius  and  poetry,  is  one  of  the  most  fatal  possible  combinations  against 
human  happiness. 


EARLY   LIFE  21 

is  sorrow  and  delusion ;  that  they  who  sow  the  wind,  shall  thereof 
reap  the  whirlwind.      *     *      * 

If  Terrible  Tractoration  be  considered  a  satire,  it  is  formed 
rather  after  the  example  of  Horace,  than  of  Juvenal  and  Pope. 
There  are  exceptions,  but  as  a  general  rule  it  may  be  said  to  be 
rather  a  laugh  at  the  follies,  than  a  censorious  reproof  of  the 
vices  of  mankind.  To  the  first  canto  this  observation  ap 
plies  strictly.  All  is  gay,  pleasant  and  playful.  There  is  no 
angry  satire  in  the  poetry,  no  indignant  declamation  in  the 
notes.  *  *  * 

On  opening  the  book  one  is  reminded  of  the  elegant  allitera 
tive  metaphor  of  Sheridan,  "a  neat  rivulet  of  text  murmuring 
through  a  meadow  of  margin".  This  is  certainly  matter  of 
questionable  propriety,  but  it  is  the  taste  of  the  times.  Modern 
poets  determine  to  be  their  own  commentators,  and  to  leave  noth 
ing  to  the  labours  of  a  future  Eustathius,  Johnson,  or  Wharton. 
It  is  more  easy  to  account  for  this  practice,  than  to  justify  it. 
Modern  poems  are  occasional  performances,  deriving  their  inci 
dents  from  particular  occurrences,  and  full  of  allusions  to  par 
ticular  characters.  The  knowledge  of  such  incidents  and  char 
acters,  necessarily  confined  to  a  small  circle,  must  be  generally 
circulated,  before  the  poem  can  be  read  with  general  pleasure. 

The  notes,  which  constitute  the  bulk  of  the  volume,  partake  of 
the  spirit  of  poetry.  In  general  they  are  sprightly,  appropriate, 
and  occasionally  abounding  with  poignant  irony.  It  is  possible 
they  contain  some  levities  of  expression,  not  unexceptionable, 
even  in  this  sort  of  composition.  To  call  the  moon  "miss  Luna", 
or  the  prophetess  "miss  Sybil",  requires  no  part  of  the  wit  of 
Christopher  Caustic.  Such  sophomorical  associations  are  made 
by  any  body.  To  speak,  too,  of  a  "comet's  taking  it  into  its 
head",  is  frivolous,  if  not  flat ;  and  so,  I  imagine,  is  the  imitation 
of  a  drunken  man,  by  splitting  the  words  he  is  made  to  use. 
Homer  sometimes  dozes.  On  the  whole,  Terrible  Tractoration 
is  a  work  which  does  honour  to  its  author,  and  goes  far  towards 
refuting  the  slanders  on  American  genius.1 

D.  W. 

1  Webster  also  contributed  to  the  Anthology  the  following:  Review  of  "A 
Treatise  Concerning  Political  Inquiry  and  the  Liberty  of  the  Press,"  by  Tunis 
Wartman.  New  York:  Geo.  Farraan,  1800. — Monthly  Anthology,  vol.  iii,  p. 
544.  Review  of  Wm.  Johnson's  N.  Y.  Reports. — Monthly  Anthology,  vol.  iv, 
p.  206.  Review  of  Edw.  Lewes'  "  An  Elementary  Treatise  on  Pleading  and 
Civil  Actions." — Monthly  Anthology,  vol.  v,  p.  162.  Also,  an  article  on 
"The  French  Language,"  in  the  Anthology,  vol.  iv,  p.  647. 


22  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(From  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 

BOSTON,  May  23d,  1805. 
Good  Daniel, 

In  one  of  my  late  letters  I  requested  some  particular  informa 
tion  respecting  the  probable  conditions  on  which  the  Clerk's  office 
might  be  obtained,  and  likewise  the  probable  emoluments  of  the 
office.  I  confess  Daniel  my  acquaintance  with  the  business  of 
teaching  a  school  does  not  increase  my  love  of  it.  If  ever  I  have 
built  any  castles  I  demolish  them  as  readily  as  ever  you  saw  me 
demolish  a  potatoe  when  we  travelled  over  the  Sahara  of  America. 
It  would  be  the  consummation  of  my  wishes  to  get  into  some  busi 
ness  which  would  be  competent  to  the  support  of  a  small  family. 
I  hope  you  will  embrace  the  safe  opportunity  by  Mr.  Fifield  to 
write  me  particularly  and  give  me  your  advice  without  the  least 
reserve.  Colo.  Sam  Thatcher  has  given  me  a  pretty  good  offer 
to  go  into  his  office,  it  would  be  something  more  than  pretty  if  I 
contemplated  a  settlement  in  that  section  of  the  country. 

I  am  glad  you  do  not  make  money  your  Idol.  If  I  should 
ever  worship  it  "twould"  be  from  the  same  motives  that  the  In 
dians  worship  the  Devil — to  deprecate  evil.  As  to  the  politics 
of  the  place  perhaps  I  can  give  you  nothing  new.  The  election 
comes  next  week.  The  Legislature  is  to  fill  the  office  of  Lieu 
tenant  Governor.  A  majority  of  the  members  elect  are  un 
doubtedly  federal.  As  Mr.  French  does  not  leave  town  untill 
tomorrow  I  shall  send  by  Mr.  Fifield  the  letter  I  prepared  for 
him.  I  shall  write  too  by  Mr.  Fifield  to  Sir.  You  have  never 
told  me  how  you  came  to  dine  on  a  white  raven  of  *  *  * 
cooking.  He  was  the  last  man  in  my  opin 

ion  who  would  have  proscribed  that  dish  for  your  stomach. 

Write  me  very  often  and  believe 

Yours 

E.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Ezekiel  Webster.) 

BOSCAWEN,  [N.  H.]  May  25,  1805. 
Dear  Zeke, 

You  seem  to  have  treated  my  request  to  write  weekly,  rather 
scurvily.  Two  jaunts  to  Salisbury  P  office  have  procured  noth- 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


EARLY  LIFE  23 

ing,  except  a  letter  from  my  worthy  friend  Mr.  Thacher,  includ 
ing  a  note  for  collection  &  containing  the  information,  that  he 
has  intrusted  to  you  a  letter  of  friendship  for  me  &  a  "Doct. 
Caustic"  1 — 

Your  condemnation  shall  be  double,  if,  not  satisfied,  with  your 
own  silence,  you  purloin  &  delay  the  letters  of  my  friends. —  I 
expect,  however,  that  some  private  hand  is  bringing  me  a  packet 
by  this  time. — 

My  hopes  of  business  are  yet  alive ;  but  there  is  no  telling  how 
soon  fortune  may  put  an  extinguisher  on  them. —  Money  is 
scarce  as  love. — 

In  all  June,  I  hope  to  be  in  Boston,  &  by  fair  means  or  foul, 
will  bring  out  some  Books —  I  am  to  have  my  office  in  Mr. 
Dix's2  house,  a  room  is  finishing  into  which  I  shall  remove  in  ten 
or  twelve  days,  he  gives  me  some  countenance  notwithstanding  I 
made  a  pretty  impertinent  push  upon  him,  when  I  first  came,  on 
Mrs  G's  debt —  A  confounded  breeze  was  stired  by  shutting  up 
Dr  Putney — but  it  has  subsided — 

The  Boston  post  looks  formidable  in  a  Newspaper  &  hope  will 
prove  themselves  so  to  all  rascals  &  jacobins  in  the  Legislature. 

Write  me  if  your  have  a  finger  in  the  world — 

Yours  cordially 
. D.  W. 

(From  Judson  Dana.3) 

ROCHESTER,  Jany  18th  1805. 
Dear  Sir — 

Your  favor  of  Deer.  29th  ult  arrived  in  my  absence  and  the 
necessity  of  my  attending  Court  in  this  town  immediately  after 
its  arrival,  prevented  me  from  answering  the  same  until  this 
time  and  now  in  the  bustle  of  business  at  Court. 

I  can  not  assertain  the  precise  time  of  your  residence  at  Frye- 
burg  as  Preceptor  of  the  Academy,  but  think  you  came  in  Novr 
or  Deer  D.  1801  and  returned  the  Sepr  following,  making  a 
term  of  about  eight  months — on  your  arrival,  you  informed  me 
that,  as  you  had  commenced ;  you  intended  to  pursue  the  Study 

1  "Doct.  Caustic"  was  the  nom  de  plume  of  the  writer  of  the  "Terrible 
Tractoration,"  which  Webster  reviewed  in  the  Anthology. 

2  General  John  A.  Dix.     A   tablet  now  marks  the  site  of  General  Dix's 
home,  and  not  50  feet  away  another  marks  the  site  of  Webster's  office. 

3  This  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


24  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

of  the  Law;  and  asked  for  the  use  of  my  library  during  said 
term  and  you  had  access  to  the  same — and  I  expect  that  you 
devoted  the  principal  part  of  your  leisure  hours ;  while  you  were 
at  Fryeburg  to  the  Study  of  the  Law.  If  a  certificate  of  the 
above  statement  will  be  of  any  benefit  to  you  I  can  truly  and 
cheerfully  make  it —  I  am  Dear  Sir  in  much  confusion  and 
with  much  esteem 

Your  Sincere  Friend,  &c. 

JUDSON  DANA. 


(To  Stephen  Moody.) 

PORTS"  Oct.  26,  1808. 
Dear  Sir 

Let  the  good  Colonel1  be  dispatched  with  all  good  speed — 
to  do  all  the  good  he  can — if  he  should  expend  a  little  cash  he 
will  be  remunerated —  I  have  here  a  letter  from  Crosby2  on 
that  subject  which  letter  I  agree  to — 

I  send  you  some  news — I  incline  to  think  there  is  something 
in  it—  D.  W. 


(To  Stephen  Moody?) 

PORTSMOUTH,  Octr.  21,  1808 
Dear  Sir. 

I  have  just  rec'd  yours  of  the  15,  as  I  arrived  in  Town  from 
Haverhill.  I  doubt  whether  there  will  be  a  pamphlet  published 
in  this  Town — if  there  be,  you  shall  receive  some  numbers,  as 
soon  as  they  are  out  of  press —  A  little  book  is  in  the  Walpole 
press.4 — it  will  be  distributed  through  Cheshire  and  Grafton — 
I  think  you  might  obtain  some  numbers  at  Plymouth. —  Where- 
ever  John  Shepherd  goes  Col.  Greely  must  go  after  him — I  think 
there  will  be  pamphlets  at  Plymouth  &  perhaps  at  Concord  the 

1  The  "Colonel"  Samuel  Greely,  a  leading  and  active  politician,  father  of 
the  late  Stephen  L.  Greely,  N.  C. 

3  There  is  a  note  at  foot  of  this  letter  by  Stephen  Moody,  which  is  as  follows : 
"  Crosby,"  I  suppose,  means  Oliver  Crosby,  of  Dover,  a  leading  lawyer. 

3  Addressed  to   Stephen  Moody,  Esq.,  of  Gilmanton,  a  prominent  lawyer 
of  New  Hampshire.     See  Bench  and  Bar  of  N.  H.,  p.  519. 

4  He  probably  refers  to  the  pamphlet  on  the  Embargo,  which  he  issued  in 
1808.     See  Curtis'  Life  of  Webster,  vol.  i,  p.  95. 


EARLY   LIFE  25 

first  of  next  week —     I  wish  the  Col.  would  take  some  &  go  after 
Shepherd — or  go  without  them,  if  he  cannot  get  them — 

I  think  this  election  very  perilous — am  glad  to  hear  Gilmanton 
is  like  to  do  better — 

Pray  keep  a  look  out  on  the  Towns  around  you. —  I  con 
sider  every  thing  depending  on  this  election — let  us  do  our 
utmost  to  give  it  a  favorable  result. 

I  am  Dr  Sr.  Yours 

D,  WEBSTER 


(D.  W.  to  Fuller*) 

Dec.  2.  1807 

*     *     * 

"If  the  fates  are  propitious,  I  hope  I  shall  be  able  to  afford 
you  a  shelter,  in  a  year  or  two.  I  have  been  a  young  dog  long 
enough,  and  now  think  of  joining  myself,  as  soon  as  convenient, 
to  that  happy  and  honorable  society  of  which  you  are  one;  the 
society  of  married  men."  *  *  * 


(From  Geo.  Herbert.2) 

SURRY  [Maine]  March  13.  1809. 
My  Dear  Daniel,3 

*  *  *  My  dear  fellow  I  should  not  have  written  to  you 
so  soon —  (I  will  confess  the  truth.)  had  it  not  been  that  my 
own  affairs  are  in  so  miserable  condition  owing  to  the  vile  policy 
of  our  enemies4 — which  has  as  I  have  before  told  you  made  our 
poor  people  at  the  best  so  poor  that  I  cannot  have  of  them  what 
they  ought  to  pay  me,  without  distressing  them —  I  might 
more  truly  say  I  can  not  have  it  at  all.  Many  of  our  people  are 
pinched  even  for  food  &  are  suffering  all  the  horrors  of  a  famine. 
One  man  in  Sullivan  has  had  some  provisions  for  sale  of  late  & 
people  have  brought  their  plate,  cows,  pigs  &c.  &c.  as  they  had,  to 
barter  them  for  some  little  food  to  keep  them  from  starving. 
Oh  my  God — where  is  thy  hidden  thunder?  Oh  my  country — 
thou  deservest  all !  Thou  hast  slighted  the  warning  voice  of  thy 

1  Private  Correspondence  of  Daniel  Webster,  vol.  i.,  p.  227. 

2  A  Dartmouth  College  friend. 

3  Addressed  to  D.  W.,  Counsellor  at  Law,  Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

4  Alludes  to  the  effect  of  the  "  Long  Embargo." 


26  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

friends —  thou  hast  sinned  against  light —  Thou  deservest 
all — nay  more. —  But  woe  unto  them  by  whom  this  cometh! 
It  were  better  for  them — that  they  had  not  done  this — for  the 
way  of  transgressors  is  hard — &  justice  shall  surely  overtake 
them!  If  I  had  come  via  Portsmouth  I  should  certainly  have 
availed  myself  of  your  kind  offer,  as  it  is,  my  necessities  coming 
upon  me  I  must  send  you  my  note.  *  *  * 

Your  friend 

GEO.  HERBERT 
Write  me  an  answer  soon  &  your  prospects  in  N.  H. 


(From  Sam'l  Sparhawk.) 

Secretary's  Office 

CONCORD  [N.  H.]  June  26th"  1811 
Sir1 

I  have  the  honour  to  transmit  to  you  herewith  an  attested  copy 
of  a  Resolve  passed  at  the  late  session  of  the  Legislature,  appoint 
ing  yourself,  Jeremiah  Mason  and  John  Goddard  Esquires  o. 
committee  for  certain  purposes  therein  expressed. — 
Very  respectfully  Sir  Yr.  obed*.  Serv*. — 

SAML.  SPARHAWK 
Daniel  Webster  Esqr. 

State  of  New  Hampshire 
In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  20th.  1811 — 

Resolved,  that  the  Hon.  Jeremiah  Mason,  John  Goddard  and 
Daniel  Webster  Esquires  be  a  committee  to  revise  the  code  of 
criminal  laws,  and  prepare  police  laws  for  the  regulation  of  the 
State  prison,  in  the  recess  of  the  General  Court,  and  report  at 
the  next  Session  of  the  Legislature — 2 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence 

CLEMENT  STOWRER,  Speaker 
In  Senate  the  same  day,  read  &  concurred — 

WILLIAM  PLUMER,  President 
Approved  June  21,  1811 — 

JOHN  LANGDON  Govr. 
Attest         SAML.  SPARHAWK  Sec17 

1  Addressed  to  D.  W.,  at  Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

2  On  December  17,  1812,  the  House  resolved  that  the  three  members  of  the 
above  committee  receive  $100  for  services  in  revising,  collecting  and  reporting 
the  Criminal  Code.     The  journal  of  the  House  on  that  and  the  preceding  day 
treat  the  matter  further. 


EARLY  LIFE  27 

(From  Geo.  Herbert.1 ) 

ELLSWORTH  [Maine]  Ap1.  20.  1813. 
My  Dear  Daniel.2 

*  *  *  We  are  all  here  in  misery  the  distress  of  this  part  of 
the  country  is  inconceivable — already  starving  and  starved  a 
woman  &  2  children  are  already  dead  of  the  famine  as  I  am 
informed.3  Many  are  sick  &  famishing  from  want.  God  pre 
serve  us  all  or  we  shall  all  die.  Our  best  livers  have  already 
parted  with  all  pretty  much  that  they  had  for  their  own  sub- 
sistance  and  all  in  one  condition.  There  is  not  a  cent  of  money 
in  the  country  more  than  provision.  It  is  all  drained  away  & 
gone.  I  believe  I  am  the  owner  of  what  would  in  good  times 
be  worth  $20,000  to  me,  and  I  cannot  raise  a  dollar.  Can  you 
now  help  me,  if  you  can  you  will  do  a  deed  of  charity — for  all  I 
am  worth  would  not  produce  $100. 

CURSE  THIS  GOVERNMENT !  I  would  march  at  6  days 
notice  for  Washington,  if  I  could  get  anybody  to  go  with  me — 
and  enough  I  could  if  I  had  but  a  commission,  and  I  would  swear 
upon  the  altar  never  to  return  till  Madison  was  buried  under  the 
ruins  of  the  capitol.  All  the  pleasure  I  have  is  anticipating  the 
time  when  I  shall  march  in  armour  on  the  farthest  Georgia  and 
trample  the  planters  under  my  feet. —  But  they  must  be  after 
all  the  aggressors  in  war —  But,  again  they  must  be  made  such. 
And  how  easy  that  would  be,  if  we  were  to  exercise  one  hundredth 
part  of  the  policy  they  have  used  to  bring  about  this  war.  I 
can  almost  never  pardon  Boston  &  the  leaders  of  the  Federal 
interest  there,  for  their  pusilanimous  and  mean  conduct  in  hold 
ing  back  the  country  from  taking  even  one  step — when  so  many 
are  to  be  taken ;  some  of  which  are  preparatory  Hence  it  comes 
we  are  ruined — starved.  And  this  is  a  light  thing  forsooth. 
"0  let  the  country  suffer" — with  a  mighty  careless  unconcerned 
air,  as  they  had  no  duty  to  perform  but  to  attend  festivals  of  the 
table  the  very  crumbs  of  which  would  afford  us  relief —  I  wish  to 
God — if  I  know  myself  that  Boston  was  bombarded  this  moment. 
I  could  shrug  up  my  shoulders  with  much  complacency  when 
I  saw  the  smoke  of  their  torment  ascending  up  on  high —  Thou 
in  thy  life  time  hast  had  thy  good  things,  let  them  suffer — 
let  them  suffer!  Otis  has  overcome  all  the  good  sense  and  hu- 

1  An  old  college  friend. 

2  Addressed  to  Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

3  The  result  of  the  Long  Embargo  and  the  war. 


28  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

manity  of  the  town  of  Boston  &  Boston  has  depressed  the  inde 
pendent  feelings  of  Mass.  &  Massachusetts  not  moving — who  else 
could  move  till  she  was  ready  &  how  could  Mass,  move  till  Boston 
was  ready  &  how  could  Boston  move  till  Otis  was  ready  !  Heaven 
preserve  us!  on  what  a  slender  thread  hang  the  destinies  of 
nations !  The  mere  breath  of  that  man  is  a  more  absolute  law 
with  Federalists  than  the  ordonnances  of  Buonaparte  are  in 
Paris.  It  is  time  things  were  otherwise —  If  they  are  not  soon 
such  is  our  love  of  life,  wives  children  &  selves  that  I  will  not 
answer  for  the  consequences.  &  our  neighbours  under  the  despotic 
government  of  a  King  enjoy  such  privileges  without  taxation, 
as  produces  them  abundance  of  all  the  comforts  of  life.  I  doubt 
whether  the  time  will  not  soon  come  when  we  shall  determine  to 
live  [on]  leeks  and  onions  of  Egypt,  rather  [than]  hunger,  we 
have  no  manna  rained  upon  us  by  the  God  and  they  intend  to 
force  us  to  live  upon  air  like  chamelions.  If  so  they  have  a 
right  to  expect  that  we  shall  change  the  colour  of  our  coats  as 
soon.  And  I'll  warrant  them  we  shall — so  help  us  God!  We 
care  for  ourselves.  Shall  we  care  for  those  whether  at  Boston  or 
Washington  or  any  where  else  who  care  nothing  about  us  ?  What 
is  Country — &  love  of  Country  &  Liberty  ?  Is  it  to  stalk  about 
like  shadows?  and  live  on  air — and  pay  tribute  of  more  than  all 
we  have!  No — !  we  will  not  starve  if  any  nation  that  has 
wronged  us  so  little  as  a  certain  nation  we  can  mention,  will  pro 
vide  for  us.  Boston  people  are  very  wise.  If  they  do  not  take 
care  they  will  overshoot  themselves — in  starving  us  into  reason.  I 
have  known  a  democrat  come  about  in  a  moment  from  the  vio 
lence  of  his  disease  to  perfect  sanity — at  least  so  far  as  to  swear 
he  was  ready  to  take  up  his  musket  and  fight  but  what  he  would 
have  better  times.  These  fellows  know  no  distinction  between 
federalism  founded  as  it  was  really  on  democracy  and  monarchy, 
but  life  is  sweet  and  a  pleasant  thing  it  is  to  see  food — sometimes, 
you  may  tame  the  tiger  with  hunger  till  he  will  lie  as  still  as  any 
other  carcass.  And  may  my  children  rise  up  and  call  me  cursed 
if  I  starve  them  to  death.  I  tell  you  friend  the  timid  counsels  of 
Boston  and  Boston  folks  will  not  do  for  this  meridian — I  have 
only  to  add  God  send  bombardment  upon  Boston  I  should  admire 
to  see  how  they  will  stand  it  &  like  it.  I  am  not  saying  this  for 
the  public  ear  I  am  only  uttering  to  you  the  bitterness  of  my 
heart — 

But  the  mail  is  come     farewell  G.  H. 

with  next  mail     I  now  add  my  name  to  this  treason. 


EARLY   LIFE  29 

(To  Hon.  Moses  P.  Pay  son.1 ) 

PORTSMOUTH.  [N.  H.]  Monday  morn. 

[June.  1812  2] 
Dear  Sir. 

We  heard  yesterday  that  Hall  was  elected  Counsellor  in  Con 
vention,  &  we  are  overwhelmed  with  mortification.  If  a  Federal 
Legislature  has  done  this.  I  shall  cease  to  have  faith  in  men. 
We  know  no  particulars.  I  never  have  seen  so  much  indignation 
expressed  on  any  occasion  as  is  manifested  here.  If  this  choice 
was  effected  by  the  infidelity  of  a  few,  they  ought  to  be  published 
immediately,  that  general  odium  may  have  some  individuals  to 
rest  upon,  &  not  attach  to  the  whole.  What  little  Federalism 
there  is  in  this  town  is  certainly  extinct,  unless  some  explanation 
can  be  given  of  this  most  strange  transaction. 

After  the  pains  &  expence  to  which  our  people  submitted  to 
reject  the  Portsmouth  votes, — they  feel  personally  ill  treated. 
They  think  too,  that  all  confidence  among  ourselves  as  a  party 
is  destroyed — above  all,  a  Federal  Legislature  that  can  so  soon 
forget  Josiah  Sanborn — what  shall  I  say  of  it?  For  Mercy's 
sake  give  us  some  consolation.  I  can  give  no  answers  to  the 
questions  put  me  at  every  corner  of  the  street. 

Yrs. 

D.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Timothy  Pickering.3) 

PORTSMOUTH,  Dec.  11,  1812. 

"  No  event  of  the  kind  could  have  caused  me  more  regret  than 
that  my  absence,  when  you  were  here,  should  have  prevented  me 
the  pleasure  of  seeing  you,  and  of  paying  you,  in  person,  the 
respect  which  I  feel  for  your  character. 

"Among  the  consequences  which  may  probably  grow  out  of 
recent  events,4  I  look  forward  to  none  with  more  pleasure  than  the 
opportunity  which  may  be  afforded  of  cultivating  the  acquaint 
ance  of  one  of  the  masters  of  the  Washington  school  of  politics. 
Wholly  inexperienced  in  public  affairs,  my  first  object  is  to 
comprehend  the  objects,  understand  the  maxims,  and  imbibe  the 

1  Senator  in  the  N.  H.  Legislature. 

The  letter  is  indorsed  June,  1813,  but  the  date  1812  is  more  probable. 

This  letter  is  copied  from  the  Life  of  Timothy  Pickering,  vol.  iv,  p.  223. 
4  The  election  by  which  Webster  was  made  a  member  of  Congress. 


30  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

spirit  of  the  first  administration;  persuaded,  as  I  am,  that  the 
principles  which  prevailed  in  the  cabinet  and  councils  of  that 
period,  form  the  only  anchorage  in  which  our  political  prosperity 
and  safety  can  find  any  hold  in  this  dangerous  and  stormy  time. 
If  my  progress  in  the  science  of  Washington  policy  should  be 
in  proportion  to  my  regard  for  its  dead  and  living  teachers,  I 
shall  have  no  occasion  to  be  ashamed  of  my  proficiency.  In 
tending  to  visit  Boston  this  winter,  I  contemplate  paying  my 
respects  at  the  place  of  your  residence. 

"I  am,  with  the  utmost  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

"DANIEL  WEBSTER." 


,  tyt  Local  ^olttfcian 


.LJURING  the  first  ten  years  of  Webster's  congressional  career 
he  gave  little  indication  of  that  lofty  national  statesmanship  that 
so  strongly  marked  the  whole  of  his  subsequent  career.  The  wel 
fare  of  New  England  was  the  chief  object  of  his  political  action. 
True,  he  at  times  rose  above  mere  sectional  interests,  and  stood 
for  a  moment  on  the  high  plane  that  was  characteristic  of  his 
later  years,  but  there  was  not  yet  the  consistent  breadth  of  vision. 

The  material  here  offered  tells,  with  a  fair  degree  of  complete 
ness,  the  story  of  those  years,  and  adds  much  to  the  information 
already  furnished  in  Curtis'  "Life"  and  in  the  "Private  Corre 
spondence."  There  is  a  remarkable  flood  of  light  on  his  first 
days  in  the  national  council.  His  opposition  to  the  administra 
tion  is  clearly  shown.  The  speech  on  the  Conscription  Bill,  now 
published  for  the  first  time,  contains  sentiments  very  character 
istic  of  this  period  of  his  political  life.  He  advocated  a  doctrine 
hardly  distinguishable  from  nullification.  When  he  threatens 
that  the  state  government  will  interfere,  we  wonder  if  Hayne 
and  Calhoun  went  any  further.  But  we  get  the  healthy  Web- 
sterian  tone  at  last  in  the  final  paragraph,  and  feel  sure  that  the 
love  of  the  Union  was  as  strong  then  as  m  the  later  days  of  the 
Hayne  and  of  the  7th  of  March  speech. 

In  choosing  a  date  for  closing  this  period  of  local  statesman 
ship,  I  have  determined  upon  the  time  just  preceding  the  Greek 
speech.  In  that  memorable  speech  he  rose  to  the  altitude  that 
overlooked  the  whole  field  of  world  politics,  and  he  rarely  after 
ward  descended  from  that  eminence. 


(To  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 
Dear  E.  WASHINGTON,  May  24,  1813. 

You  will  be  glad  to  hear  of  my  safe  arrival  in  this  place.     We 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Mr.  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York.     It  was 
written  on  the  first  day  that  Webster  sat  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States. 

[31] 


32  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

got  into  this  city,  so  called,  Saturday  Eve'.  The  House  are  get 
ting  together  this  morning.  I  have  marked  myself  a  seat;  or 
rather  found  one  marked  for  me,  by  some  friend  who  arrived 
here  before  me.  I  am  in  good  company.  Immediately  on  my 
left  Lewis  &  Sheffey — on  my  right,  Pearson,  Gaston,  &  Pitkin — 
I  suppose  we  shall  proceed  to  choose  a  Clerk,  in  an  hour  or  two. 
The  House  seems  to  be  pretty  full. 

Adieu.  Yrs. 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  C.  March.1) 

Tuesday  12  oclock 
[Washington  May  25,  1813]' 

The  Message  is  out — Russian  Embassy  in  front — call   for 
taxes  in  the  rear — immunity  of  flag  insisted  upon, 
if  possible  I  will  enclose  a  copy  before  Mail  closes. 

D.  W. 


(To  Edw.  Cults,  Jr.2) 

WASHINGTON  May  26.  '13 
Dear  Sir, 

I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  yours  of  the  19th;  as  I  shall 
be  for  all  similar  favors. 

Davis  death,  with  the  awful  suspicion  attending  it,  I  had  pre 
viously  heard.  It  is  in  truth  a  most  melancholy  affair. 

I  should  be  willing  to  adopt  the  Judicial  system,  of  which  you 
give  a  general  account,  not  because  I  think  it  the  best  possible, 
but  because  it  proposes  some  advantages,  &  because  a  change  is 
indispensable.  Too  much  cannot  be  done  or  said  to  convince 
Federalists  of  the  necessity  of  attending  to  the  subject. 

I  hope  the  Legislature  will  have  spent  en°  to  correct  the  violent 
proceedings  of  Plumcr3  &  his  Council.  I  think  public  opinion 

1  Addressed  to  New  York  City.     As  an  importer,  Mr.  March  was  interested 
in  the  "immunity  of  the  flag." 

2  Addressed  to  Portsmouth,  N.  H.     Edw.  Cutts  was  a  prominent  lawyer  in 
that  city.     See  Bench  and  Bar  of  N.  H.,  p.  301. 

3  Governor  of  New  Hampshire. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  33 

requires  it;  at  least,  that  it  wd  well  bear  it.  I  thank  you  for 
your  hint,  on  the  defensible  state  of  the  coast.  If  a  fair  occa 
sion  presents,  shall  endeavor  to  make  use  of  it — 

Mr  Cutts1  is  here.  It  is  generally  believed,  that  an  attempt 
will  be  made  to  supersede  Mr  Otis,  as  Clerk  of  the  Senate,  by 
appointing  Mr  C.  I  understand,  pretty  directly,  that  such  a 
project  is  in  being.  Messrs.  King2  &  Gore3  have  not  yet  arrived. 
They  arc  on  the  road.  Bayard4  has  resigned  his  seat.  The 
Gov.  of  Delaware  is  Democratic,  but  the  Legislature  have  out 
witted  him,  and  have  contrived  to  have  a  session  about  this  time. 
They  met  yesterday.  They  were  called  together  a  good  while 
ago,  under  pretense  of  providing  defense  for  the  Delaware,  but 
the  rumor  of  Mr  Bayard's  appointment  to  Russia  getting  out, 
they  took  the  liberty  to  adjourn,  to  this  time.  Messrs  Wells5 
&  Vandyke6  are  the  Candidates. 

It  is  generally  believed  we  shall  have  the  taxes  in  some  shape. 
The  Western  People,  some  of  them,  say  their  Constituents  are 
eager  to  be  taxed.  An  excise,  on  certain  articles,  is  I  think  to 
be  expected.  Whether  a  land  tax  will  be  voted  is  not  quite  so 
certain. 

I  went  yesterday  to  make  my  bow  to  the  President.  I  did  not 
like  his  looks,  any  better  than  I  like  his  Administration.  I  think 
a  voter  could  find  clearly  en°  in  his  features  Embargo,  non- 
Intercourse  &  War — 

The  Houes  will  probably  today  go  into  Comee  of  the  whole, 
on  the  Message,  &  refers  its  parts  to  Committees.  Dawson7  & 
Finlay8  are  the  makers  of  all  motions,  which  are  of  [ac]  count. 
Finlay  makes  his  from  the  Journal  of  the  last  session,  which  he 
holds  in  his  hand  &  reads.  Dawson  is  as  insipid  an  animal  as 
one  would  wish  to  see — 

I  shall  hope  to  hear  from  you  often,  I  shall  be  happy  to  com 
municate  to  you  any  thing  which  may  be  thought  to  be  either 
important  or  entertaining. 

Yrs  with  great  esteem 

D  WEBSTER 

1  Charles  Cutts,  Senator  from  New  Hampshire. 

2  Ilufus  King,  Senator  from  New  York,  took  his  seat  May  28th. 

3  Christopher  Gore,  Senator  from  Massachusetts,  took  his  seat  May  28th. 

4  James  A.  Bayard,  of  Delaware. 

6  Wm.  H.  Wells,  Senator  from  Delaware. 

6  Nicholas  Van  Dyke. 

7  John  Dawson,  of  Virginia. 

8  Wm.  Findlay,  of  Pennsylvania. 


34  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Chas.  March?) 

WASHINGTON  May  27  (1813) 
Dear  Sir 

The  Committees,  appointed  in  pursuance  of  the  standing  rules 
of  the  House,  &  also  on  the  several  parts  of  the  President's  Mes 
sage  were  read  from  the  journals  this  Morning.  Their  consti 
tution  is  generally  very  little  pacific —  I  send  you  the  names 
of  the  several  Chairmen —  A  Federal  name  is  now  &  then  put 
in,  to  save  appearances — 

on  Electors — Fish,  (Vt) 

Com.  &  Manu — Newton1 

Ways  &  Means — Eppes2 

Military  affairs — Troop3 

Foreign  Affairs — Calhoun. 

Yr— 
D  WEBSTER 

(To  Chas.  March*) 

WASHINGTON  May  28  (1813) 
Dear  Sir. 

The  Elections  of  Bayley5  &  Hungerford6  are  to  be  contested 
by  Basset7  &  Taliaferro8 — 

Petitions  presented  yesterday. —  We  have  had  nothing  done 
in  the  House  today. — not  in  session  an  hour — &  have  adjourned 
to  Monday —  Messrs  Gore  &  King  took  their  seats  in  the  Sen 
ate  today —  A  new  Senator  is  expected  from  Delaware,  vice 
M*.  Bayard —  Probably  he  will  be  Wells  or  Vandyke —  The 
Legislature  of  that  State  is  in  session. —  I  understand  the  Sen 
ate  have  ratified  Mr.  Crawford's  appointment  as  Minister  to 
France —  I  do  not  understand  that  the  nomination  of  Minister 
to  Petersburg  has  yet  come  before  the  Senate — 

Yr 

D.  WEBSTER 

1  Thos.  Newton,  of  Virginia. 
9  John  W.  Eppes,  of  Virginia. 
3.Geo.  M.  Troup,  of  Georgia. 
4  Addressed  to  New  York  City. 
6  Thomas  M.  Bayly,  of  Virginia. 
6  John  P.  Hungerford,  of  Virginia. 
1  Burwell  Basset,  of  Virginia. 
8  John  Taliaferro,  of  Virginia. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  35 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

(WASHINGTON  May  31  1813) 

The  French  news  will  have  no  very  great  effect  with  our 
rulers.  They  will  not  believe.  Some  of  the  first  men  of  the 
party  here  insist  that  the  Emperor's  loss  last  Campaign  was 
inconsiderable; — that  it  was  nothing  like  an  overthrow — &  not 
exceeding  the  ordinary  wear  and  waste  of  a  large  army.  While 
Bona  lives,  some  of  his  worshippers  will  continue  to  adore  him — 

The  prospect  about  the  Taxes  is  doubtful.  There  will  be 
opposition,  in  the  ranks  of  the  Democratic  party.  The  President 
talked  so  much  about  "  amicable  dispositions,"  &  the  effect  to 
be  expected  from  the  Embassy  to  Russia,  that  some  of  his  party 
pretend  to  think  Peace  so  near,  that  it  is  unnecessary  to  lay 
the  Taxes —  They  are  for  breaking  up  the  session —  Senti 
ments  like  these  have  fallen  from  Ingersoll,  of  Philadelphia; 
Bradly  of  Vermont,  &  others —  Others  talk  of  a  very  small  tax 
on  whisky — &  a  high  tax  on  some  other  articles.  Eppes,  I  am 
well  informed,  says,  he  can  find  no  two  agreeing — &  that  every 
one  is  for  taxing  every  body,  except  himself  and  his  Con 
stituents. — 

At  present,  rely  upon  it,  there  is  great  diversity  &  schism, 
among  the  party — how  much  of  this  can  be  remedied,  by 
caucussing  and  drilling,  it  is  not  easy  to  say.  The  prevalent 
impression  on  our  side  of  the  House  seems  to  be  to  keep  quiet, 
until  we  see  whether  the  jaring  interests  on  the  other  side  will  be 
reconciled — 

I  wish  to  remit  150  Dols.  to  Capt  Charles  Coffin,  Portsm0 — 
At  this  moment  I  have  no  money  here,  fit  for  remission.  I 
would  be  obliged  to  you,  if  convenient  to  enclose  him  that  sum, 
on  my  account,  &  I  will  find  something  in  a  few  days,  which 
will  be  proper  for  remission  to  you — 

I  like  several  of  your  N.  York  members  very  much.  Was  at 
M.  Vernon,  on  Saturday,  at  a  dinner  party — had  [a]  very 
pleasant  time —  Judge  Benson1  was  present — he  &  I  held  fast 
our  integrity  to  the  "  Murdock  " —  We  insisted  it  beat  "  Hills  ", 
&  every  thing  else —  The  party  generally  returned  Saturday 
Eve —  The  Judge  staid  over  Sunday 

Yrs  D.  WEBSTER 

1  Egbert  Benson,  of  New  York. 


36  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

June  3rd  [1813] 

Mr.  Russell *  is  said  to  be  nominated  Minister  to  Sweden — 
There  are  great  doubts  whether  the  Senate  will  concur. —  I 
incline  to  think  they  will  not — 

Sundry  Resolutions  have  been  mentd — one,  calling  for  infor 
mation,  on  the  point,  whether  Bassano  did  communicate  the  Re 
pealing  Decree  to  Russel2— 

The  Envoys  to  Russia  are  also  under  consideration — there  will 
be  some  trouble —  The  document — or  letter — tending  the  offer 
of  Russia  will  be  asked  for. —  Whether  Gallatin  is  still  Sec.  of 
Treas  will  be  inquired — etc,  etc.  A  very  distinguished  Gentle 
man  takes  the  lead  in  these  proceedings  in  Senate — 

A  sort  of  "Budget"  was  rec'd  today  from  the  Treasury —  It 
calls  for  a  loan  of  5  millions  instead  of  that  am*,  of  Treasury 
notes — &  insists  on  the  necessity  of  internal  Taxes —  It  is 
signed  by  Wm  Jones,  as  acting  Sec.  of  Treas. 

Yrs 

D  WEBSTER 

I  suppose  not  much  should  be  said  of  the  Senate's  doings. 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

WASHINGTON  June  3.  1813 

Thursday  afternoon —  I  have  just  learned  that  the  Senate 
have  refused  to  call  for  the  Russian  document  by  a  maj.  of  5 
Gen  Smith,3  Leib,  Lambert  etc  voted  with  the  Federalists — 
Giles  absent — 

I  cannot  say  certainly  whether  the  new  loan  is  5 — or  7  mil 
lions — Gov.  Strong's4  speech  is  more  determined  than  any  thing 
I  have  seen  from  him —  I  expect  the  tone  in  Mass,  will  be  high 

Yrs  D.  WEBSTER 

1  Jonathan  Russell  of  Massachusetts,  was  appointed  Minister  Plenipotentiary 
to  Sweden  in  1814. 

2  On  June  10th  Webster  offered  a  series  of  five  resolutions  intended  to  bring 
about  a  complete  investigation  of  the  charge  that  the  United  States  govern 
ment  had  been  apprised  of  the  Repeal  of  the  Berlin  and  Milan  decrees  (April 
28,  1811)  by  the  Duke  of  Bassano,  before  the  communication  of  that  fact  to 
Mr.  Barlow  in  May  of  1812.     See  McMaster's  "History  of  United  States," 
vol.  iv,  p.  215. 

3  Samuel  Smith,  of  Pennsylvania. 

4  Caleb  Strong,  governor  of  Massachusetts. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  37 

(To  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 

WASHINGTON,  June  4,  1813. 
Dear  E. 

If  your  Legislature  pass  any  Resolves  this  session,  on  the 
War,  &c.,  I  hope  you  will  not  fail  to  put  in  a  solemn,  decided, 
and  spirited  Protest  against  making  new  States  out  of  new  Ter 
ritories.  Affirm,  in  direct  terms,  that  New  Hampshire  has  never 
agreed  to  favor  political  connexions  of  such  intimate  nature, 
with  any  people,  out  of  the  limits  of  the  U.  S.  as  they  existed 
at  the  time  of  the  compact. 

Yrs 

D.  WEBSTER 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

WASHINGTON   June  6.  (1813) 
Dear  Sir, 

The  Committee  of  W  &  M  have  concluded,  I  understand,  to 
report  all  the  Tax  Bills,  as  they  recd  them  from  the  Treasury — 
&  leave  their  discussion  &  modification  to  the  House.  They  will 
probably  be  in,  Monday  or  Tuesday — 

They  are  so  drawn,  as  to  bear  most  hard  on  the  Atlantic  & 
Eastern  States2 —  This  was  to  be  expected.  The  Stamp  Tax 
— for  example — is  to  be  imposed,  almost  exclusively,  upon  Bank 
Bills — &  notes  negotiated  at  Banks. —  The  Whiskey  Tax  will 
be  small — and  so  contrived,  as  to  be  easily  evaded —  It  will  be 
laid,  not  on  the  gallon  but  on  the  Still,  according  to  its  capacity 
— leaving  out  all  under  a  certain  size —  Instead  therefore  of  a 
few  great  stills,  they  will  have  a  thousand  little  ones —  Every 
effort  will  be  made  to  force  the  taxes  down — but  I  continue  to 
think  their  passage  a  little  doubtful —  Gallatin  made  Parish 
the  most  solemn  assurances  of  two  things —  1.  That  there  w'd 
be  peace — that  he  himself  had  been  always  opposed  to  the  War 
— &  was  now  going  with  a  full  resolution  to  end  it — 2  That  the 
Taxes  should  be  laid —  You  see  in  all  the  Executive  Communi 
cations,  the  necessity  of  Taxes  urged. —  Nothing  of  conse 
quence  has  lately  transpired  in  the  Senate — 

We  were  yesterday  at  the  Russian  Celebration —     It  was  a 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 

2  See  McMaster,  vol.  iv,  p.  217. 


38  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

pleasant  occasion. —  Many  persons  of  Virginia  &  Maryland, 
of  the  first  distinction  were  present —  G.  W.  P.  Curtis  made  an 
Oration,  and  Hon  R  G  Harper  made  an  Address  to  us,  at  Table, 
of  three  quarters  of  an  hour — it  was  very  good — 

Yrs 
D  W 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

Monday  Afternoon  (June  7  1813) 
Dear  Sir, 

We  have  done  nothing  today,  but  hear  a  case  of  disputed 
Election  in  Tenessee —  Taxes  not  in  yet — have  just  heard  of 
the  taking  of  Fort  George,  &  the  loss  of  Chesapeak — 

Tomorrow  I  intend  to  bring  forward  a  motion,  calling  for 
information  relative  to  the  famous  French  Decree,  repealing  the 
Berlin  &  Milan  Decrees1 — 

Lest  some  accident  should  prevent,  you  will  say  nothing  of 
this,  till  you  see  or  hear  more  of  it.  If  they  chuse  to  oppose  it 
— &  to  bring  on  a  general  battle,  we  are  ready —  Some  of  your 
N.  Y.  members  are  very  good  fellows —  Grosvener,  Shepherd, 
Oakley,  Howell  &c,  as  well  as  the  Judge,2  are  relied  on  to  give  us 
a  lift —  Hanson3  is  a  hero — 

Yrs 

D.  W. 

I  look  anxiously  for  news  from  N.  H.  respecting  Senator 
Mason.4  N.  B.  Giles  has  just  taken  his  seat  in  Senate,  &  has 
put  a  claw  on  Gallatin —  The  President  will  be  hard  pushed 
in  the  Senate 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

(June  8  1813) 
Dr  Sir, 

Nothing  done  today,  save  agreeing  to  postpone  the  hearing 
of  the  Tennessee  Election  case — 

1  Not  offered  until  June  10,  1813. 

2  Judge  Benson. 

8  Alex.  Contee  Hanson,  of  Maryland.  See  McMaster,  U.  S.  Hist.,  vol.  iii, 
p.  553. 

4  Mason  did  not  arrive  until  June  21st.  He  was  elected  during  the  June 
session  of  the  N.  H.  Legislature. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  39 

Owing  [to]  Hanson's  ill  health,  the  motion  I  spoke  to  you 
about1  is  not  bro't  in  yet —  As  soon  as  he  is  seen  in  his  place, 
it  will  come  forward — 

Tuesday  3  oclock — 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

Wednesday— June  9.  1813 

We  have  done  nothing  to  day,  of  any  importance 

Hanson2  not  in  the  House. — 

I  understand  some  unexpected  obstruction  has  delayed  the 
Taxes  in  the  Committee — 

There  is  much  close  running  in  the  Senate — -  It  w'd  be  too 
much  to  expect  that  Gallatin  will  not  be  confirmed,  but  it  will  be 
a  close  poll —  Giles  has  opened  his  severe  thunders  upon  poor 
Albert3— 

If  we  had  only  three  or  four  more  Senators,  we  should  see 
Madison  kick  the  beam —  I  shall  have  a  good  deal  to  say  to 
you,  on  my  return 

D.  W. 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

(June  10  1813) 
Thursday  Afternoon — 
D'r  March, 

The  resolutions  were  offered  today — they  lie  until  tomorrow 
for  consideration —  What  the  House  will  do  with  them,  I  can 
not  say —  The  question  to  consider  them  was  carried — 132  to 
28 —  I  have  done  what  I  tho't  my  duty — &  am  easy  about  the 
result —  A  friend  will  forward  them  this  Evening  to  the  Com 
mercial  Advertizer — in  which  paper  you  will  be  likely  first  to  see 
them —  I  ask  of  you  the  favor  to  obtain  a  few  of  the  papers, 
&  send  two  or  three  of  them  to  Portsm0  (nobody  there  takes  the 
paper)  &  one  to  each  of  the  following  persons — viz.  Tho8.  W. 
Thompson,  Esq.  Concord,  N.  H.  via  Boston ;  Ez1.  Webster,  Con 
cord  N.  H. — via  Boston — &  Isaac  P.  Davis  Esq.  Boston —  send 
one  to  Wm  Garland,  Portsm0— 

1  In  respect  to  Berlin  and  Milan  decrees. 

9  Alex.  C.  Hanson,  of  Maryland,  who  was  opposed  to  the  administration. 

3  Albert  Gallatin. 


40  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

The  taxes  are  in  today —  they  make  a  good  many  wry 
faces —  they  are  referred  to  a  Committee  of  the  whole,  on  Mon 
day —  They  will  make  the  People  stare —  Albert  Gallatin  has 
not  yet  got  thro'  the  Senate —  After  several  days  discussion,  he 
is  committed  to  a  Committee  of  5 — viz — King,  Giles,  Anderson, 
Brown  &  Bledsoe — the  3  first  are  agt.  confirming  him —  There 
cannot  be  much  sleep  in  the  White-house  about  [th]  is  time — 
let  nothing  get  into  the  Newspapers,  about  the  Senate,  at  pres 
ent — 

Yr's  in  haste — 

D  WEBSTEK 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

(June  llth,  1813) 
Friday  Eve 

We  have  done  nothing  today.  Mr.  Bibb  asked  me  not  to  call 
up  my  Resolutions  till  Tomorrow.  He  sd  he  was  willing  to  vote 
for  the  four  first —  Whether  he  really  so  intends  I  cannot  say. 
If  the  party  wishes  to  oppose  them,  &  to  give  us  battle,  so  be  it — 

The  Senate  have  decided  nothing  yet.  They  have  been  all 
day  on  Russel,  as  Minister  to  Sweden — &  come  to  no  conclusion — 
Giles  has  no  mercy —  It  is  most  probable  he  will  stick  with 
King  &  Co —  I  should  not  be  surprised,  if  they  should  drive 
Madison  to  and  Gallatin  from  the  Treasury — 

If  any  fault  is  found  in  your  City  with  my  Resolutions,  let 
me  know  it — 

We  tremble  for  New  London.1 

D.  WEBSTER 

(To  Moody  Kent.2) 

WASHINGTON  June  12  1813. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  send  you  the  enclosed  report,  that  you  may  see  how  we  pass 
time  here.  Today  we  have  been  wholly  occupied  with  it,  & 
expect  to  be  a  day  or  two  longer.3  The  only  questions  are; 
"will  the  House  presume  that  the  Sheriff  did  not  perform  his 

1  It  was  in  danger  of  attack  by  the  British  fleet. 

2  A  much  respected  lawyer  of  Concord,  N.  H.     See  Bench  and  Bar  of  New 
Hampshire,  p.  469. 

3  The  contested  election  of  John  P.  Hungerford,  of  Virginia. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  41 

duty,  in  having  the  Clerk  Sworn",  &  "can  the  name  of  a  man 
be  written,  by  the  initial  of  his  Christian,  &  the  whole  of  his  sur 
name.  For  example,  if,  I  should  put  at  the  end  of  this  letter 
"D.  Webster",  is  that  "entering  my  name"  upon  it,  or  not? 
On  these  knotty  points,  we  are  much  divided.  Speaker  Clay 
made  a  vehement  speech,  in  favor  of  the  report.  He  said  the 
name  must  be  written  at  full  length,  that  both  names  might  be 
given  by  initials  as  well  as  one  &c  &c —  Col  Pickering  ansd. 
him.  He  said,  it  was  required  that  all  Bills  should  be  "signed 
by  the  Speaker",  &  he  had  observed  the  constant  mode  of  sign 
ing  to  be  "H.  Clay" —  He  wished  to  know,  whether  this  was 
right  or  wrong ;  &  if  right,  whether  a  public  Law  is  not  a  matter 
requiring  as  much  form  as  a  Virginia  Poll  list —  The  Speaker 
spake  no  more. 

Macon1  was  not  clear,  whether  the  law  wd.  presume  the  Clerk 
to  be  sworn,  till  the  contrary  appeared;  or  whether  the  other 
assumption  ought  to  take  place. 

Calhoun  made  a  long  speech  to  prove  the  essential  policy  of 
Virginia,  in  requiring  every  voters  name  to  be  written  at  "full 
length".  It  was,  he  said,  because  there  was  a  land-list,  or  list 
of  freeholders,  &  this  served  to  check  the  votes  by — therefore  the 
names  were  required  to  be  written  "at  full  length"  on  the  polls, 
so  that  the  same  names  may  be  found  on  the  land  list. 

This  Orator  was  mistaken  only  in  three  unimportant  points — 

1 .  The  land  list  is  not  a  Check ;  because  every  freeholder  does 
not  vote  in  Virginia — 

2.  The  names  on  the  land  list  are,  more  than  half  of  them, 
[are]  abbreviated  in  the  same  way — 

3.  The  law  of  Virginia  requires  no  such  thing,  as  that  the 
name  shall  be  written  "at  full  length"-        vid.  the  report. 

Sheffey2  demolished  all  this  nonsense,  in  a  very  sensible  argu 
ment,  &  strewed  the  dust  of  the  fabric  over  those  who  had  raised 
it —  How  the  House  will  decide  is  uncertain —  The  taxes  are 
reported ;  not  acted  upon.  I  hope  they  will  pass. — 

All  that  I  have  heard  from  Concord  yet,  I  like  very  much — 
My  information  comes  down  only  to  Dr.  G's3  election —  Write 
me,  &  tell  me  all  the  news. 

Yrs  &c 

D.  WEBSTER 

1  Nathaniel  Macon,  of  North  Carolina.  2  Daniel  Sheffey,  of  Virginia. 

3  Dr.  John  Goddard,  of  Portsmouth,  elected  Senator,  but  refused  the  honor. 
See  McClintock's  Hist,  of  New  Hampshire,  p.  499. 


42  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

WASHINGTON  June  14.  (1813) 

Monday — 
Dr  Sir, 

All  day  Saturday,  &  all  today  on  the  disputed  Election  in 
Virginia —  Tax  Bills  yet  not  acted  on — 

When  I  am  more  at  leisure  I  will  say  what  I  think  about  the 
prospect  of  Peace.  In  the  meantime,  if  any  thing  looking  like 
a  repeal  of  Non  Intercourse  should  take  place,  I  will  give  you 
notice — 

You  must  contrive  some  way  for  me  to  get  rich,  as  soon  as 
there  is  a  peace. 

Y'r's 

D.  W. 

N.  B — The  Senate  are  yet  in  debate,  on  Gallatin,  Russel  etc : 
Russel  was  today  referred  to  a  Committee,  viz.  King,  Giles, 
Wells —  Poor  Madison ! — 

I  doubt  whether  he  has  a  night's  sleep  these  three  weeks — 


(To  Chas.  March.) 

June  15 —  (1813)  Tuesday — 

Nothing  today — except  the  Election  case,  again — (unde 
cided) — &  a  resolution  offered  by  Mr.  Pitkin,  in  relation  to  the 
"Distribution  of  Arms," — a  subject  that  excites  some  interest 
especially  in  Massachusetts —  I  do  not  know  when  we  shall  get 
on  the  taxes — 

Yrs. 

D  W. 

Nothing,  I  learn,  in  the  Senate  today — Mason  is  on  his  way 
as  Senator  from  N.  Hamp — 


(To  Chas.  March.) 

June  19.  1813 

I  have  not  time  to  write  you  any  thing  in  detail ;  especially  as 
I  intend  saying  a  word,  on  my  Resolutions,  Tomorrow  Morning. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  43 

There  is  no  prospect  of  Non-  Importation  coming  off.  I  am 
watching  it  very  closely,  &  will  give  you  the  first  hint.  The  fact 
is,  the  Administration  are,  for  the  moment,  confounded —  They 
are  hard  pushed  in  our  house — much  harder  in  the  Senate — 
Gallatin  not  confirmed — a  Resolution  has  actually  passed  the 
Senate,  that  the  Office  of  Secretary  of  Treasr7  &  Foreign  Min\ 
ister  are  incompatible ! ! —  Madison  has  been  several  days  quite 
sick — is  no  better — has  not  been  well  en°  to  read  the  said  Reso 
lution  of  the  Senate —  the  Taxes  go  heavily —  /  fear  they 
will  not  go  at  all —  They  cannot  raise  a  Caucus,  as  yet,  even, 
to  agree  what  they  will  do —  They  are  in  a  sad  pickle.  Who 
cares  ? — 

D.  W. 

I  will  steadily  watch  the  Non-  intercourse — 


(To  Chas.  March.) 

June  81.  1813 
Dear  Sir, 

The  Resolutions1  have  passed,  unaltered,  except  putting  in 
the  usual  saving  in  the  last  Resolution,  which  was  left  out  by 
accident. 

The  last  Resolution  passed  93. — to  68.  I  made  no  speech — 
When  I  came  to  the  House  this  morning,  Calhoun  told  me,  the 
Motion  for  indefinite  postponement  would  be  withdrawn — his 
motion  to  amend  withdrawn — &  he,  &  some  of  his  friends  should 
vote  for  the  Resolutions  as  they  are —  I  of  course  could  not 
object — &  considering  the  thing  given  up  on  their  part,  I  fore- 
bore  to  speak —  They  have  acted  very  strangely —  A  dozen 
Motions,  made  &  withdrawn — some  pulling  one  way — some  an 
other —  They  do  not  manage  like  so  many  Solomons — 

Adieu — 

Yrs  D.  W. 

Hanson,  Grosvenor,  Oakley,  Pearson  &c  have  made  excellent 
Speeches 

1  Concerning  the  Berlin  and  Milan  decrees. 


44  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

[Washington]  June  22.  1813. 
Dear  Sir, 

This  morning  we  shall  take  up  the  taxes —  I  have  a  little 
draught  on  New  York,  which  I  shall  enclose  you,  either  today, 
or  tomorrow — to  repay  the  sum  you  sent  to  Portsm0 —  I  ex 
pect  this  week  to  have  occasion  to  send  5  or  6  hundred  Dollars  to 
Boston —  If  I  do,  I  shall  take  the  liberty  to  write  to  you,  and 
if  convenient  to  you  to  get  you  to  send  it  on,  &  receive  it  when 
I  return  home — 

I  know  not  what  course  the  taxes  will  take — perhaps  at  night 
I  can  tell  you  better — 

Yrs 

D.  W. 
turn  over 

Mr  Rhea,1  after  my  Resolutions  passed  made  a  little  Resolu 
tion  calling  for  information  of  the  P.  Regent's  Declaration — 
passed  nem — con —  The  Speaker  has  appointed  me  &  old  Rhea 
to  carry  the  Resolutions  to  the  Palace ! ! —  /  never  swear. 


(To  Chas.  March.)f 

JUNE  24—     Thursday —     (1813) 

Nothing  yesterday  &  today  but  "  taxes  " —  There  is  a  good 
deal  of  objection  to  the  detail — there  is  great  doubt  what  will  be 
done.  Virginia  hates  a  land  tax —  Dearborn  has  resigned2 — 
Madison  still  sick —  Eppes  sick — &c  &c —  I  went  on  Tuesday 
to  the  Palace  to  present  the  Resolutions3 —  The  Presd1  was  in 
his  bed,  sick  of  a  fever — his  night  cap  on  his  head — his  wife 
attending  him  &c  &c —  I  think  he  will  find  no  relief  from  my 
prescription —  You  will  see  by  today's  Intelligence,  that  the 
Party  are  troubled  with  them.  You  recollect  what  R.  Smith  sd 
about  his  inquiry  of  Serurier —  How  will  Madison  answer  the 
part  of  Resolutions  calling  for  his  correspondence  with  Serurier? 
In  truth,  there  never  was  a  party  acted  so  awkwardly,  as  the 
Demos  did  thro  the  whole  of  that  business — 

1  John  Rhea,  of  Tennessee. 

2  Henry  Dearborn,  commander  of  the  American  forces.     Madison  did  not 
order  his  removal  until  July  6,  1813. 

3  Concerning  the  French  decrees. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  45 

The  Senate  has  done  nothing  jet —  They  now  have  Duane 
before  them,  for  Adj.  Gen1. —  They  are  not  in  a  hurry  to 
appoint  any  of  Madison's  Creatures. 

The  news  is,  that  the  British  have  recd  a  vast  reinforcement 
in  the  Bay,  and  the  lower  County  is  greatly  alarmed —  You 
will  see  there  has  been  a  battle  between  a  frigate  &  some  Gun 
Boats 

^^^  Yrs  D.  W. 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

.~    0.  WASHINGTON  June  26.  1813 

Dr  Sir, 

This  day  on  the  Taxes — made  some  progress —  I  shall  "have 
to  sit  again" —  The  President  is  seriously  sick.  Not  much  is 
suffered  to  be  said  on  this  subject,  &  I  am  not  disposed  to  excite 
alarm,  but  you  may  be  assured,  that  he  is  sick — he  has  been  sick 
13  days — &  has  no  symptoms  of  convalescence —  You  will  of 
course  say  nothing  of  this — 

Yrs  tr. 
D.  W. 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

WASHINGTON  June  26.  1813 
Dear  Sir,  Saturday-  (1813) 

We  are  spending  this  day  in  deciding  how  much  money  shall 
be  given  the  Collectors  of  the  Taxes — 

Yr  Mr  Post1  is  making  a  sensible  speech,  ag*  Mr  Speaker 
Clay,  who  is  for  putting  the  salaries  pretty  high. —  We  shall 
do  nothing  else  today. 

It  is  said  the  President  is  better  today — this  is  said  every  day — 
I  know  not  how  the  fact  is —  Gallatin  not  yet  confirmed — 

Nothing  looks  like  repeal  of  non-Importation.  My  Brother 
Mason2  likes  this  place  a  little  better  than  I  expected  he  would. 
He  is  pleased,  I  believe,  with  his  company  in  the  Senate — 

Yrs 

Give  me  a  daily  letter  D.  WEBSTER 

The  British  are  in  great  fame  down  the  bay — 

1  Jotham  Post,  of  New  York. 

2  Jeremiah  Mason,  Webster's  warmest  friend. 


46  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

Monday—  (June  28,  1813) 
D'r  March, 

You  are  probably  tired  of  receiving  letters  containing  noth 
ing;  but  I  continue  to  write  them.  Look  at  the  enclosed;  &  if 
you  think  it  worth  while,  hand  it  along. 

Y'r  man  Fiske1  has  this  day  put  the  Democratic  works  in  no 
small  confusion,  by  moving  a  Resolution  for  a  tax  on  whiskey, 
to  be  imposed  on  the  gallon,  not  on  the  still —  All  the  West  is 
in  arms.  It  lies  over  till  tomorrow. 

Nothing  of  any  importance  has  recently  occured  in  the  Sen 
ate.  As  to  Peace,  a  part  of  the  Democrats  doubtless  wish  it;  a 
part  do  not.  The  West  is  still  fierce  for  war —  Do  not  credit 
any  report  of  Mr  King's  opinions  without  good  evidence —  I 
see  him  sometimes,  &  think  I  should  know  any  important  senti 
ment,  on  these  subjects,  which  he  might  divulge — 

I  am  fully  of  opinion,  that  the  Administration  now  looks  for 
ward  to  its  own  certain  downfall,  unless  it  can  have  a  peace. 
But  if  it  does  make  Peace,  it  will  have  all  the  West  up  in  arms 
ag't  it — 

Poor  Madison  does'  not  know  what  to  do.  I  can  tell  you,  for 
y'r  own  ear,  that  he  this  day  nominated  Paul  Hamilton,  Com.  of 
Loans  for  S.  C. —  The  Senate  will  certainly  negative  it ! ! — 
This  shows  his  standing  with  that  body —  Never  was  man  sink 
ing  faster —  It  is  said  today,  as  it  is  every  day,  that  he  is  bet 
ter,  as  to  his  health 

Adieu     Yrs 
^^^  D  W 

(To  Chas.  March.) 

WASHINGTON  Tuesday — 

(June  29,  1813) 
Dear  Sir, 

We  have  had  the  Massachusetts  Memorial1  today — read  by 
Mr  Pickering — 

On  the  question  of  printing,  a  good  deal  of  warmth  was  mani 
fested — voted  to  print,  108  yeas — 

1  Jonathan  Fisk,  of  New  York. 

2  The  Remonstrance  of  the  Massachusetts   Legislature  against  the  con 
tinuance  of  the  war. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  47 

The  President  is  worse  today —  We  shall  directly  take  up 
Fiske's  motion  to  tax  whiskey  by  the  gallon —  I  think  it  will 
not  pass — tho'  my  own  opinion  is,  that  our  friends,  one  &  all, 
ought  to  vote  with  Fiske.  Yrs 

D.  WEBSTER 

Shall  draw  on  you  today  or  tomorrow — 


(To  Chas.  March.) 

July  6  (1813) 
Sir, 

For  four  or  five  days  I  have  found  myself  getting  out  of  sorts, 
&  have  determined  to  stay  here  not  much  longer.  So  late  is 
the  period  of  the  session,  so  hot  the  season,  so  languid  is  every 
body,  that  I  incline  to  think  we  shall  have  no  general  battle 
about  the  war.  Indeed  events  are  proving  our  positions,  faster 
than  it  could  otherwise  be  done.  Mr.  Madison  has  sent  no  answer 
yet —  I  only  intend  to  wait  till  Saturday — hope  to  be  in  N. 
York  Tuesday  or  Wednesday — shall  go  to  Mrs  Gallops — spend 
a  day  with  you,  &  pass  on,  taking  you  with  me — 

We  have  passed  the  Whiskey  tax  thr°  our  House.  We  shall 
pass  the  land  tax  I  think  tomorrow —  Boerstler's  affair1  makes 
long  faces. 

Yrs 

D.  Webster 


(To  Chas.  March.) 

July  10.  '13 

My  dear  Friend, 

I  expected  to  leave  this  place  Tomorrow,  &  to  be  with  you 

by  the  middle  of  next  week —     But  understanding  that  we  are 

to  hear  from  the  President  either  today  or  Monday,  I  shall  wait 

a  few  days  longer — 

The  Senate  have  decided  against  the  Swedish  Mission — 
Gen.  Armstrong  is  going  to  the  frontier  to  take  the  command 

1  See  McMaster's  "  History  of  United  States,"  vol.  iv,  p.  45. 


48  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

of  our  discomforted  armies ! l —   This  is  not  publicly  announced, 
but  I  have  great  reason  to  think  it  true. 

Your's  as  ever, 

D.  WEBSTER 


(From  Mr.   Waldron.) 

[About  Dec  28,  1813.] 

*  *  *  2  Think  My  Dear  Sir  how  your  bosom  would  have 
heaved,  what  wild  distraction  would  have  filled  your  eye  to  have 
so  missed  poor  Grace  in  the  height  of  the  flames  &  what  poor  Mrs 
Websters  feelings  were  we  can  better  imagine  than  describe.3 

Thanks  be  rendered  to  heaven  they  with  all  our  friends  are 
safe —  My  poor  mother  Sheafe  was  almost  killed  by  exertion  & 
fatigue  &  agitation —  Friday  confined  to  her  bed  all  day  yes 
terday  sat  up  &  is  on  the  recovery  they  are  at  Cutts —  Mrs 
Waldron  wished  Mrs  Webster  &  Grace  to  spend  the  winter  with 
us  but  Mrs  Mason  would  take  no  denial —  When  things  get 
a  little  settled  I  hope  the  blackeyed  miss  &  her  mother  will  make 
us  a  long  visit — 

Father  Sheafe  saved  a  good  deal  of  his  furniture,  fortunately 
they  had  invited  a  doz  navy  officers  to  sup  who  had  been  in 
4/2  hour  &  rendered  much  service  swore  they  would  save  the 
house,  stripped  to  the  buff  &  fought  like  heroes  'till  the  flames 
compelled  them  to  make  a  precipitate  retreat —  The  real  dis 
tress  &  consternation  at  Portsm0  is  beyond  all  discription  &  I  hope 
something  great  and  liberal  will  be  done  for  them — you  will  see 
how  many  widows  &  people  in  low  &  middling  circumstances  have 
lost  all  &  are  unable  even  to  put  up  a  shelter —  The  N.  H.  dele 
gation  I  know  will  do  all  they  can —  I  have  written  to  Mr  Hale — 
If  Congress  offers  [to]  do  any  relief  for  heavens  sake  dont  suf 
fer  it  to  have  any  political  bearing  I  had  rather  nothing  should 
be  done  than  that  shd  be  the  case —  It  must  be  advanced  by 
the  N.  H.  Members — 

1  The  editor  wishes  at  this  point  to  call  attention  to  an  account  of  an  event 
in  Webster's  life,  related  by  J.  N.  McClintock  in  his  History  of  New  Hampshire, 
p.  496.     He  says  that  Webster  made  a  speech  urging  the  people  to  use  spades 
and  build  forts  to  defend  Portsmouth  against  the  British.     Webster  then  joined 
them  in  the  work. 

2  Preceding  part  is  lost. 

3  The  fire  broke  out  Dec.  22,  1813.     Webster's  house,  valued  at  $6,000,  and 
his  library  were  consumed.     Webster  was  on  his  way  to  Washington.     See 
Curtis'  Life  of  Webster,  vol.  i,  p.  115. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  49 

I  pray  to  heaven  that  the  sympathies  &  liberality  of  the  whole 
country  may  be  roused  on  this  occasion  &  that  signal  relief  may 
be  afforded  Y'r  Emb.  I  learn  has  passed  all  branches  I  hope 
the  Federalists  did  not  espouse  the  measure, 

I  have  time  to  add  only  my  best  regards  &  respects 


(To  James  Thorn.1) 

PORTSMO  June  29.  1814 
Dear  Sir, 

The  Committee  of  the  W.  B.  S.2  have  directed  me  to  ask  the 
favor  of  our  Exeter  friends  to  attend  our  celebration  on  the  4th. 
I  have  written  to  Mr.  Sullivan,  &  intended  to  have  addressed  a 
similar  note  to  the  rest  of  the  Gentlemen  individually,  but  not 
having  time,  I  must  ask  you  to  do  me  the  kindness  to  present 
the  request  of  the  Committee  to  them — 

Judge  Tenney,  Judge  Peabody,  the  Messrs  Gilmore,  Mr  Ab 
bot,  Col.  Rogers,  Brothers  Tilten  &  Lawrence  &c  &c —  You 
will  not  confine  yourself  to  these  names,  but  it  is  our  wish  that 
as  many  gentlemen  as  can  with  convenience  attend  should  be  in 
vited —  Of  course,  you  will  not  expect  as  much  gratification 
as  to  be  induced  to  break  up  any  projects  which  you  may  have 
for  a  celebration  of  your  own —  We  cannot  promise  you  any 
thing  but  a  good  oration  from  Mr  Haven,  &  a  very  light  dinner 
with  the  Society — 

Y'rs 

D.  WEBSTER 

N.  B. — I  think  our  Reference  was  fixed  for  July  6. —  If  I 
am  wrong,  set  me  right — 


(From  Mr.  Lawrence.5) 

HARRISBURG  Deer. 
Dear  Sir 

I  must  take  leave  to  ask  you  one  question,  not  for  my  own 

1  Addressed  to  James  Thorn,  Esqr.,  of  Exeter,  N.  H.,  and  belongs  to  the 
Pennsylvania  Historical  Society. 

2  The  Washington  Benevolent  Society. 

3  This  is  probably  a  copy  of  Lawrence's  letter,  but  in  Daniel  Webster's  hand. 
There  is  no  date. 


50  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

satisfaction,  but  in  order  to  enable  me  to  satisfy  others.  Al- 
.  though  it  has  been  so  often,  &  so  authentically  denied,  you  are 
aware  how  many  People  in  Pa.  still  believe  that  you  were  u 
member  of  the  Hartford  Convention.  Will  you  do  me  the  favor, 
therefore,  to  say  under  your  name,  whether  you  were,  or  were 
not  a  member  of  that  body,  &  give  me  leave  to  make  such  use  of 
your  answer,  as  I  may  judge  expedient.1 

Yrs  with  much  regard 

[Mr.  Lawrence. (  ?)] 


(To  Mr.  Lawrence.2) 
Dear  Sir 

I  have  reed  your  letter,  &  very  cheerfully  answer  its  inquiry. 
I  was  not  a  member  of  the  Hartford  Convention,  and  had  no 
agency  in  it,  nor  any  correspondence  with  any  of  its  members. 
If  you  will  refer  to  the  .Journal  of  Congress,  &  to  the  dates  of 
the  proceedings  relative  to  that  Convention,  you  will  find,  My 
Dear  Sir,  that  I  was  in  my  seat  in  the  House  of  Representatives 
in  Congress,  which  was  before  any  proposition  to  hold  such  a 
Convention  was  brought  forward,  &  that  I  remained  in  that  seat, 
until  after  the  Convention  had  met  &  dissolved. 


(To  William  Sullivan.3) 

„         „.  WASHINGTON,  Oct.  17,  1814. 

Dear  Sir 

The  papers  rec'd  today  have  put  us  right  about  the  time  of 
your  proposed  Convention. 

We  this  morning  rec'd  the  communication  of  Dallas  relative 
to  finances.  He  differs  in  some  things  from  Eppes — He  pro 
poses  to  increase  the  land  tax  100  pr  ct.  &  most  of  the  present 
internal  duties  in  the  same  ratio ; — &  to  lay  25  cts.  pr  gallon  on 
whiskey  in  addition  to  the  present  tax  on  stills — But  his  great 
hobby  is  a  bank,  of  50  millions — 6  millions  specie — 44  millions 

1  See  Massachusetts  Hist.  Soc.  Proceedings,  vol.  vi,  page  288,  for  Judge 
White's  testimony  as  to  D.  Webster's  connection  with  the  Hartford  Convention. 

3  This  letter  is  in  D.  Webster's  hand  and  was  probably  a  copy  kept  by  him. 
It  is  endorsed  "Correspondence  with  Mr.  Lawrence,  Hartford  Convention." 

3  This  letter  is  owned  by  Hon.  Geo.  F.  Hoar.  Mr.  Sullivan  was  an  orator 
and  a  Massachusetts  politician. 


51 

stocks — Gov't  to  own  2  fifths — 15  directors — President  to  ap 
point  5 — &  to  appoint  President  &c.  &c. 

I  shall  send  you  the  instructions  to  our  ministers  which  have 
been  published — You  perceive  that  certain  parts  are  kept  secret — 
You  will  see  enough,  I  think,  to  be  of  my  opinion,  that  the  Brit 
ish  have  completely  outgeneralled  us — 

Some  of  our  good  friends  here  are  fearful  that  the  Federalists 
in  the  Bay  State  are  not  sufficiently  attentive  to  the  ensuing 
Election  for  members  of  Congress.  In  whatever  event,  it  would 
seem  to  be  very  important  to  make  the  Federalists  as  numerous 
as  possible.  Mr.  Wilson  has  just  arrived — I  perceive  he  is  a 
little  apprehensive  that  no  measures  are  taking  in  his  District 
to  secure  the  election  of  a  Federalist  in  that  District.  Would  it 
not  be  very  well  for  your  Committee  to  write  immediately  to  the 
active  men  in  that  District  on  that  subject  It  would  be  ex 
cessively  disagreeable  to  have  any  Jacobins  from  Massachusetts — 
We  hope  also  that  Mr.  Dana  may  be  excused  from  attendance 
here  hereafter.  Pardon  me  for  calling  your  attention  &  that  of 
your  friends  to  this  subject 

Mr.  Randolph  has  been  this  way  &  has  gone  Northward — I 
did  not  see  him.  I  understood  he  was  going  to  Boston,  others 
say  to  Philadelphia  only.  It  is  now  confidently  said  he  will  be 
in  the  next  Congress — &  that  Eppes  will  decline  the  contest 

I  shall  be  very  glad  to  hear  from  you  often 

Yrs 
D.  WEBSTEB 

(To  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 

Oct.  20,  1814. 
Dear  E. 

I  left  home  on  the  7th,  &  arrived  here  on  the  14 — just  in  sea 
son  to  give  an  unavailing  vote  on  the  question  of  removal.  It 
is  probable  we  shall  hear  of  that  question  again  before  the  ses 
sion  closes. 

I  have  sent  you  the  dispatches  and  instructions,  The  first 
opportunity,  some  of  our  People  will  tell  the  Administration 
what  they  think  of  it — You  see  there  is  no  hope  of  present 
peace ;  probably  none  while  Madison  is  in  power. 

The  Elections  in  Pennsylvania  have  cheered  us  a  little.     At 

1  The  original  of  this  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


52  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

least  10  Federalists  are  believed  to  be  chosen  into  the  next  Con 
gress  from  that  State,  with  Joseph  Hopkinson  at  their  head. — N. 
Jersey  made  a  great  gain  of  Federal  votes,  thro'  the  State,  but 
not  enough  to  carry  the  Election.  They  lost  a  Federal  Legisla 
ture  by  44  votes.  It  is  said  by  the  Gentlemen  from  Virginia,  & 
N.  Carolina  that  in  each  of  those  States  a  majority  of  Federalists 
will  be  chosen  for  the  next  Congress.  This  is  perhaps  rather 
too  large  a  calculation,  especially  for  Virginia. 

We  have  as  yet  heard  nothing  of  the  British  forces  under 
Lord  Hill.  It  is  thought  here  that  New  Orleans  is  his  object. 
If  he  should  take  that  city,  &  he  will  if  he  tries,  &  hold  it,  the 
Western  States  in  one  year  would  make  their  peace  with  Eng 
land.  Of  this  I  have  no  doubt,  from  what  I  see  &  hear.  I 
rather  expect  myself,  that  Lord  Hill  will  first  come  into  the 
Chesapeake  &  make  a  new  attempt  on  Baltimore. 

You  will  see  how  many  plans  of  taxes  are  before  us.  I  have 
not  made  up  my  mind  definitely  as  to  my  own  course  on  this 
subject.  I  should  be  glad  of  your  advice.  My  present  inclina 
tion  is,  not  to  deny  all  sorts  of  supplies,  in  the  present  crisis,  but 
to  hold  myself  quite  at  liberty  to  vote  for  or  agst.  any  particular 
tax.  I  intend  to  vote  for  the  whiskey  tax,  agst  pretty  much  all 
the  other  internal  duties.  As  to  increase  of  the  land  tax,  I  have 
not  decided.  That  is  equal,  among  States,  &  is  the  bitterest  pill 
to  the  Southern  Democrats.  Let  me  have  your  advice. 

Randolph  has  offered  again  as  a  candidate  in  his  old  District. 
Election  in  April.  It  is  conjectured  that  Eppes  will  quit  the 
field. 

Yrs 

D.  WEBSTER. 

(From  Mr.  Ezekiel  Webster.1 ) 

Oct.  29,  1814. 
Dear  Daniel, 

I  received  yours  of  the  20th  this  morning  &  am  very  glad  to 
hear  that  you  are  at  your  post.  The  present  will  be  a  session  of 
very  arduous  &  difficult  duties,  &  of  very  great  responsibility. 
On  the  subject  of  the  taxes  my  opinion  corresponds  with  yours. 
Let  them  have  the  whiskey  tax.  In  case  any  money  is  to  be 

1  Daniel's  elder  brother.     For  biographical  sketch  see  p.  31,  voL  i,  *'  Daniel 
Webster's  Private  Correspondence." 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  53 

voted  the  administration,  the  tax  on  land  is  perhaps  the  most 
equitable.  It  will  bear  with  a  more  just  &  even  hand,  upon  the 
Southern  &  Eastern  states.  The  internal  taxes  perfect  the  sys 
tem  of  "domiciliary  vexation".  If  my  hat,  my  boots,  my  shoes, 
my  horse,  my  chaise,  my  saddle  &  bridle  &c  are  to  be  taxed  what 
will  be  exempted  ?  Most  of  these  taxes  I  apprehend  will  operate 
most  injuriously  upon  New  England —  For  instance  the  tax 
upon  spindles  in  cotton  &  woolen  factories,  I  apprehend  more 
than  three  fourths  of  these  establishments  are  this  side  the  Poto 
mac  Woolen  cloths  are  almost  altogether  of  New  England  con 
sumption —  Besides  I  think  the  faith  of  the  government  is 
somewhat  pledged  not  to  tax  these  establishments.  It  has  always 
professed  its  desire  to  encourage  them.  The  restrictive  system 
depriving  us  of  all  importations;  they  are  in  some  degree  very 
necessary  to  us.  The  principal  part  of  the  cotton  clothes  worn 
in  this  quarter  are  of  our  own  manufacture.  Many  factories 
with  the  high  price  of  cotton  and  under  this  tax  would  be  obliged 
to  cease  their  operations. 

The  proposed  tax  on  leather  would  likewise  be  unequal  in  its 
operation.  It  requires  not  much  argument  to  prove  that  the 
same  population  in  New  Hampshire  have  occasion  for  much  more 
leather  than  in  Georgia. 

Of  $100,000  proposed  to  be  raised  on  playing  cards,  I  imagine 
Virginia  will  pay  her  proportion.  It  is  right  they  should  have 
this  tax.  Let  gamblers  be  made  to  contribute  to  the  support  of 
this  war,  which  was  declared  by  men  of  no  better  principles  than 
themselves. 

I  am  not  pleased  with  the  idea  of  taxing  the  "process  of  law", 
Let  justice  be  administered  freely.  No  man  ought  to  be  com 
pelled  to  pay  a  tax  in  order  to  have  his  rights. 

There  are  but  a  very  few  of  the  taxes  that  I  should  vote  for. 
I  am  not  sure  that  I  should  that  I  should  vote  for  any  'till  the 
administration  should  change  its  measures.  For  what  purpose 
should  you  put  men  or  money  into  their  hands  ?  You  voted  last 
session  men  &  they  have  been  marched  to  Canada.  You  voted 
money  &  what  portion  of  it  has  been  expended  in  defending  our 
maritime  frontier?  With  all  the  men  &  money  asked  for,  how 
have  they  defended  the  Capitol?  It  is  worthy  of  remark  that 
the  defence  of  the  Capitol  under  the  eye  of  the  administration 
&  all  its  officers  is  more  disgraceful  than  any  event  of  the  war. 
It  discovers  more  imbecility  and  more  cowardice.  Gen.  Hull's 
surrender  was  a  triumph  to  it. 


54  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

I  am  confident  that  the  people  would  support  almost  any  at 
tack  that  should  be  made  on  the  administration,  especially  any 
which  should  expose  their  imbecility  &  their  incompetency  to  fill 
their  offices.  The  language  toward  them  ought  to  be  dignified, 
but  at  the  same  time  it  ought  to  be  plain  &  intelligible.  They 
have  as  many  vulnerable  points  as  their  assailants  could  wish  & 
I  want  to  see  them  goaded  to  the  very  quick.  It  would  be  better 
to  lash  them  "naked  through  the  land"  for  bringing  us  into  these 
difficulties,  than  to  unite  with  them  to  plunge  us  into  still  greater. 
Reformation  ought  to  come  from  them.  It  was  told  them  war 
would  ensue  from  their  restrictive  system.  The  progress  & 
events  of  the  war  were  likewise  foretold —  but  they  still  per 
sisted  in  their  measures — and  they  now  acknowledge  no  errors, 
nor  change  any  of  their  measures.  Ought  they  to  ask  for  the 
support  of  the  opposition  in  this  state  of  things — no. —  They 
ought  not  to  ask  it,  and  they  ought  not  to  have  it.  Every  day 
demonstrates  their  incapacity  &  the  folly  of  their  measures  & 
furnishes  the  best  evidence  for  not  supporting  them.  Had  not 
any  of  the  predictions  of  the  opposition  been  fulfilled,  they  might 
with  some  plausibility  expect  their  support. 

I  hope  an  occasion  will  soon  happen,  when  some  of  your  peo 
ple  can  speak  their  minds  of  them.  I  trust  it  will  be  done  fear 
lessly. 

I  feel  very  anxious  that  Judge  Farrar  should  assent  to  be  a 
Candidate.  We  propose  to  address  a  letter  to  him,  signed  by  all 
our  delegation  in  both  branches.  I  think  it  ought  to  be  done 
immediately. 

We  are  all  well.     With  affection  &c 

Yours 

E.  WEBSTER 

(To  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 

WASHINGTON,  Oct.  30.  1814 

•     *     • 

We  have  a  plan  for  a  conscription.  I  think  I  have  sent  you 
its  outlines.  The  bill  is  drawn  principally  on  Mr.  Monroe's 
first  plan.  Of  course  we  shall  oppose  such  usurpation  all  we 
can.  *  *  * 

D.  WEBSTER. 

1  Daniel  Webster  to  Ezekiel  Webster.    "Private  Correspondence, ' '  vol.  i,  p.  246. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  55 

(To  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 

WASHINGTON,  Nov.  29,  1814. 
Dear  E. 

The  man  in  the  patent  office  is  searching  to  see  whether  Mesrs. 
Geirishes  invention  is  new.  As  soon  as  he  finds  out,  I  will  let 
you  know.  *  *  *2 

We  are  here  on  the  Eve  of  great  events — I  expect  a  blow  up 
soon — My  opinion  is,  that  within  sixty  days  Govt.  will  cease  to 
pay  even  Secretaries,  Clerks  &  Members  of  Congress — This  I 
expect — &  when  it  comes  we  are  wound  up. 

Everything  is  in  confusion  here.  Eppes  [changing]  Dollar 
— Dollar  [changing]  everybody.  The  Bank  bill  finally  lost — 
104 —  to  49 — after  a  day  of  the  most  tumultuous  proceedings  I 
ever  saw — 

The  conscription3  has  not  come  up — if  it  does  it  will  cause  a 
storm  such  as  was  never  witnessed  here. 

In  short,  if  Peace  does  not  come  this  winter,  the  Govt.  will 
die  in  its  own  weakness. 

I  have  reed  several  letters,  especially  from  Cheshire,  relative 
to  Governor  &  wishing  to  know  what  I  thought  of  nominating 
Mason.  What  do  you  think  of  it? — Would  it  be  popular — de 
cidedly  so?  My  own  opinion  is  he  would  not  refuse,  if  there 
should  be  a  meeting  of  Delegates  from  all  the  Counties  who 
should  agree  on  him — This  you  may  take  for  granted — but  you 
must  not  intimate  that  you  have  any  particular  authority  for 
saying  so — But  who  would  be  Senator? — I  cannot  agree  to  Up- 
ham,  &  if  I  thought  that  would  be  the  consequence,  I  would  cer 
tainly  oppose  Mr.  M's  nomination  for  Gov. — because  it  may  yet 
happen  that  the  place  of  Senator  may  call  for  a  man  of  firmness 
&  decision. 

If  we  were  sure  of  Vose,  [Chamberlain]  &  W.  H.  Woodward, 
or  Payton  for  Senator,  I  should  be  very  much  inclined  to  support 
Mason  for  Governor — Write  me  fully  about  this — In  the  mean 
time,  make  no  haste  to  nominate  anybody.  We  shall  know  many 
things  by  Jany  15  which  we  do  not  know  now. 

Yrs 

D  Webster 

1  The  original  of  this  letter  is  the  property  of  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New 
York. 

2  Cut  out  by  Mr.  Sanborn  as  matter  he  did  not  wish  published. 

3  i.  e.,  the  Conscription  Bill. 


56  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(An  unpublished  speech.1) 

Dec.  9.  1814- 
Mr.  Chairman, 

After  the  best  reflection  which  I  have  been  able  to  bestow  on 
the  subject  of  the  bill  before  you,  I  am  of  opinion  that  its  prin 
ciples  are  not  warranted  by  any  provision  of  the  constitution. 
It  appears  to  me  to  partake  of  the  nature  of  those  other  propo 
sitions  for  military  measures,  which  this  session,  so  fertile  in  in 
ventions,  has  produced.  It  is  of  the  same  class  with  the  plan  of 
the  Secretary  of  War;  with  the  bill  reported  to  this  House  by 
its  own  committee  for  filling  the  ranks  of  the  regular  army  -by 
classifying  the  free  male  population  of  the  United  States;  & 
with  the  resolution  recently  introduced  by  an  honorable  gentle 
man  from  Pennsylvania,  (Mr.  Ingersoll)  &  which  now  lies  on 
your  table,  carrying  the  principle  of  compulsory  service  in  the 
regular  army  to  its  utmost  extent. 

This  bill  indeed  is  less  undisguised  in  its  object,  &  less  direct 
in  its  means,  than  some  of  the  measures  proposed.  It  is  an 
attempt  to  exercise  the  power  of  forcing  the  free  men  of  this 
country  into  the  ranks  of  an  army,  for  the  general  purposes  of 
war,  under  color  of  a  military  service.  To  this  end  it  com 
mences  with  a  classification,  which  is  no  way  connected  with  the 
general  organization  of  the  Militia,  nor,  to  my  apprehension, 
included  within  any  of  the  powers  which  Congress  possesses  over 
them.  All  the  authority  which  this  Government  has  over  the 
Militia,  until  actually  called  into  its  service,  is  to  enact  laws  for 
their  organization  &  discipline.  This  power  it  has  exercised. 
It  now  possesses  the  further  power  of  calling  into  its  service  any 
portion  of  the  Militia  of  the  States,  in  the  particular  exigencies 
for  which  the  Constitution  provides,  &  of  governing  them  during 
the  continuance  of  such  service.  Here  its  authority  ceases.  The 
classification  of  the  whole  body  of  the  Militia,  according  to  the 
provisions  of  this  bill,  is  not  a  measure  which  respects  either  their 
general  organization  or  their  discipline.  It  is  a  distinct  system, 
introduced  for  new  purposes,  &  not  connected  with  any  power, 
which  the  Constitution  has  conferred  on  Congress. 

But,  Sir,  there  is  another  consideration.  The  services  of  the 
men  to  be  raised  under  this  act  are  not  limited  to  those  cases  in 
which  alone  this  Government  is  entitled  to  the  aid  of  the  militia 

1  Daniel  Webster's  speech  on  the  Conscription  Bill  made  in  the  House  of 
Representatives  December  9,  1814.  (See  Curtis'  Life  of  Daniel  Webster,  vol. 
i,  138.) 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN.  57 

of  the  States.  These  cases  are  particularly  stated  in  the  Con 
stitution — "to  repel  invasion,  suppress  insurrection,  or  execute 
the  laws."  But  this  bill  has  no  limitation  in  this  respect.  The 
usual  mode  of  legislating  on  the  subject  is  abandoned.  The  only 
section  which  would  have  confined  the  service  of  the  Militia,  pro 
posed  to  be  raised,  within  the  United  States  has  been  stricken 
out ;  &  if  the  President  should  not  march  them  into  the  Provinces 
of  England  at  the  North,  or  of  Spain  at  the  South,  it  will  not 
be  because  he  is  prohibited  by  any  provision  in  this  act. 

This,  then,  Sir,  is  a  bill  for  calling  out  the  Militia,  not  ac 
cording  to  its  existing  organization,  but  by  draft  from  new 
created  classes ; — not  merely  for  the  purpose  of  "repelling  inva 
sion,  suppressing  insurrection,  or  executing  the  laws,"  but  for  the 
general  objects  of  war — for  defending  ourselves,  or  invading 
others,  as  may  be  thought  expedient; — not  for  a  sudden  emer 
gency,  or  for  a  short  time,  but  for  long  stated  periods ;  for  two 
years,  if  the  proposition  of  the  Senate  should  finally  prevail ;  for 
one  year,  if  the  amendment  of  the  House  should  be  adopted. 
What  is  this,  Sir,  but  raising  a  standing  army  out  of  the  Militia 
by  draft,  &  to  be  recruited  by  draft,  in  like  manner,  as  often  as 
occasion  may  require? 

This  bill,  then  is  not  different  in  principle  from  the  other 
bills,  plans  &  resolutions,  which  I  have  mentioned.  The  present 
discussion  is  properly  &  necessarily  common  to  them  all.  It  is 
a  discussion,  Sir,  of  the  last  importance.  That  measures  of  this 
nature  should  be  debated  at  all,  in  the  councils  of  a  free  Govern 
ment,  is  cause  of  dismay.  The  question  is  nothing  less,  than 
whether  the  most  essential  rights  of  personal  liberty  shall  be 
surrendered,  &  despotism  embraced  in  its  worst  form. 

I  have  risen,  on  this  occasion,  with  anxious  &  painful  emotions, 
to  add  my  admonition  to  what  has  been  said  by  others.  Admoni 
tion  &  remonstrance,  I  am  aware,  are  not  acceptable  strains. 
They  are  duties  of  unpleasant  performance.  But  they  are,  in 
my  judgment,  the  duties  which  the  condition  of  a  falling  state 
imposes.  They  are  duties  which  sink  deep  in  his  conscience,  who 
believes  it  probable  that  they  may  be  the  last  services,  which  he 
may  be  able  to  render  to  the  Government  of  his  Country.  On 
the  issue  of  this  discussion,  I  believe  the  fate  of  this  Government 
may  rest.  Its  duration  is  incompatible,  in  my  opinion,  with  the 
existence  of  the  measures  in  contemplation.  A  crisis  has  at  last 
arrived,  to  which  the  course  of  things  has  long  tended,  &  which 
may  be  decisive  upon  the  happiness  of  present  &  of  future  gen- 


58  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

erations.  If  there  be  anything  important  in  the  concerns  of 
men,  the  considerations  which  fill  the  present  hour  are  important. 
I  am  anxious,  above  all  things,  to  stand  acquitted  before  GOD,  & 
my  own  conscience,  &  in  the  public  judgments,  of  all  participa 
tions  in  the  Counsels,  which  have  brought  us  to  our  present  condi 
tion,  &  which  now  threaten  the  dissolution  of  the  Government. 
When  the  present  generation  of  men  shall  be  swept  away,  &  that 
this  Government  ever  existed  shall  be  a  matter  of  history  only,  I 
desire  that  it  may  then  be  known,  that  you  have  not  proceeded  in 
your  course  unadmonished  &  unforewarned.  Let  it  then  be 
known,  that  there  were  those,  who  would  have  stopped  you,  in  the 
career  of  your  measures,  &  held  you  back,  as  by  the  skirts  of 
your  garments,  from  the  precipice,  over  which  you  are  plunging, 
&  drawing  after  you  the.  Government  of  your  Country. 

I  had  hoped,  Sir,  at  an  early  period  of  the  session,  to  find 
gentlemen  in  another  temper.  I  trusted  that  the  existing  state 
of  things  would  have  impressed  on  the  minds  of  those,  who  decide 
national  measures,  the  necessity  of  some  reform  in  the  adminis 
tration  of  affairs.  If  it  was  not  to  have  been  expected  that 
gentlemen  would  be  convinced  by  argument,  it  was  still  not  un 
reasonable  to  hope  that  they  would  listen  to  the  solemn  preaching 
of  events.  If  no  previous  reasoning  could  satisfy  them,  that 
the  favorite  plans  of  Government  would  fail,  they  might  yet  be 
expected  to  regard  the  fact,  when  it  happened,  &  to  yield  to  the 
lesson  which  it  taught.  Although  they  had,  last  year,  given  no 
credit  to  those  who  predicted  the  failure  of  the  campaign  against 
Canada,  yet  they  had  seen  that  failure.  Although  they  then 
treated  as  idle  all  doubts  of  the  success  of  the  loan,  they  had 
seen  the  failure  of  that  loan.  Although  they  then  held  in 
derision  all  fears  for  the  public  credit,  &  the  national  faith, 
they  had  yet  seen  the  public  credit  destroyed,  &  the  national  faith 
violated  &  disgraced.  They  had  seen  much  more  than  was  pre 
dicted;  for  no  man  had  foretold,  that  our  means  of  defence 
would  be  so  far  exhausted  in  foreign  invasion,  as  to  leave  the 
place  of  our  own  deliberations  insecure,  &  that  we  should,  this 
day,  be  legislating  in  view  of  the  crumbling  monuments  of  our 
national  disgrace.  No  one  had  anticipated,  that  this  City  would 
have  fallen  before  a  handful  of  troops,  &  that  British  Generals  & 
British  Admirals  would  have  taken  their  airings  along  the  Penn 
sylvania  Avenue,  while  the  Government  was  in  full  flight,  just 
awaked  perhaps  from  one  of  its  profound  meditations  on  the  plan 
of  a  Conscription  for  the  conquest  of  Canada.  These  events,  Sir, 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  59 

with  the  present  state  of  things,  &  the  threatening  aspect  of  what 
is  future,  should  have  brought  us  to  a  pause.  They  might  have 
reasonably  been  expected  to  induce  Congress  to  review  its  own 
measures,  &  to  exercise  its  great  duty  of  inquiry  relative  to  the 
conduct  of  others.  If  this  was  too  high  a  pitch  of  virtue  for  the 
multitude  of  party  men,  it  was  at  least  to  have  been  expected 
from  Gentlemen  of  influence  &  character,  who  ought  to  be  sup 
posed  to  value  something  higher  than  mere  party  attachments,  & 
to  act  from  motives  somewhat  nobler  than  a  mere  regard  to  party 
consistency.  All  that  we  have  yet  suffered  will  be  found  light 
&  trifling,  in  comparison  with  what  is  before  us,  if  the  Govern 
ment  shall  learn  nothing  from  experience  but  to  despise  it,  & 
shall  grow  more  &  more  desperate  in  its  measures,  as  it  grows 
more  &  more  desperate  in  its  affairs. 

It  is  time  for  Congress  to  examine  &  decide  for  itself.  It  has 
taken  things  on  trust  long  enough.  It  has  followed  Executive 
recommendation,  till  there  remains  no  hope  of  finding  safety 
in  that  path.  What  is  there,  Sir,  that  makes  it  the  duty  of  this 
people  now  to  grant  new  confidence  to  the  administration,  &  to 
surrender  their  most  important  rights  to  its  discretion?  On 
what  merits  of  its  own  does  it  rest  this  extraordinary  claim? 
When  it  calls  thus  loudly  for  the  treasure  &  the  lives  of  the  peo 
ple,  what  pledge  does  it  offer,  that  it  will  not  waste  all  in  the 
same  preposterous  pursuits,  which  have  hitherto  engaged  it  ?  In 
the  failure  of  all  past  promises,  do  we  see  any  assurance  of  future 
performance?  Are  we  to  measure  out  our  confidence  in  propor 
tion  to  our  disgraces,  &  now  at  last  to  grant  away  every  thing, 
because  all  that  we  have  heretofore  granted  has  been  wasted  or 
misapplied?  What  is  there  in  our  condition,  that  bespeaks  a 
wise  or  an  able  Government?  What  is  the  evidence,  that  the 
protection  of  the  country  is  the  object  principally  regarded? 
In  every  quarter,  that  protection  has  been  more  or  less  abandoned 
to  the  States.  That  every  town  on  the  coast  is  not  now  in  pos 
session  of  the  enemy,  or  in  ashes,  is  owing  to  the  vigilence  & 
exertions  of  the  States  themselves,  &  to  no  protection  granted 
to  them  by  those  on  whom  the  whole  duty  of  their  protection 
rested. 

Or  shall  we  look  to  the  acquisition  of  the  professed  objects  of 
the  war,  &  there  find  grounds  for  approbation  &  confidence. 
The  professed  objects  of  the  war  are  abandoned  in  all  due  form. 
The  contest  for  sailors'  rights  is  turned  into  a  negotiation  about 
boundaries  &  military  roads,  &  the  highest  hope  entertained  by 


60  LETTERS    OF    DANIEL   WEBSTER 

any  man  of  the  issue,  is  that  we  may  be  able  to  get  out  of  the  war 
without  a  cession  of  territory. 

Look,  Sir,  to  the  finances  of  the  country.  What  a  picture  do 
they  exhibit  of  the  wisdom  &  prudence  &  foresight  of  Govern 
ment.  "The  revenue  of  a  State,"  says  a  profound  writer,  "is 
the  state."  If  we  are  to  judge  of  the  condition  of  the  country 
by  the  condition  of  its  revenue,  what  is  the  result  ?  A  wise  Gov 
ernment  sinks  deep  the  fountain  of  its  revenue — not  only  till  it 
can  touch  the  first  springs,  &  slake  the  present  thirst  of  the 
Treasury,  but  till  lasting  sources  are  opened,  too  abundant  to  be 
exhausted  by  demand,  too  deep  to  be  affected  by  heats  &  droughts. 
What,  Sir,  is  our  present  supply,  &  what  our  provision  for  fu 
ture  resource?  I  forbear  to  speak  of  the  present  condition  of 
the  Treasury ;  &  as  to  public  credit,  the  last  reliance  of  Govern 
ment,  I  use  the  language  of  Government  itself  only,  when  I  say 
it  does  not  exist.  This  is  a  state  of  things  calling  for  the  sober 
est  counsels,  &  yet  it  seems  to  meet  only  the  wildest  speculations. 
Nothing  is  talked  of  but  Banks,  &  a  circulating  paper  medium, 
&  Exchequer  Notes,  &  the  thousand  other  contrivances,  which 
ingenuity,  vexed  &  goaded  by  the  direst  necessity,  can  devise, 
with  the  vain  hope  of  giving  value  to  mere  paper.  All  these 
things  are  not  revenue,  nor  do  they  produce  it.  They  are  the 
effect  of  a  productive  commerce,  &  a  well  ordered  system  of 
finance,  &  in  their  operation  may  be  favorable  to  both,  but  are 
not  the  cause  of  either.  In  other  times  these  facilities  existed. 
Bank  paper  &  Government  paper  circulated,  because  both  rested 
on  substantial  capital  or  solid  credit.  Without  these  they  will 
not  circulate,  nor  is  there  a  device  more  shallow  or  more  mis 
chievous,  than  to  pour  forth  new  floods  of  paper  without  credit 
as  a  remedy  for  the  evils  which  paper  without  credit  has  already 
created.  As  was  intimated  the  other  day  by  my  honorable  friend 
from  North  Carolina  (Mr.  Gaston)  this  is  an  attempt  to  act 
over  again  the  farce  of  the  Assignats  of  France.  Indeed,  Sir, 
our  politicians  appear  to  have  but  one  school.  They  learn  every 
thing  of  modern  France;  with  this  variety  only,  that  for  ex 
amples  of  revenue  they  go  to  the  Revolution,  when  her  revenue 
was  in  the  worst  state  possible,  while  their  model  for  military 
force  is  sought  after  in  her  imperial  era,  when  her  military  was 
organized  on  principles  the  most  arbitrary  &  abominable. 

Let  us  examine  the  nature  &  extent  of  the  power,  which  is  as 
sumed  by  the  various  military  measures  before  us.  In  the  pres 
ent  want  of  men  &  money,  the  Secretary  of  War  has  proposed  to 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  61 

Congress  a  Military  Conscription.  For  the  conquest  of  Canada, 
the  people  will  not  enlist;  &  if  they  would,  the  Treasury  is  ex 
hausted,  &  they  could  not  be  paid.  Conscription  is  chosen  as  the 
most  promising  instrument,  both  of  overcoming  reluctance  to  the 
Service,  &  of  subduing  the  difficulties  which  arise  from  the  de 
ficiencies  of  the  Exchequer.  The  administration  asserts  the  right 
to  fill  the  ranks  of  the  regular  army  by  compulsion.  It  contends 
that  it  may  now  take  one  out  of  every  twenty-five  men,  &  any 
part  or  the  whole  of  the  rest,  whenever  its  occasions  require.  Per 
sons  thus  taken  by  force,  &  put  into  an  army,  may  be  compelled 
to  serve  there,  during  the  war,  or  for  life.  They  may  be  put  on 
any  service,  at  home  or  abroad,  for  defence  or  for  invasion,  ac 
cording  to  the  will  &  pleasure  of  Government.  This  power  does 
not  grow  out  of  any  invasion  of  the  country,  or  even  out  of  a 
state  of  war.  It  belongs  to  Government  at  all  times,  in  peace  as 
well  as  in  war,  &  is  to  be  exercised  under  all  circumstances,  ac 
cording  to  its  mere  discretion.  This,  Sir,  is  the  amount  of  the 
principle  contended  for  by  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Is  this,  Sir,  consistent  with  the  character  of  a  free  Govern 
ment?  Is  this  civil  liberty?  Is  this  the  real  character  of  our 
Constitution?  No,  Sir,  indeed  it  is  not.  The  Constitution  is 
libelled,  foully  libelled.  The  people  of  this  country  have  not 
established  for  themselves  such  a  fabric  of  despotism.  They 
have  not  purchased  at  a  vast  expense  of  their  own  treasure  & 
their  own  blood  a  Magna  Charta  to  be  slaves.  Where  is  it 
written  in  the  Constitution,  in  what  article  or  section  is  it  con 
tained,  that  you  may  take  children  from  their  parents,  &  parents 
from  their  children,  &  compel  them  to  fight  the  battles  of  any 
war,  in  which  the  folly  or  the  wickedness  of  Government  may 
engage  it  ?  Under  what  concealment  has  this  power  lain  hidden, 
which  now  for  the  first  time  comes  forth,  with  a  tremendous  & 
baleful  aspect,  to  trample  down  &  destroy  the  dearest  rights  of 
personal  liberty?  Who  will  show  me  any  constitutional  injunc 
tion,  which  makes  it  the  duty  of  the  American  people  to  sur 
render  every  thing  valuable  in  life,  &  even  life  itself,  not  when 
the  safety  of  their  country  &  its  liberties  may  demand  the  sac 
rifice,  but  whenever  the  purposes  of  an  ambitious  &  mischievous 
Government  may  require  it?  Sir,  I  almost  disdain  to  go  to 
quotations  &  references  to  prove  that  such  an  abominable  doctrine 
has  no  foundation  in  the  Constitution  of  the  country.  It  is 
enough  to  know  that  that  instrument  was  intended  as  the  basis 
of  a  free  Government,  &  that  the  power  contended  for  is  incom- 


62  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

patible  with  any  notion  of  personal  liberty.  An  attempt  to  main 
tain  this  doctrine  upon  the  provisions  of  the  Constitution  is  an 
exercise  of  perverse  ingenuity  to  extract  slavery  from  the  sub 
stance  of  a  free  Government.  It  is  an  attempt  to  show,  by  proof 
&  argument,  that  we  ourselves  are  subjects  of  despotism,  &  that 
we  have  a  right  to  chains  &  bondage,  firmly  secured  to  us  &  our 
children,  by  the  provisions  of  our  Government.  It  has  been  the 
labor  of  other  men,  at  other  times,  to  mitigate  &  reform  the  pow 
ers  of  Government  by  construction;  to  support  the  rights  of 
personal  security  by  every  species  of  favorable  &  benign  interpre 
tation,  &  thus  to  infuse  a  free  spirit  into  Governments,  not 
friendly  in  their  general  structure  &  formation  to  public  liberty. 

The  supporters  of  the  measures  before  us  act  on  the  opposite 
principle.  It  is  their  task  to  raise  arbitrary  powers,  by  con 
struction,  out  of  a  plain  written  charter  of  National  Liberty. 
It  is  their  pleasing  duty  to  free  us  of  the  delusion,  which  we  have 
fondly  cherished,  that  we  are  the  subjects  of  a  mild,  free  & 
limited  Government,  &  to  demonstrate  by  a  regular  chain  of 
premises  &  conclusions,  that  Government  possesses  over  us  a 
power  more  tyrannical,  more  arbitrary,  more  dangerous,  more 
allied  to  blood  &  murder,  more  full  of  every  form  of  mischief, 
more  productive  of  every  sort  &  degree  of  misery,  than  has  been 
exercised  by  any  civilized  Government,  with  a  single  exception, 
in  modern  times. 

The  Secretary  of  War  has  favored  us  with  an  argument  on 
the  constitutionality  of  this  power.  Those  who  lament  that  such 
doctrines  should  be  supported  by  the  opinion  of  a  high  officer  of 
Government,  may  a  little  abate  their  regret,  when  they  remember 
that  the  same  officer,  in  his  last  letter  of  instructions  to  our  min 
isters  abroad,  maintained  the  contrary.  In  that  letter,  he  de 
clares,  that  even  the  impressment  of  seamen,  for  which  many  more 
plausible  reasons  may  be  given  than  for  the  impressment  of  sol 
diers,  is  repugnant  to  our  constitution. 

It  might  therefore  be  a  sufficient  answer  to  his  argument,  in 
the  present  case,  to  quote  against  it  the  sentiments  of  its  own 
author,  &  to  place  the  two  opinions  before  the  House,  in  a  state  of 
irreconcilable  conflict.  Further  comment  on  either  might  then 
be  properly  forborne,  until  he  should  be  pleased  to  inform  us 
which  he  retracted,  &  to  which  he  adhered.  But  the  importance 
of  the  subject  may  justify  a  further  consideration  of  the  argu 
ment. 

Congress  having,  by  the  Constitution  a  power  to  raise  armies, 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  63 

the  Secretary  contends  that  no  restraint  is  to  be  imposed  on  the 
exercise  of  this  power,  except  such  as  is  expressly  stated  in  the 
written  letter  of  the  instrument.  In  other  words,  that  Congress 
may  execute  its  powers,  by  any  means  it  chooses,  unless  such 
means  are  particularly  prohibited.  But  the  general  nature  & 
object  of  the  Constitution  impose  as  rigid  a  restriction  on  the 
means  of  exercising  power,  as  could  be  done  by  the  most  explicit 
injunctions.  It  is  the  first  principle  applicable  to  such  a  case, 
that  no  construction  shall  be  admitted  which  impairs  the  general 
nature  &  character  of  the  instrument.  A  free  constitution  of 
Government  is  to  be  construed  upon  free  principles,  &  every 
branch  of  its  provisions  is  to  receive  such  an  interpretation  as  is 
full  of  its  general  spirit.  No  means  are  to  be  taken  by  implica 
tion,  which  would  strike  us  absurdly,  if  expressed.  And  what 
would  have  been  more  absurd,  than  for  this  constitution  to  have 
said,  that  to  secure  the  great  blessings  of  liberty  it  gave  to  Gov 
ernment  an  uncontrolled  power  of  military  conscription?  Yet 
such  is  the  absurdity  which  it  is  made  to  exhibit,  under  the  com 
mentary  of  the  Secretary  of  War. 

But  it  is  said,  that  it  might  happen  that  an  army  would  not  be 
raised  by  voluntary  enlistment,  in  which  case  the  power  to  raise 
armies  would  be  granted  in  vain,  unless  they  might  be  raised  by 
compulsion.  If  this  reasoning  could  prove  any  thing,  it  would 
equally  show,  that  whenever  the  legitimate  powers  of  the  Con 
stitution  should  be  so  badly  administered  as  to  cease  to  answer 
the  great  ends  intended  by  them,  such  new  powers  may  be  as 
sumed  or  usurped,  as  any  existing  administration  may  deem 
expedient.  This  is  a  result  of  his  own  reasoning,  to  which  the 
Secretary  does  not  profess  to  go.  But  it  is  a  true  result.  For 
if  it  is  to  be  assumed,  that  all  powers  were  granted,  which  might 
by  possibility  become  necessary,  &  that  Government  itself  is  the 
judge  of  this  possible  necessity,  then  the  powers  of  Government 
are  precisely  what  it  chooses  they  should  be.  Apply  the  same 
reasoning  to  any  other  power  granted  to  Congress,  &  test  its 
accuracy  by  the  result.  Congress  has  power  to  borrow  money. 
How  is  it  to  exercise  this  power?  Is  it  confined  to  voluntary 
loans?  There  is  no  express  limitation  to  that  effect,  &,  in  the 
language  of  the  Secretary,  it  might  happen,  indeed,  it  has  hap 
pened,  that  persons  could  not  be  found  willing  to  lend.  Money 
might  be  borrowed  then  in  any  other  mode.  In  other  words, 
Congress  might  resort  to  a  forced  loan.  It  might  take  the  money 
of  any  man,  by  force,  &  give  him  in  exchange  Exchequer  notes 


64  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

or  Certificate  of  Stock.  Would  this  be  quite  constitutional, 
Sir  ?  It  is  entirely  within  the  reasoning  of  the  Secretary,  &  it  is 
a  result  of  his  argument,  outraging  the  rights  of  individuals  in 
a  far  less  degree,  than  the  practical  consequences  which  he  him 
self  draws  from  it.  A  compulsory  loan  is  not  to  be  compared, 
in  point  of  enormity,  wii.h  a  compulsory  military  service. 

If  the  Secretary  of  War  has  proved  the  right  of  Congress  to 
enact  a  law  enforcing  a  draft  of  men  out  of  the  Militia  into  the 
regular  army,  he  will  at  any  time  be  able  to  prove,  quite  as 
clearly,  that  Congress  has  power  to  create  a  Dictator.  The 
arguments  which  have  helped  him  in  one  case,  will  equally  aid 
him  in  the  other.  The  same  reason  of  a  supposed  or  possible 
state  necessity,  which  is  urged  now,  may  be  repeated  then,  with 
equal  pertinency  &  effect. 

Sir,  in  granting  Congress  the  power  to  raise  armies,  the  People 
have  granted  all  the  means  which  are  ordinary  &  usual,  &  which 
are  consistent  with  the  liberties  &  security  of  the  People  them 
selves;  &  they  have  granted  no  others.  To  talk  about  the  un 
limited  power  of  the  Government  over  the  means  to  execute  its 
authority,  is  to  hold  a  language  which  is  true  only  in  regard  to 
despotism.  The  tyranny  of  Arbitrary  Government  consists  as 
much  in  its  means  as  in  its  ends;  &  it  would  be  a  ridiculous  & 
absurd  constitution  which  should  be  less  cautious  to  guard  against 
abuses  in  the  one  case  than  in  the  other.  All  the  means  &  instru 
ments  which  a  free  Government  exercises,  as  well  as  the  ends  & 
objects  which  it  pursues,  are  to  partake  of  its  own  essential  char 
acter,  &  to  be  conformed  to  its  genuine  spirit.  A  free  Govern 
ment  with  arbitrary  means  to  administer  it  is  a  contradiction;  a 
free  Government  without  adequate  provision  for  personal  security 
is  an  absurdity;  a  free  Government,  with  an  uncontrolled  power 
of  military  conscription,  is  a  solecism,  at  once  the  most  ridiculous 
&  abominable  that  ever  entered  into  the  head  of  man. 

Sir,  I  invite  the  supporters  of  the  measures  before  you  to 
look  to  their  actual  operation.  Let  the  men  who  have  so  often 
pledged  their  own  fortunes  &  their  own  lives  to  the  support  of 
this  war,  look  to  the  wanton  sacrifice  which  they  are  about  to 
make  of  their  lives  &  fortunes.  They  may  talk  as  they  will 
about  substitutes,  &  compensations,  &  exemptions.  It  must  come 
to  the  draft  at  last.  If  the  Government  cannot  hire  men  volun 
tarily  to  fight  its  battles,  neither  can  individuals.  If  the  war 
should  continue,  there  will  be  no  escape,  &  every  man's  fate,  & 
every  man's  life  will  come  to  depend  on  the  issue  of  the  military 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  65 

draught.  Who  shall  describe  to  you  the  horror  which  your 
orders  of  Conscription  shall  create  in  the  once  happy  villages  of 
this  country?  Who  shall  describe  the  distress  &  anguish  which 
they  will  spread  over  those  hills  &  valleys,  where  men  have  here 
tofore  been  accustomed  to  labor,  &  to  rest  in  security  &  happiness. 
Anticipate  the  scene,  Sir,  when  the  class  shall  assemble  to  stand 
its  draft,  &  to  throw  the  dice  for  blood.  What  a  group  of  wives 
&  mothers,  &  sisters,  of  helpless  age  &  helpless  infancy,  shall 
gather  round  the  theatre  of  this  horrible  lottery,  as  if  the  stroke 
of  death  were  to  fall  from  heaven  before  their  eyes,  on  a  father, 
a  brother,  a  son  or  an  husband.  And  in  a  majority  of  cases,  Sir, 
it  will  be  the  stroke  of  death.  Under  present  prospects  of  the 
continuance  of  the  war,  not  one  half  of  them  on  whom  your  con 
scription  shall  fall,  will  ever  return  to  tell  the  tale  of  their  suf 
ferings.  They  will  perish  of  disease  &  pestilence,  or  they  will 
leave  their  bones  to  whiten  in  fields  beyond  the  frontier.  Does 
the  lot  fall  on  the  father  of  a  family?  His  children,  already 
orphans,  shall  see  his  face  no  more.  When  they  behold  him  for 
the  last  time,  they  shall  see  him  lashed  &  fettered,  &  dragged 
away  from  his  own  threshold,  like  a  felon  &  an  outlaw.  Does 
it  fall  on  a  son,  the  hope  &  the  staff  of  aged  parents.  That  hope 
shall  fail  them.  On  that  staff  they  shall  lean  no  longer.  They 
shall  not  enjoy  the  happiness  of  dying  before  their  children. 
They  shall  totter  to  their  grave,  bereft  of  their  offspring,  & 
unwept  by  any  who  inherit  their  blood.  Does  it  fall  on  a  hus 
band?  The  eyes  which  watch  his  parting  steps  may  swim  in 
tears  forever.  She  is  a  wife  no  longer.  There  is  no  relation  so 
tender  or  so  sacred,  that,  by  these  accursed  measures,  you  do  not 
propose  to  violate  it.  There  is  no  happiness  so  perfect,  that  you 
do  not  propose  to  destroy  it.  Into  the  paradise  of  domestic  life 
you  enter,  not  indeed  by  temptations  &  sorceries,  but  by  open 
force  &  violence. 

But  this  father,  or  this  son,  or  this  husband  goes  to  the  camp. 
With  whom  do  you  associate  him?  With  those  only  who  are 
sober  &  virtuous  &  respectable  like  himself  ?  No,  Sir.  But  you 
propose  to  find  him  companions  in  the  worst  men  of  the  worst 
sort.  Another  Bill  lies  on  your  table  offering  a  bounty  to  de 
serters  from  your  enemy.  Whatever  is  most  infamous  in  his 
ranks  you  propose  to  make  your  own.  You  address  yourselves  to 
those  who  will  hear  you  advise  them  to  perjury  and  treason.  All 
who  are  ready  to  set  Heaven  &  earth  at  defiance  at  the  same  time, 
to  violate  their  oaths,  &  run  the  hazard  of  capital  punishment, 


66  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

&  none  others,  will  yield  to  your  solicitations.  And  these  are 
they  whom  you  are  allowing  to  join  your  ranks,  by  holding  out 
to  them  inducements  &  bounties  with  one  hand,  while  with  the 
other  you  are  driving  thither  the  honest  &  worthy  members  of 
your  own  community,  under  the  lash  &  scourge  of  conscription. 
In  the  line  of  your  army,  with  the  true  levelling  of  despotism, 
you  propose  a  promiscuous  mixture  of  the  worthy  &  the  worth 
less,  the  virtuous  &  the  profligate;  the  husbandman,  the  mei*- 
chant,  the  mechanic  of  your  own  country,  with  the  beings  whom 
war  selects  from  the  excess  of  European  population,  who  pos 
sess  neither  interests,  feelings  or  character  in  common  with  your 
own  people,  &  who  have  no  other  recommendation  to  your  notice 
than  their  propensity  to  crimes. 

Nor  is  it,  Sir,  for  the  defense  of  his  own  house  &  home,  that 
he  who  is  the  subject  of  military  draft  is  to  perform  the  task 
allotted  to  him.  You  will  put  him  upon  a  service  equally  for 
eign  to  his  interests  &  abhorrent  to  his  feelings.  With  his  aid 
you  are  to  push  your  purposes  of  conquest.  The  battles  which 
he  is  to  fight  are  the  battles  of  invasion ;  battles  which  he  detests 
perhaps  &  abhors,  less  from  the  danger  &  the  death  that  gather 
over  them,  &  the  blood  with  which  they  drench  the  plain,  than 
from  the  principles  in  which  they  have  their  origin.  Fresh  from 
the  peaceful  pursuits  of  life,  &  yet  a  soldier  but  in  name,  he  is 
to  be  opposed  to  veteran  troops,  hardened  under  every  scene, 
inured  to  every  privation  &  disciplined  in  every  service.  If,  Sir, 
in  this  strife  he  fall — if,  while  ready  to  obey  every  rightful  com 
mand  of  Government,  he  is  forced  from  home  against  right,  not 
to  contend  for  the  defence  of  his  country,  but  to  prosecute  a 
miserable  &  detestable  project  of  invasion,  &  in  that  strife  he 
fall,  'tis  murder.  It  may  stalk  above  the  cognizance  of  human 
law,  but  in  the  sight  of  Heaven  it  is  murder ;  &  though  millions 
of  years  may  roll  away,  while  his  ashes  &  yours  lie  mingled  to 
gether  in  the  earth,  the  day  will  yet  come,  when  his  spirit  &  the 
spirits  of  his  children  must  be  met  at  the  bar  of  omnipotent  jus 
tice.  May  God,  in  his  compassion,  shield  me  from  any  partici 
pation  in  the  enormity  of  this  guilt. 

I  would  ask,  Sir,  whether  the  supporters  of  these  measures 
have  well  weighed  the  difficulties  of  their  undertaking.  Have 
they  considered  whether  it  will  be  found  easy  to  execute  laws, 
which  bear  such  marks  of  despotism  on  their  front,  &  which  will 
be  so  productive  of  cverv  sort  &  degree  of  misery  in  their  execu 
tion?  For  one,  Sir,  I  hesitate  not  to  say,  that  they  can  not  be 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  67 

executed.  No  law  professedly  passed  for  the  purpose  of  com 
pelling  a  service  in  the  regular  army,  nor  any  law,  which  under 
color  of  military  draft,  shall  compel  men  to  serve  in  the  army,  not 
for  the  emergencies  mentioned  in  the  Constitution,  but  for  long 
periods,  &  for  the  general  objects  of  war,  can  be  carried  into 
effect.  In  my  opinion,  it  ought  not  to  be  carried  into  effect. 
The  operation  of  measures  thus  unconstitutional  &  illegal  ought 
to  be  prevented,  by  a  resort  to  other  measures  which  are  both  con 
stitutional  &  legal.  It  will  be  the  solemn  duty  of  the  State  Gov 
ernments  to  protect  their  own  authority  over  their  own  Militia, 
&  to  interpose  between  their  citizens  &  arbitrary  power.  These 
are  among  the  objects  for  which  the  State  Governments  exist;  & 
their  highest  obligations  bind  them  to  the  preservation  of  their 
own  rights  &  the  liberties  of  their  people.  I  express  these  senti 
ments  here,  Sir,  because  I  shall  express  them  to  my  constituents. 
Both  they  &  myself  live  under  a  Constitution  which  teaches  us, 
that  "the  doctrine  of  non-resistance  against  arbitrary  power  & 
oppression,  is  absurd,  slavish,  &  destructive  of  the  good  &  happi 
ness  of  mankind."  l  With  the  same  earnestness  with  which  I  now 
exhort  you  to  forbear  from  these  measures,  I  shall  exhort  them 
to  exercise  their  unquestionable  right  of  providing  for  the  secur 
ity  of  their  own  liberties. 

In  my  opinion,  Sir,  the  sentiments  of  the  free  population  of 
this  country  are  greatly  mistaken  here.  The  nation  is  not  yet  in 
a  temper  to  submit  to  conscription.  The  people  have  too  fresh 
&  strong  a  feeling  of  the  blessings  of  civil  liberty  to  be  willing 
thus  to  surrender  it.  You  may  talk  to  them  as  much  as  you 
please,  of  the  victory  &  glory  to  be  obtained  in  the  Enemy's 
Provinces;  they  will  hold  those  obiects  in  light  estimation,  if  the 
means  be  a  forced  military  service.  You  may  sing  to  them  the 
song  of  Canada  Conquests  in  all  its  variety,  but  they  will  not 
be  charmed  out  of  the  remembrance  of  their  substantial  interests, 
&  true  happiness.  Similar  pretences,  they  know,  are  the  graves  in 
which  the  liberties  of  other  nations  have  been  buried,  &  they 
will  take  warning. 

Laws,  Sir,  of  this  nature  can  create  nothing  but  opposition. 
If  you  scatter  them  abroad,  like  the  fabled  serpents'  teeth,  they 
will  spring  up  into  armed  men.  A  military  force  cannot  be 
raised,  in  this  manner,  but  by  the  means  of  a  military  force.  If 
administration  has  found  that  it  can  not  form  an  army  without 

1  New  Hampshire  Bill  of  Rights. 


68  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

conscription,  it  will  find,  if  it  venture  on  these  experiments,  that 
it  can  not  enforce  conscription  without  an  army.  The  Govern 
ment  was  not  constituted  for  such  purposes.  Framed  in  the 
spirit  of  liberty,  &  in  the  love  of  peace,  it  has  no  powers  which 
render  it  able  to  enforce  such  laws.  The  attempt,  if  we  rashly 
make  it,  will  fail ;  &  having  already  thrown  away  our  peace,  we 
may  thereby  throw  away  our  Government. 

Allusions  have  been  made,  Sir,  to  the  state  of  things  in  New 
England,  &,  as  usual,  she  has  been  charged  with  an  intention  to 
dissolve  the  Union.  The  charge  is  unfounded.  She  is  much 
too  wise  to  entertain  such  purposes.  She  has  had  too  much  ex 
perience,  &  has  too  strong  a  recollection  of  the  blessings  which 
the  Union  is  capable  of  producing  under  a  just  administration  of 
Government.  It  is  her  greatest  fear,  that  the  course  at  present 
pursued  will  destroy  it,  by  destroying  every  principle,  every  in 
terest,  every  sentiment,  &  every  feeling,  which  have  hitherto 
contributed  to  uphold  it.  Those  who  cry  out  that  the  Union  is 
in  danger  are  themselves  the  authors  of  that  danger.  They  put 
its  existence  to  hazard  by  measures  of  violence,  which  it  is  not 
capable  of  enduring.  They  talk  of  dangerous  designs  against 
Government,  when  they  are  overthrowing  the  fabric  from  its 
foundations.  They  alone,  Sir,  are  friends  to  the  union  of  the 
States,  who  endeavor  to  maintain  the  principles  of  civil  liberty 
in  the  country,  &  to  preserve  the  spirit  in  which  the  Union  was 
framed.1 


'(To  EzeJciel  Webster.2) 

WASHINGTON.  Jan.  22.  1815 

I  have  sent  you  Stockton's  and  Ward's  speeches;  also  my 
little  talk  about  the  bank.3  My  conscription  speech  must  rest 
till  another  day.  *  *  * 

D.  WEBSTER. 

1  See   Private  Correspondence,   vol.  i.,  p.   248.     In  this  letter  to  Ezekiel, 
Webster  says  "  after  the  best  reflection  which  I  have  been  able  to  bestow  "  he 
has  decided  not  to  publish  this  speech  on  the  conscription  bill.     It  is  merely 
mentioned  in  the  Register  of  Congressional  Debates. 

2  Daniel  Webster  to  Ezekiel  Webster,  "  Private  Correspondence  of  Daniel 
Webster,"  vol.  i.,  p.  250. 

3  Speech  on  the  incorporation  of  a  bank  of  the  United  States,  Jan.  2,  1815. 
The  President  vetoed  the  bill. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  69 

(To  Moody  Kent,  Esq.) 

Dear  sirj  [Washington]  Dec  22.  [1814] 

I  am  glad  to  hear  that  that  creature  will  resign  his  Office,  for 
the  good  of  the  State  and  People.  I  cannot  say  whether  I 
would  or  not  accept  the  office  if  offered —  I  was  once  rather  in 
a  temper  for  it,  but  of  late  my  opinion  is  somewhat  altered — 
My  hepe  would  be,  that  if  Mr.  F.  resigns  no  nomination  should 
be  made  until  there  is  a  new  Council.  I  should  not  expect  H.1 
to  agree  to  any  thing  that  was  proper;  &  therefore  think  the 
Govr.  should  omit  the  nomination.  My  indifference  to  the  office 
does  not  arise  from  any  wish  to  be  here.  I  do  not  intend  spend 
ing  another  winter  in  this  Great  Dismal. 

Who  are  the  People  for,  for  Govr? —  If  it  be  Mr.  Mason,  let 
them  have  him — nominate  him —  I  do  not  think  he  would  re 
fuse,  in  these  perilous  times. 

We  have  passed  most  of  the  Taxes  thro'  the  House  of  Reps — 
A  permanent  Annual  Land  Tax  of  6  millions  is  in  its  last  read 
ing  this  morning. 

Things  look  very  bad  here,  &  I  confess  I  have  no  expectation 
of  their  growing  better  while  this  War  lasts. —  The  People 
cannot  pay  the  Taxes  proposed ;  especially  in  the  South —  The 
Govt.  cannot  execute  a  Conscription  Law,  if  it  should  try —  It 
cannot  enlist  soldiers —  It  cannot  borrow  money — what  can  it 
do?— 

The  Govt.  cannot  last,  under  this  war  &  in  the  hands  of  these 
men  another  twelve  month —  Not  that  opposition  will  break  it 
down,  but  it  will  break  itself  down.  It  will  go  out —  This  is 
my  sober  opinion. 

We  have  had  sundry  good  speeches,  which  I  shall  send  you 
in  time —  I  am  obliged  to  you  for  all  your  favors —  I  earn 
estly  beg  you  to  write  oftener — letting  me  know  all  about  the 
local  news,  temper  of  the  people  &c 

Ever  Yrs  D.  W. 


(To  Moody  Kent.) 

Dear  Sir  WASHINGTON  Jan  14 —  [1815] 

I  have  just  reed  yours  of  the  2d  &  6th  together —     I  am 


Probably  Isaac  Hill. 


70  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

greatly  surprised  at  the  resolution  taken  at  the  Meeting  at  Con 
cord —  It  seems  to  be  a  part  of  the  never  ending  troubles  & 
embarrassments  of  our  State  politics —  I  hope  those  concerned 
will  consider,  &  re-consider  their  determination —  If  my  infor 
mation,  which  is  pretty  general,  is  not  altogether  incorrect,  schism 
would  certainly  follow  that  nomination — 

I  have  not  time  this  day  to  say  more — but  will  [write]  you 
again  soon —  In  the  mean  time  I  have  no  objection  to  your 
saying  to  any  body,  you  may  think  proper,  my  opinion  on  this. 
I  am  sure  it  is  also  the  opinion  of  others  here  much  better  en 
titled  to  give  an  opinion  than  myself —  Whether  we  are  all  of 
that  opinion  I  cannot  say,  but  will  inquire  &  let  you  know.  I 
thought  it  settled  &  decided  last  June  that  we  were  to  have  a 
new  Candidate  for  Governor —  but  it  seems  nothing  can  be 
decided,  in  the  politics  of  our  State. — 

In  haste  Yrs — 

D.  W. 

Nothing  yet  decisive  of  the  fate  of  N.  Orleans — considerable 
reinforcements  were  likely  to  arrive  in  season — 


(To  Hon.  Moses  P.  Payson.) 

BosTON.1  Oct.  10.  1816. 
Dear  Sir, 

Mrs  Webber  the  respectable  widow  of  the  late  President  of 
Hanover  College,  desires  me  to  inquire  of  you,  about  some  wild 
lands,  taxes  &c.  in  your  country.  She  says  she  wrote  you,  some 
time  ago,  enclosing  money,  &  never  having  heard  from  you,  she  is 
anxious  to  learn  whether  her  letter  miscarried. 

I  learn  [that]  Mr  Olcott  is  to  be  in  this  place  next  week,  & 
I  hope  he  will  be  prepared  to  adjust  my  affairs  with  your  "Insti 
tution"  as  Bro.  Sprague  used  to  call  the  Bank.  From  the  symp- 
tons  which  I  thought  manifested  themselves  in  Rock.2  County, 
it  appeared  to  me,  that  the  Feds,  in  N.  H.  have  the  coming  Elec 
tion  In  their  power.  I  do  not  believe  it  possible  to  heal  the 
divisions  in  &  about  Portsmouth.  I  think  the  Judge  will  not 
obtain  all  the  Democratic  votes  in  Rockingham,  by  a  great  many. 

1  In  August  of  1816  Webster  removed  from  Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  to  Boston. 
His  first  residence  was  on  Mt.  Vernon  St. ,  at  the  summit  of  Beacon  Hill. 

2  Rockingham. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  71 

It  would  be  a  thing  to  be  remembered,  &  rejoiced  at  if  the 
Federalists,  by  a  little  vigor  &  exertion,  should  carry  their 
Ticket. 

Yrs. 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.1) 

BOSTON  Oct.  29th  1816 
Dear  Sir 

Mrs.  Webster  thinks  she  cannot  be  ready  for  her  departure 
till  Monday  the  11th  &  I  should  think  that  would  be  in  tolerable 
season  as  it  wd  give  us  three  full  weeks.  My  plan  is  to  make 
some  bargain  for  myself  &  wife  to  be  conveyed  to  Hartford,  in 
dependent  of  your  carriage.  It  is  a  long  &  heavy  road  to  Hart 
ford,  &  I  should  not  think  it  would  be  well  to  add  anything  to 
the  burden  of  your  new  horses,  at  their  first  setting  out,  &  over  so 
hilly  a  road.  I  can  easily  take  either  a  hack,  or  a  gig,  &  in  the 
last  case  send  our  baggage  by  stage.  It  will  be  three  days,  to 
Hartford,  by  way  of  Worcester,  &  Stafford — &  not  much  less  on 
any  road.  One  day  from  Hartford  to  New  Haven,  &  two  thence 
to  New  York.  We  shall  then  have  a  week  to  go  to  &  stay  in  Phila 
delphia,  &  another  to  get  to  Washington.  If  we  go  from  here 
the  7th.  or  8th.  (Thursday  or  Friday)  as  you  propose,  we  shall 
find  ourselves  in  Connecticut  at  a  time  of  the  week,  when  we  could 
not  travel,  if  we  would. 

I  have  written  Mr.  Coyle,  &  recd.  an  answer.  He  is  afraid  of 
turning  off  his  old  boarders — at  least  he  says  so, — &  thinks  he 
cannot  take  us.  You  know  the  true  reason.  Do  you  know 
much  or  any  thing  of  Mrs.  Hyers?  It  is  the  house  where  Hop- 
kinson  &  Sargeant  lodged  last  winter.  Possibly,  when  at  Phila 
delphia,  we  can  make  an  arrangement  with  them.  If  you  think 
it  useful  to  write  to  any  body  else  at  Washington  at  present,  I 

1  Jeremiah  Mason  and  Webster  were  friends  and  mutual  admirers  through 
life.  Webster  believed  him  to  be  the  greatest  lawyer  in  the  United  States. 
He  was  plain  and  straightforward  in  speech  and  undoubtedly  greatly  influenced 
Webster's  style  for  the  better.  See  "Bench  and  Bar  of  New  Hampshire," 
p.  502,  also  Curtis'  "  Life  of  Webster,"  index.  For  Daniel  Webster's  opinion  of 
Mason's  strength  intellectually,  see  Daniel  Webster  to  J.  Mason,  Feb.  27,  1830. 
Daniel  Webster  had  been  asked  to  plead  against  Mason.  "  If  it  were  an  easy 
and  plain  case  on  our  side  I  might  be  willing  to  go,  but  I  have  some  of  your 
pounding  in  my  bones  yet,  and  don't  care  about  any  more  till  that  wears  out." 
"  Private  Correspondence,"  i,  488. 


72  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

wish  you  would  do  it — or  if  you  desire  it,  I  will  write  to  Coyle, 
(knowing  nobody  else  there)  to  be  looking  out  a  place  condi 
tionally, — that  is,  if  we  like  it. 

Our  daughter  is  yet  not  well.  She  has  a  tumor  on  her  neck 
which  we  thought  the  mumps  but  it  has  remained  too  long  for 
that.  It  has  for  some  days  appeared  to  be  better,  &  we  believe 
it  is  going  off.1  We  have  made  an  arrangement  to  leave  our 
children  with  Mrs.  Webber,  at  Cambridge. 

We  saw  Mary  on  Sunday.  She  was  well  and  I  think  not 
homesick  Her  instructor  told  me  yesterday  that  she  began  well. 

I  am,  D  Sir,  Yours 

D.  WEBSTER 


(To  James  W.  Paige.2) 

WASHINGTON  Dec.  1st  1816 
Dear  Brother, 

We  reached  this  place,  called  a  City  yesterday,  our  journey 
was  pleasant  and  much  less  fatiguing  than  I  expected. —  We 
have  not  yet  taken  permanent  lodging  but  shall  in  a  day  or  two. 
We  shall  be,  and  indeed  are  now  on  the  hilly  Capitol  I  should  say, 
very  near  the  house  where  Congress  sits,  which  is  a  pleasant  cir 
cumstance.  Mr  &  Mrs  Mason  my  husband  and  myself  make, 
what  is  here  termed  a  Mess.  Indeed  there  are  to  be  no  other 
lodgers  in  the  house  *  *  *  3 

Mr  W.  and  myself  [meant  to  go]  to  a  little  Presbyterian 
Church  this  morning,  but  our  dinner  was  too  late  to  admit  of  our 
going,  and  indeed  if  it  had  not  been  the  case  Mr  W.  is  too  unwell 
to  go  out  he  went  to  bed  when  we  dined.  I  hope  it  is  nothing 
more  than  a  cold  and  fatigue. —  Write  to  me  soon  and  let  me 
know  how  you  all  get  along. 

Please  to  remember  me  to  Mr  &  Mrs  Greenleaf  and  believe  me 
ever  your  affectionate 

sister     G.  WEBSTER. 

1  The  daughter,  Grace,  died  early  in  1817  of  consumption. 

2  Mr.   Paige  was  a  half-brother  of  Mrs.    Webster.     The   mother,    Rebecca 
Chamberlain,  married,  first,  the  Rev.  Elijah  Fletcher,  of  Hopkinton,  N.  H. 
Grace  Fletcher  was  the  youngest  of  four  children  by   this  marriage.     Mrs. 
Fletcher  again  married  the   Rev.  Christopher  Paige.     James   W.    Paige,   to 
whom  this  letter  was  written,  was  the  third  son  of  this  marriage.     He  became 
a  successful  merchant  in  Boston.     See  Curtis'  "  Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  i,  p.  83. 

3  Unimportant  matter  omitted. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  73 

(To  James  W.  Paige.) 

My  dear  Brother,  WASHINGTON  Dec.  14  1816- 

*  *  *  *  \ye  are  jn  verv  good  health,  and  the  City  upon 
acquaintance  is  more  pleasant  than  I  expected  I  have  twice  been 
to  see  the  ruins  of  the  Capitol  it  was  more  splendid  than  I  had 
imagined ;  the  external  which  is  of  stone  is  entire  except  the  win 
dows;  there  is  considerable  remains  yet  of  the  architecture,  tho 
broken  and  defaced.  It  looks  as  if  it  would  be  at  least  the  work 
of  this  generation  to  repair  and  complete  the  whole.  There  are 
a  number  of  artisans  employed  in  carving  stone ;  foreigners  both 
French  and  Italians.  There  were  several  at  work  on  the  cap  of 
pillars,  we  inquired  how  long  it  would  take  to  complete  one  cap 
and  they  said  two  months  or  perhaps  longer.  The  Capitol  is 
directly  in  front  of  our  lodgings  and  if  Congress  sat  there  it 
would  add  much  to  our  amusement  to  see  them  pass  and  re- 
pass.  *  *  * 1 

and  believe  me  ever  Your  affectionate 

Sister     G  WEBSTER 

(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

Dear  Sir  BOSTON  June  28  1817 

I  believe  your  reasons  for  resigning  are  tolerably  good,2  & 
yet  I  could  have  wished  that  you  should  have  remained.  It  is, 
I  think,  very  much  to  be  desired  that  somebody  should  be  in 
each  House  who  would  be  capable  of  making  out  a  proper  course 
for  Federalists  to  pursue,  in  those  emergencies  which  will  prob 
ably  arise,  in  a  year  or  two. 

I  fear  Mr.  King  will  follow  your  example,  &  leave  the  Senate. 
Who  remains,  fit  to  prescribe  any  course  to  us? —  I  thought 
also  that  the  few  Federalists  in  N.  H.  who  have  much  intelligence 
on  the  subject,  were  desirous  that  you  should  remain,  &  that  you 
might,  under  the  circumstances,  decide  a  doubtful  question  by  a 
regard  to  their  satisfaction  &  gratification. 

Nevertheless,  it  is  true,  that  very  little  political  interest  exists 
any  where,  &  that  the  sacrifices  which  your  situation  in  Con 
gress  required  were  very  great. 

1  Trifles  about  the  children  omitted. 

s  Mr.  Mason  acted  for  four  years  as  Senator  from  New  Hampshire  and  then 
resigned. 


74  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Mr.  Otis1  it  is  said,  is  balancing,  between  his  two  places.  He 
may  try  to  get  thro'  next  winter,  without  relinquishing  either, 
but  in  the  end,  he  must  probably  quit  one,  &  I  have  little  doubt 
it  will  be  his  seat  in  the  Senate.  Did  you  know  that  Hunter  was 
gone  to  England? —  He  has  been  gone  a  month.  Has  he  any 
object  in  it?  2 

Mr.  Lloyd  is  in  Philadelphia.  The  meetings  of  the  Directors 
of  U  S  Bank,  when  they  propose  to  make  new  Branches  &c,  is 
sometime  in  July,  but  I  cannot  ascertain  when.  They  have  a 
quorum,  always,  in  Philada.  and  can  meet  at  any  time. 

I  wish  you  would  make  Roberts  continue  his  Foul  &  Lawrence 
cause  till  Feb.  9th.  As  you  will  now  be  at  that  term,  I  suppose 
he  can  have  no  great  objection.  It  would  be  very  convenient  for 
us  to  have  this  agreement  made,  as  I  do  not  think  we  can  prob 
ably  be  prepared,  at  any  rate,  &  it  wd  put  Mr.  F.  who  wishes  to 
attend  the  trial  himself  to  very  great  inconvenience. 

I  found  that  the  College  people3  thought  that  you  made  a 
strong  impression,  in  their  cause.  It  would  be  a  queer  thing  if 
Gov.  P's4  Court  should  refuse  to  execute  his  Laws.  I  am  afraid 
there  is  no  great  hope  of  their  disobedience  to  the  powers  that 
made  them. 

I  am  coming  down  the  coast  pretty  soon.  I  cannot  answer  for 
M™.  W.  She  has  a  tour  to  Monadnock  in  head,  where  she  may 
be  detained  some  time. 

We  see  Mary  sometimes  but  not  as  often  as  we  wish.  You 
have  her  approbation  very  decidedly  in  resolving  to  quit  W.  We 
talk  of  nothing  but  the  President's  visit,5  in  relation  to  which  we 
have  as  much  folly  as  heart  could  wish. 

Yr's  always 

D  WEBSTER 

(To  Hon.  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

Dear  Sir  BOSTON,  Dec.  8.  1817. 

Judge  Smith  has  written  for  a  form  of  citation  in  the  College6 
use;  which  I  shall  send  him  &  write  to  him  for  his  minutes. 


cause 


1  Harrison  Gray  Otis,  Senator  from  Massachusetts. 

2  William  Hunter,  Senator  from  Rhode  Island  (?). 

3  Dartmouth  College. 

4  Plummer,  Governor  of  New  Hampshire. 
8  Monroe  visited  New  England  in  1817. 

6  Dartmouth  College  Case.     See  Curtis'  "  Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  i,  p.  163. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  75 

My  wish  is  to  see  both  him  &  you,  before  I  go  to  Washington. 
If  I  should  not  be  kept  in  town  by  the  Court,  as  I  do  not  expect 
to,  I  intend  seeing  you  about  Christmas  or  New  Year.  Every 
body  will  expect  me  at  Washington  to  deliver  the  Exeter  argu 
ment.  Therefore  the  Exeter  argument  must  be  drawn  out  be 
fore  I  go.  I  will  spend  a  day  or  two  on  this  subject  at  Ports 
mouth  or  Exeter,  if  you  incline  that  I  should  do  so. 

We  must  have  Richardson's1  opinion  a  little  before  hand  if  we 
can,  that  we  may  consider  its  weak  points  if  there  be  any  such. 

Gore  &  Pierce  has  not  disappointed  me.  There  is  not  one  of 
them  that  I  would  trust  a  sixpence  with. 

I  am  sorry  our  College  cause  goes  to  Washington  on  one 
point  only.  What  do  you  think  of  an  action  in  some  Court  of 
the  U.  States  that  shall  raise  all  the  objections  to  the  acts  in 
question?  Such  a  suit  could  easily  be  brought,  that  is  jurisdic 
tion  could  easily  be  given  to  the  Court  of  the  U.  States  by  bring 
ing  in  a  Vermont  party. 

Yrs. 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Rev.  Francis  Brown.2) 

WASHINGTON  March  11.  1818. 
Dear  Sir, 

Our  Case  came  on  yesterday,3 —  I  opened  the  argument,  and 
occupied  almost  the  whole  of  the  sitting  in  stating  the  burden  of 
our  complaints. 

Mr.  Holmes  followed  and  stated  the  following  as  his  propo 
sitions. 

1.  This  Court  has  no  jurisdiction,  because  the  parties  do  not 
live  in  different  states —     (we  never  put  the  jurisdiction  on  that 
ground) — 

2.  That  the  grant  of  1769  was  not  a  Contract;  but  the  trus 
tees  merely  officers  of  Government  under  the  King — . 

3.  That  all  Corporations,  created  by  the  King,  were  dissolved 
by  the  revolution. 

4.  That  if  the  charter  were  a  contract,  the  acts  do  not  impair 
it.— 

1  Wm.  M.  Richardson,  Chief  Justice  of  the  Superior  Court  of  New  Hamp 
shire. 

2  President  and  trustee  of  Darmouth  College,  successor  of  Wheelock. 

3  Darmouth  College  Case. 


76  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

We  have  heard  him  on  his  three  first  heads —  He  is  to  take 
up  the  fourth  this  morning. —  Thus  far,  there  is  nothing  new 
or  formidable  developed. 

(all  stuff ) 

Mr.  Wirt  is  to  follow  Mr.  Holmes.  He  is  a  man  of  talents, 
and  will  no  doubt  make  the  best  of  his  case — 

[part  lost]      Mr.  Hopkinson  is  to  reply,  and 
will  make  up  for  all  my  deficiencies,  which  were  numerous. — 

Yours  of  the  28.  Feb.  I  received  this  morning.  I  am  glad  a 
suit  is  to  be  brought —  I  am  very  much  inclined  to  think  the 
Court  will  not  give  a  judgement  this  term.  It  is  therefore  most 
essential  to  have  an  action  in  which  all  the  questions  arise.  Pray, 
therefore  take  care,  that  a  proper  action  be  properly  commenced, 
and  in  the  earliest  season — in  the  Circuit  Court  of  N.  H. 

All  I  shall  at  present  add  is,  that  from  present  appearances, 
I  have  an  increased  confidence  that  in  the  end  Justice  will  be 
done  in  this  cause —  Mr.  Hopkinson  has  entered  into  this  case 
with  great  zeal,,  and  will  do  all  that  man  can  do. —  [Part  lost.] 

say  nothing  about  that,  till  you  hear  from  me  further 

Yours  truly 

D.  WEBSTEB 

(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

c.  BOSTON  June  29th  1818 

Dear  Sir 

Mre.  Webster  has  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Mason  this  morning,  in 
which  she  says  nothing  as  to  the  time  of  being  this  way —  I 
have  a  little  occasion,  partly  of  business,  &  partly  for  the  ride, 
to  go  to  the  Western  Counties — say,  the  first  of  next  week,  to  be 
gone  10  or  12  days —  I  would  not  go,  however,  if  your  arrange 
ments  are  to  be  here  within  that  time,  as  I  prefer,  very  much,  our 
Sandwich  expedition  &  would  not  let  this  ride,  if  I  take  it,  inter 
fere  with  it.  Mrs.  W.  will  not  go  with  me —  Be  good  en°  to 
let  me  know  how  you  are,  &  whether  you  have  fixed  any  plan  & 
time  &c 

I  see  that  P.  is  chosen  Senator  &  Bell  to  be  Gov'.1  — This  I 
think,  much  better  than  could  have  been  expected —  Plummer 
seems  to  have  been  laughed  out  of  the  whole — 

1  At  the  New  Hampshire  Republican  legislative  caucus  in  June,  Samuel 
Bell  was  nominated  for  Governor  and  Governor  Plumer  for  United  States 
Senate. 


77 

We  have  no  news.  Judge  Story's  Court  was  here  three  days 
last  week —  we  argued  the  question  of  law  which  I  mentioned 
to  you.  The  Judge  gave  no  opinion —  I  think  we  shall  get  a 
favorable  decision;  viz  to  this  effect:  "that  if  the  next  of  Kin 
of  one  domiciled  in  India  &  dying  there,  be  here;  &  funds  be 
found  here,  which  are  an  undevised  surplus  (a  will  having  been 
made  in  India)  and  such  funds,  here  be  in  the  hands  of  an  adm'r 
with  the  will  annexed;  and  the  funds  be  not  necessary  for  any 
purpose  of  the  Will  in  India,  nor  to  pay  debts — the  Court  will 
decree  the  adm'r  here  to  distribute ;  it  being  a  clear  case,  that  the 
Plf.  would  be  Entitled  to  distribution  in  India,  if  she  were  to 
follow  the  fund  there — ' 

Nothing  else  of  importance  was  done.  The  Judge  promised 
to  come  &  spend  a  day  with  me  when  you  should  be  in  town — 

Let  me  hear  from  you 

Yrs 

D  WEBSTER 

(To  Jacob  McGaw.1) 

July  27,  1818. 

"I  send  you,  with  great  cheerfulness,  a  sketch  of  our  views  of 
the  case  in  the  question  about  Dartmouth  College.  I  have  never 
allowed  myself  to  indulge  any  great  hopes  of  success;  but,  if 
even  a  few  such  men  as  Judge  Wilde  should  think  that  we  had 
made  out  our  case,  it  would  repay  the  labor.  If  you  should 
think  there  is  any  merit  in  the  manner  of  the  argument,  you  must 
recollect  that  it  is  drawn  from  materials  furnished  by  Judge 
Smith  and  Mr.  Mason,  as  well  as  from  the  little  contributed  by 
myself." 

(To  Dr.  Cyrus  Perkins.) 

BOSTON   Nov.  28.  1818. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  am  obliged  to  you  for  a  copy  of  your  ingenious  &  well  writ 
ten  Eulogy  on  Judge  Woodward.2  I  have  but  a  single  fault  to 
find  with  it;  &  in  regard  to  that  many  others  would  no  doubt 

1  Taken  from  the  publication  called  "Webster  Centennial,"  p.  123. 

2  Wm.  H.  Woodward,  secretary  of  Board  of  Trustees  of  Dartmouth  College, 
died  Aug.  9,  1818. 


78  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

differ  from  me.  The  French  rhetoricians  have  a  maxim,  that,  in 
eloquence,  nothing  is  beautiful  which  is  not  true.  I  doubt  a  good 
deal  whether  the  two  last  paragraphs  on  your  tenth  page  would 
bear  the  test  of  this  rule  of  rhetoric. —  That  point,  however, 
being  disposed  of,  according  to  every  man's  taste  (&  there  are  a 
great  many  whose  taste,  in  matters  of  this  sort,  does  not  approve 
the  rule  before  mentioned)  the  performance  is  one  which  I  think 
does  you  credit. 

I  suppose  you  know  what  Mrs.  Woodward's  intention  is,  rela 
tive  to  the  cause  at  Washington.  The  law  of  the  U.  States 
makes  provision  for  summoning  Excrs.  &  Admrs.  in  such  cases; 
but  I  do  not  know,  at  present,  whether  the  summons  must  come 
from  the  Court  at  Washington,  or  whether  some  equivalent  notice 
may  not  be  given  before  Court,  &  have  the  same  effect.  In  the 
first  case,  some  delay  would  be  necessarily  created,  which,  I  sup 
pose,  is  not  desirable  to  either  party. 

Will  there  be  any  agent  of  the  University,  at  Washington,  in 
Feb'y,  authorized  to  appear  for  Mrs  W.  or  not,  according  to 
circumstances  ? —  One  would  think  this  would  be  very  convenient 
&  useful —  If  Mrs  W.  has  no  motive  for  not  disclosing  her  in 
tentions  in  this  respect,  I  should  be  glad  you  would  write  me  on 
the  subject —  If  she  has,  of  course  I  wish  no  information. —  If 
I  do  not  learn  that  Mrs  W.  intends  to  authorize  an  appearance 
for  her  at  W.  I  incline  to  think  that  we  must  take  some  step  on 
the  subject  soon — 

Yours 

D  WEBSTER. 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

WASHINGTON  Feb.  24.  1819 
Dear  Sir 

Since  I  wrote  you  a  day  or  two  since  we  have  been  talking  a 
little  about  the  College  causes.  In  the  action  ag*.  Woodward, 
judg't  is  rendered,  nunc  pro  tune,  as  of  last  term.  The  other 
causes  will  be  remanded,  without  argument  or  discussion  here. 
If  no  alteration  shall  be  made  in  the  Verdict,  the  Circuit  Court 
will  know  what  judg't  to  render.  If  the  other  side  should  be 
inclined  to  attempt  to  make  a  different  case,  he  must  offer  his 
evidence  &  rely  on  his  bill  of  exceptions,  if  the  evidence  should 
be  ruled  out,  as  being  immaterial — 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  79 

In  the  mean  time  the  opinions  in  the  first  cause  will  be  pub 
lished,  &  it  is  not  probable  that  Counsel  will  see  anything  left, 
whereon  to  maintain  further  contest.  I  thought  it,  upon  the 
whole,  a  great  point  gained,  to  make  this  arrangement  &  avoid 
further  discussion  hero.  If  they  move  to  set  aside  this  verdict, 
it  will  probably  only  be  granted  upon  condition  of  acceding  to 
all  the  facts,  on  our  part,  already  in  the  verdict —  This  will 
secure  us  against  the  expense  &  inconvenience  of  going  thro  our 
proofs  again.  But  I  am  inclined  to  think,  that  when  the  Elec 
tion  is  over,  there  will  be  no  great  inclination  to  keep  up  the 
contest, —  Our  Bank  argument  goes  on1 —  &  threatens  to  be 
long. —  Nothing  new  respecting  Bell's  cause 

Yours  as  usual 

D.  WEBSTER 


(To  Jeremiah  Smith.2) 

WASHINGTON  Feb  28.  1819 
Dear  Sir 

Judgment  is  entered  in  Trustees  vs  Woodward,  as  of  last  term, 
that  the  said  Trustees  do  recover  of  the  said  Woodward  the 
aforesaid  sum  of  twenty  thousand  Dollars,  so  found  &  assessed 
as  aforesaid;  &  I  have  in  my  bag  a  mandate  to  the  Superior 
Court  of  Judicature  of  the  State  of  New  Hampshire  to  carry 
this  judgment  into  Execution.  So  much  for  that  cause,  &  the 
second  argument  therein  expected — 

As  to  the  other  causes.3  Messrs  Pinkney  &  Wirt  have  been 
very  much  pressed  by  the  agents  &  partisans  here  to  argue  one 
of  these  causes,  upon  the  ground  of  the  new  facts.  By  the  time 
however,  that  we  approached  near  the  causes,  they  saw  difficulties 
and  their  zeal  began  to  cool.  It  was  impossible  to  agree  on  definite 
facts.  It  was  hardly  possible  to  expect  any  different  result 
than  had  already  taken  place,  from  another  argument  without 
new  facts.  Some  of  the  opinions  of  the  Judges  appeared  to  go 
so  far  as  to  be  decisive  against  them,  even  taking  the  new  facts 

1  M'Culloch  v.  State  of  Maryland.  Webster  and  Pinckney  were  counsels  for 
M'Culloch.     See  McMaster  U.  S.  Hist.    vol.  iv,  p.  497. 

2  One  of  New  Hampshire's  greatest  lawyers.     II  was  said  of  him  that  he 
found  New  Hampshire  law  without  form  and  void,  and  he  reduced  it  to  order 
and  harmony.     Webster  said  of  him.  ':  he  knows  more  about  law  than  I  do  or 
ever  shall."     See  "  Bench  and  Bar  of  New  Hampshire."  p.  58. 

3  That  is  in  connection  with  the  Dartmouth  College  controversy. 


80  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

for  granted.  At  the  same  time  we  heard  here  the  echoes  of  the 
clamor  in  N.  H. —  that  the  cause  had  not  been  heard  on  its  true 
facts.  I  called  up  the  subject  a  day  or  two  before  we  should 
have  reached  the  cause  &  desired  to  know  from  the  Counsel 
whether  it  was  expected  to  argue  one  of  those  causes.  This 
brought  on  a  conversation  between  Bench  &  Bar  which  finally 
terminated  in  this  that  the  causes  should  be  remanded  by  con 
sent  ;  that  Def 'ts  might,  in  Circuit  Court,  move  to  set  aside  this 
Verdict  if  they  should  be  so  advised,  when  the  opinion  of  the 
Judges  in  Woodward's  case  should  be  read  &  known —  I  found 
this  course  would  be  agreeable  &  adopted  it  at  once.  In  truth  I 
did  not  want  a  second  argument  here,  upon  an  assumption  of 
facts.  If  I  do  not  misjudge  we  shall  have  no  difficulty  in  the  Cir 
cuit  Court.  We  shall  not,  I  trust,  be  called  on  to  argue  on  any 
more  special  Verdicts —  If  the  Def'dts  do  not  acquiesce  in  any 
opinions  of  the  Judge,  they  must  take  their  course  by  bill  of 
exceptions. 

We  are  not  yet  thro,  the  Bank  question.  Martin  has  been 
talking  3  ds —  Pinkney  replies  tomorrow  &  that  finishes —  I 
set  out  for  home  next  day — 

Always  with  sincere  regard  yrs 

D.  WEBSTER 
Inter  nos: 

I  do  not  believe  any  body  expects  the  College  Question  ever  to 
come  here  again.  My  impression  is,  that  Council  here  are  glad 
of  a  convenient  mode  of  disposing  of  it  quietly. 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

BOSTON  April  10.  1819 
Dear  Sir 

My  own  interest  would  be  promoted  by  preventing  the  Book.1 
I  shall  strut  well  enough  in  the  Washington  Report,  &  if  the 
"Book"  should  not  be  published,  the  world  would  not  know  where 
I  borrowed  my  plumes —  But  I  am  still  inclined  to  have  the 
Book —  One  reason  is,  that  you  &  Judge  Smith  may  have  the 
credit  which  belongs  to  you —  Another  is,  I  believe,  Judge 
Story  is  strongly  of  opinion  it  would  be  a  useful  work,  that 

1  "  Report  of  the  case  of  the  Trustees  of  Dartmouth  College  vs.  Wm.  H. 
Woodward,"  by  Timothy  Farrar,  Boston,  1819. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  81 

Wheaton's  Reports  go  only  into  the  hands  of  Professional  men, 
but  that  this  Book  might  be  read  by  other  Classes —  &c  &c — 
If  it  should  be  decided,  at  May  term,  that  another  cause  should 
go  to  Washington,  I  should  be  very  unwilling  to  have  the  book 
published —  but  I  have  hitherto  had  a  strong  belief  we  should 
finish  the  actions,  at  May  Court —  I  think  so  still,  but  very 
probably  may  be  disappointed.  I  should  be  for  pressing  the 
Judge  to  adjourn  for  a  short  time,  rather  than  continue  the 
causes.  I  think  he  will  feel  the  propriety  of  settling  the  con 
troversy,  as  far  as  may  be  done. 

I  shall  come  down,  accidents  excepted,  &  very  possibly  Mrs. 
W.  may  attend  the  same  Court —  she  has  not  determined,  how 
ever,  as  yet,  whether  she  shall  go  that  Circuit.  Solicitor  Gen1. 
Davis  goes  down  to  try  Bullard  vs  French.  By  what  I  learn  he 
intends  to  go  to  issue  on  a  new  premise  in  that  case. 

In  a  newspaper  Report,  I  see  that  Mr.  Justice  Bayley,  of  the 
Kings  bench,  said  lately  " — Debt  will  not  lie  by  indorsee  of  a  Bill 
of  Exchange  vs  Acceptor,  for  want  of  privity." 

Yrs. 
D  W. 

(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

BOSTON  May  5.  1819 
Dear  Sir 

We  arrived,  very  safely,  last  night  at  8  Clock.  Having  found 
a  bit  of  fresh  salmon  by  the  way,  &  finding  also  a  drop  of  good 
wine  in  our  chaise  box,  we  had  a  sumptuous  dinner  at  Tops- 
field— 

As  you  have  little  or  nothing  to  do, —  according  to  your  own 
account  of  yourself,  (except  looking  after  the  Book1)  I  want 
you  to  think  of  a  question  or  two,  which  may  arise  in  Blakely  vs 
Cabot. 

The  plf  is  described  as  of  Wilmington,  N.  Carolina —  &c  I 
suppose  the  Defdt  will,  or  it  is  possible  he  will,  plead,  that  she 
is  not  of  Wilmington  &c  but  of  Boston.  Would  such  a  plea  be 
in  disability  of  the  plf,  or  to  the  Jurisdiction? — If  the  latter,  is 
a  plea  to  the  Jurisdiction,  like  other  pleas  in  this  respect;  viz; 
that  if  an  issue  of  part  be  joined  in  it,  &  found  for  the  plf,  the 
Judgment  is  to  be  peremptory,  or  in  chief  ? 

1  See  letter,  Daniel  Webster  to  Mason,  April  10,  1819. 


82  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

I  have  not  looked  at  these  questions —  but  seeing  it  probable 
they  may  arise,  I  should  like  to  get  your  notion  upon  them — 

I  have  not  been  out  to  learn  the  news  if  there  be  any 

Yrs     D  WEBSTER 

The  action  vs  Cabot  must  be  tried —  I  have  a  hope  that  the 
other  may  not —  Whatever  occurs  to  you,  either  on  the  law 
of  the  case,  or  on  the  General  reasoning  ab*.  motives,  I  shd.  be 
glad  to  hear1 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

BOSTON  Saturday  Evening,  [May  1819] 
My  dear  Sir 

I  learn  this  moment,  that  you  are  chosen  a  Trustee  of  D.  Col 
lege.  Under  present  circumstances,  I  hope,  earnestly,  you  will 
not  decline  it.  You  can  relinquish  it  when  you  please;  but  it 
will  do  great  good,  that  you  should  not  refuse  it. 

It  will  gratify  all  good  people,  that  you  are  chosen ;  &  if  you 
hold  it  but  a  year,  I  trust  you  will  accept  it — 

Yours  as  ever 

D  WEBSTER 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

BOSTON  May  27.  1819 
Dear  Sir 

Mr  Austin  read  this  morning  a  mass  of  papers,  about  the  new 
•facts — 2  The  Judge  thought  there  was  nothing  in  them,  but 
has  taken  the  papers  for  a  day  or  two,  to  examine  them  before 
he  gives  a  formal  decision. —  He  says,  he  sees  nothing  which 
contradicts  any  part  of  the  recital  of  the  Charter —  We  had 
not  much  talk  about  it —  Mr.  A  read  &  stated  all  he  chose  to  do, 
&  the  Judge  intimated,  that  the  new  facts  had  no  bearing  on  any 
part  of  the  Courts  opinion —  The  Slander  causes  are  settled. 
How  does  the  Book  come  on  ? —  I  believe  it  will  never  be  finished. 

Yrs, 

D  WEBSTER 

1  It  is  to  be  noticed  that  Webster  very  often  sought  Mason's  advice  on  legal 
questions,  also  that  of  other  friends. 

2  In  the  Darmouth  College  case. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  83 

(To  Henry  Baldwin.1 ) 

WASHINGTON  Feb.  15.  1820 — 
Sir 

May  I  have  permission  to  see  you,  at  such  time  &  place  as  may 
suit  your  convenience,  for  the  purpose  of  asking  you  to  correct 
a  misrepresentation,  which  seems  to  have  gone  abroad,  respecting 
expressions  said  to  be  used  by  me,  in  a  late  conversation  with  you. 
I  understand  it  is  reported,  that  I  observed  to  you,  that  I  con 
sidered  the  question  before  Congress,2  as  a  question  of  political 
power  &  added  [that  if  the  free  States  could  carry  this  question 

No  such  expression  used  by  you  or  me3 — 
now,  they  could  hereafter  carry  any  others.] 

I  am  sure  I  said  nothing,  in  any  degree  like  this,  for  I  never, 
at  any  time,  spoke,  or  thought  of  this  question,  as  being  a  fit 
question  to  be  decided  on  such  considerations —  After  some  pre 
vious  conversation,  in  which  you  intimated,  I  think,  (what  I  had 
understood  before)  that  your  opinion  was  against  the  restric 
tion,4  you  lamented  the  agitation  of  the  question  now,  &  thought 
it  not  wise  in  the  Gentlemen  from  the  North  to  have  produced  it, 
since  there  was  the  subjects  of  the  Bankruptcy  Bill,  &  other 
subjects  deeply  interesting  to  the  people  of  the  North  towards 
which  it  would  be  desirable  to  conciliate  the  dispositions  of  the 
South —  To  this  my  remark,  by  way  of  answer,  simply  was, 
that  I  presumed  the  people  of  the  North,  among  other  considera 
tions,  regarded  this  question  as  one  which  affecting  their  right 
to  an  equal  weight  in  the  political  power  of  the  Government,  $ 
tho't  they  would  not  think  it  reasonable  to  be  called  on  to  sur 
render  this,  in  order  to  obtain  any  favorable  act  of  Ordinary 
Legislation.  This  observation  was  in  reference  to  the  subject  of 
representation,  which  I  have  always  supposed  to  be  one  of  the 
objections  to  making  new  slave  States.  I  certainly  spoke  in  ref 
erence,  solely,  to  this  mode,  in  which  political  power  was  to  be 
affected ;  &  if  I  was  understood  in  any  other  sense,  I  was  greatly 
misunderstood — 

I  beg  you  to  be  assured  that  I  am  quite  certain  that  no  inten 
tional  misrepresentation  could  have  been  made  by  you.  On  a 
subject  however,  of  so  much  excitement,  I  am  particularly  anx- 

1  Representative  in  Congress  from  Pennsylvania. 

The  debate  in  Congress  upon  the  admission  of  Missouri. 
3  The  line  in  italics  is  in  Mr.  Baldwin's  handwriting  and  the  brackets  are  his. 
*  i.  «.,  the  prohibition  of  slavery. 


84  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

ious  that  no  remark  of  mine  may  be  misunderstood,  &  must  rely 
on  you  to  correct  an  erroneous  impression,  as  far  as  may  be 
necessary  so  to  do,  whether  it  arose  from  any  inaccuracy  in  my 
own  expression,  or  any  other  cause — 

With  great  respect 

Yrs     D.  WEBSTER.  , 


(From  Henry  Baldwin.) 
Dear  Sir 

There  was  no  misapprehension  of  our  conversation —  It  re 
lated  to  slave  representation  as  the  subject  was  referred  to  in  the 
Boston  Memorial.  I  did  not  think  of  any  other  meaning  to  the 
word  political  power —  There  was  no  allusion  to  any  election 
or  office —  In  relation  to  the  relative  importance  of  this  question 
and  the  Bankrupt  law,  Commerce  and  manufactures  I  under 
stood  you  as  expressing  your  own  rather  than  the  opinion  of  the 
Northern  people 

Yours  with  esteem 

HENRY  BALDWIN 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

BOSTON  June  25  1820 
Dear  Sir 

The  first  I  saw  or  heard  of  the  N.  H.  Resolutions1  was  in 
Mr.  Male's  paper  on  Saturday.  Who  sent  them  to  him  I  know 
not,  &  I  believe  he  was  altogether  self  moved  in  his  remarks  on 
that  occasion.  I  met  Judge  Story  at  Nahant  on  Saturday —  he 
had  recd.  a  copy  from  you  &  we  had  it  read  after  dinner —  I  saw 
that  you  had  been  obliged  to  be  quite  guarded  &  yet  the  whole 
argument  is  in  it,  &  some  points  are  put  in  a  new  &  striking 
light.  We  voted  it  a  good  thing  very  unanimously ;  but  then  it 
was  after  dinner,  when  if  it  had  not  been  as  good  as  it  was,  our 
patriotism  would  have  prevailed  over  our  criticism.  I  like  very 
much  your  allusion  to  the  unparalled  unanimity  of  the  slave 
holding  states  in  Congress  &  also  your  Answer  to  the  Virginia 
arguments,  at  the  top  of  page  7. —  A  very  excellent  argument, 

1  These  resolutions  drawn  up  by  Mr.  Mason  were  in  answer  to  "  The  Virginia 
Report  and  Resolutions  on  the  Missouri  questions  "  which  had  been  sent  to 
the  New  Hampshire  Governor. 


THE    LOCAL    POLITICIAN  85 

ag*  the  notion  that  the  prohibition  affects  Sovereignty,  &  one 
which  I  have  not  noticed  before,  is  on  the  third  page — 

It  was  a  good  achievement  to  bring  the  N.  H  Legislature  to 
these  Resolves —  I  entertain  much  hope  of  better  times  from 
it;  &  think  you  must  be  satisfied  that  you  did  quite  right  in  at 
tending  the  Session,  &  taking  part  in  the  business  of  the  State — 

I  regret  I  could  not  go  to  Concord,  not  however  for  the  reasons 
you  state,  but  because  I  wished  to  see  you,  on  other  accounts,  & 
to  make  some  progress  in  Mr.  O',  business.  When  you  get  over 
your  Concord  labors,  you  must  come  &  see  us.  I  expect  to  be  at 
home  all  Summer.  Mrs  W.  will  not  be  able  at  present  to  leave 
home,  &  we  shall  be  in  a  state  of  great  leisure,  if  you  will  come 
this  way  &  see  us. 

Mr.  Davis  tells  me  he  has  shipped  your  wine 

Yrs  as  ever 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

BOSTON  Nov  12.  1820 
My  dear  Sir 

I  have  not  been  able  to  come  to  any  definite  conclusion,  on  the 
subject  of  votes  for  vice  President.  There  seems  to  be  no  way, 
yet  found  out,  of  ascertaining  how  it  would  be  recd.  at  Washing 
ton,  if  the  votes  here  should  be  given  for  Mr.  Adams.1  I  wish 
you  would  see  your  friend,  on  your  way  to  Concord,  &  ascertain 
what  he  thinks  of  it.  Indeed  I  know  no  one  more  likely  to  be 
able  to  learn  from  the  Gentleman  himself,  how  it  would  suit. 
There  will  be  a  number  of  us,2  of  course,  in  this  state,  who  will 
not  vote  for  Mr.  Tomkins,3  &  we  must  therefore  look  up  some 
body  to  vote  for. — 

If  you  can,  without  inconvenience,  I  hope  you  will  see  the 
Ex.  Governor,  as  you  go  to  Concord —  It  is  hardly  out  of  your 
way,  I  believe —  If  you  learn  anything  worth  communicating, 
be  good  enough  to  write  me.  Several  of  our  Electors  are  mem 
bers  of  the  Convention,  &  will  be  here  this  week—  I  shall  have 
some  conversation  with  them,  and  will  write  you  again. 

Our  Court  is  adjourned  for  a  Month;  so  that  we  have  nothing 

1  One  of  New  Hampshire's  votes  was  given  for  J.  Q.  Adams  for  President. 
9  Webster  was  an  elector  from  Massachusetts. 
1  Daniel  T.  Tompkins  was  elected  Vice-President. 


86  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

to  do  but  attend  Convention —  I  shall  follow  the  course  which  I 
intimated  to  you,  &  which  you  approved  in  relation  to  my  con 
cern  with  the  Convention. — 

Mary  I  believe  has  written  to  her  Mother  today —  so  that  you 
will  learn  all  the  news,  if  there  be  any. 
With  many  respects  to  M™.  Mason 

I  am,  Dr.  Sir.     Yours 

D.  WEBSTER 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

BOSTON  July  11.  1821 
Dear  Sir 

I  received  the  enclosed  yesterday.  You  will  of  course  have 
seen  that  Mr.  Gales  had  even  anticipated  your  wishes,  &  spoken 
out  on  the  subject.  What  he  said  you  will  observe  was  printed 
in  the  Democratic  Paper  here  yesterday.  It  seems  to  me  that  all 
this  works  kindly,  &  will  have  the  best  effect. —  No  one  can  be 
at  a  loss  now,  I  think  these  things  are  regarded  at  Washington. 

I  learned  from  Judge  Story  as  well  as  from  Yourself  that  he 
intends  paying  you  a  visit  next  week —  I  have  promised  to  go 
with  him.  We  heard  last  Evening  of  the  death  of  Mrs.  Web 
ster's  Mother.  This  will  probably  prevent  her  going,  but  I  in 
tend  to  persuade  her  to  go,  if  I  can.  If  she  should  not,  I  shall 
try  to  pick  up  some  companion —  probably  I  think  Mr.  Everett. 

I  expect  to  see  the  Judge,  on  his  return  from  Newport,  &  will 
fix  on  the  day —  I  can  go  any  day,  as  our  Courts  are  now  thin 

Yrs  truly    D.  W. 


•  (To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

BOSTON  July  15.  1821 
Dear  Sir 

In  the  Intelligencer  of  the  11th.  you  will  see  some  very  sound 
remarks  on  your  Resolutions,1  They  are  from  the  same  source, 
to  which  my  letter  was  addressed.  I  have  also  a  letter  from  the 
same  quarter,  which  I  shall  show  you.  It  is  quite  edifying. 

1  The  resolutions  referred  to  in  the  letter,  Daniel  Webster  to  Jeremiah  Mason, 
June  25,  1820. 


THE  LOCAL  POLITICIAN  87 

Indeed  I  will,  I  think,  enclose  it,1  tho'  I  have  hardly  had  time  to 
run  over  its  contents. 

I  have  not  heard  from  Judge  S.  since  I  wrote  you  last.  Mrs. 
Webster  thinks  if  I  will  put  off  my  journey  to  Monday  the 
23rd —  she  will  accompany  me.  I  have  therefore  concluded  so 
to  do, —  &  shall  write  to  the  Judge  accordingly.  If  any  altera 
tion  of  this  pro j  ect  takes  place,  it  will  be  by  coming  on  an  earlier 
day —  I  should  like  much  to  ride  round  Winnipissiokee  Lake2 
never  having  yet  seen  its  Eastern  shore —  I  dare  say  the  Judge 
would  like  it —  The  Ladies  might  have  their  choice  to  remain 
at  Ports™0,  or  go  to  the  Lake  but  I  think  they  would  prefer 
going 

I  shall  intimate  this  project  to  the  Judge 

Yrs  in  haste 
D  WEBSTER 

(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

BOSTON  Sep.  12.  1821 
Dear  Sir 

I  cannot  say  much  about  this  Bank  matter  till  I  see  you.  The 
short  of  this  is  I  recommended  the  appointments  which  took 
place, —  partly  because  some  of  the  Gentlemen  were  impractible 
—[I]  tho't  good  would  come  of  it.  I  tho't  it  time  to  break  up  a 
sort  of  knot — 

There  is  no  sort  of  necessity  of  presenting  any  claim,  at  the 
present  Session  of  Commissioners  nor  any  utility,  that  I  am  aware 
of —  In  many  cases  it  has  been  done,  &  in  a  great  many 

1  The  following  letter  was  enclosed : 
Dear  Sir 

The  N.  H.  resolutions  were  placed  amongst  the  articles  for  to-days  paper, 
yesterday  while  I  was  absent  at  the  Council.  Of  this  I  was  not  aware  last 
evening,  and  intended  them  for  Monday.  I  do  not  think,  however,  that  their 
appearance  this  morning  should  interfere  with  your  purpose;  but  it  would  be 
well,  perhaps,  if  any  reward  were  now  made,  that  it  should  be  rather  more 
comprehensive  than  was  before  intended,  or  was  indispensable,  had  it  ac 
companied  the  resolutions.  But  this  you  must  decide  on  according  to  your 
leisure  and  inclination.  It  may  be  not  amiss  to  mention  to  you,  that  a  letter 
(received  yesterday  in  my  absence,  and  which  I  did  not  see  till  this  morning) 
from  Mr.  Webster  urges  a  particular  notice  of  the  resolutions,  which  are 
certainly  very  important  at  this  juncture. 

Very  respectfully  yours 

W.  W.  SEATON 

J.  C.  Calhoun,  Esq.  Saturday  morning 

1  Winnepiseogee  Lake,  N.  H. 


88  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

omitted ;  as  convenience  dictated.  Several  have  been  drawn  very 
well,  in  Portsm0.  by  Mr.  Cutts —  I  send  you  a  rough  copy  of 
one  that  happens  to  lie  before  me,  which  was  altered  in  some  re 
spects,  afterwards,  in  order  to  set  forth  the  case  more  exactly, 
but  the  formal  part  is  such  as  has  been  most  generally  used  here. 
Mr  Bliss  has  gone  to  Washington,  &  has  carried  on  a  pretty  large 
budget  of  these  claims.  I  cannot  say  what  it  may  amount  to, 
but  most  of  the  claims  here  go  thr°.  my  hands —  It  has  given 
me  three  weeks  of  hard  work  to  prepare  them,1  &  will  call  for  as 
many  more —  Judge  Story  has  given  judgment  in  the  Volant 
case  here.  On  the  facts,  as  presented,  he  entertains  no  doubt, 
that  the  Volant  did  no  more  than  she  was  authorized  to  do,  with 
or  without  letter  of  Marque  We  have  one  difficulty  to  meet. 
Mr.  Gill,  who  is  a  party,  really  or  nominally,  in  the  policy  I  sent 
you,  was  our  best  witness  here.  I  believe  however  we  can  supply 
his  place  pretty  well.  It  will  not  probably  be  possible  to  have  a 
trial  in  Oct.  at  Exeter;  &  therefore  you  can  exercise  your  own 
Judgment,  as  to  sueing  at  that  term.  I  see  no  great  benefit,  in 
it,  but  shall  leave  it  to  you. 

My  wife  &  children  are  well  but  have  not  yet  come  into  Town — 
We  expect  to  gather  ourselves  in  Somerset  Street  next  week 

Yrs 

D.  WEBSTEB 

(To  Samuel  Boyd,  Esquire.) 

Dear  Sir  PHILADELPHIA  Jan.  3d.  1822 

I  intend  to  have  seen  you  as  I  passed  through  New  York  on 
New  Year's  day,  but,  having  an  engagement  to  be  here  this  even 
ing,  I  had  not  time.  I  wish  to  say  something  to  you  confiden 
tially  on  a  subject  of  some  importance.  Perhaps  you  will  think 
my  suggestion  out  of  all  boundry  of  reason :  if  so,  say  so. 

I  understand  that  Chancellor  Kent2  can  remain  in  office  but 
one  year. —  What  is  he  then  to  do?  Not  hearing  whether  he 
has  answered  this  question  for  himself,  I  proceed  to  make  my 
suggestion  with  fear  &  trembling. 

Dart.  College  has  no  President  &  it  wants  one ;  &  the  trustees 
would  be  very  glad  I  presume  to  wait  a  year,  &  then  appoint 
the  Chancellor  if  it  were  not  altogether  beneath  his  acceptance. — 

1  This  year  was  devoted  to  legal  business.     Webster  was  not  in  Congress. 

2  This  letter  is  endorsed  by  Webster's  literary  executors.     "  Received  from 
M.  Kent,  January  16,  1853." 


THE  LOCAL  POLITICIAN  89 

I  suppose  they  could  offer  him  these  terms  viz. 

1.  $2.000  Dollars  salary 

2.  A  long  vacation  in  the  winter,  say 
"    3  months,  which  he  might  spend 

"    where  he  would  desire — 

3  An  exemption  of  course,  from  all  clerical  labors,  such  as 
attendance  on  prayers  &c — :  all  this  to  be  done  by  the 
Theological  Professor;  the  President  to  be  in  all  respects 
a  layman 

Now  the  reason  I  have  for  suggesting  this,  I  derive  from  con 
versation  with  the  Trustees,  &  especially  with  my  brother  who  is 
one  of  them. 

I  promised  him  to  hint  this  Subject  to  the  Chancellor  or  some 
of  his  friends. — 

I  commit  this  to  you.  If  the  thing  be  without  the  reach  of  all 
probability,  burn  this  letter  &  say  nothing  of  it. —  If  you 
think  otherwise,  I  wish  you  would  suggest  it  to  the  Chancellor  in 
the  way  you  judge  best. 

I  am  now  going  to  Washington  where  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear 
from  you. 

I  would  thank  you  to  write  me  soon  after  receiving  this,  giving 
your  own  opinion 

The  Trustees  meet  in  February,  &  I  should  like  to  have  some 
thing  to  say  to  them  on  the  subject  by  that  time,  if  anything  is 
to  be  said. 

If  you  write  to  the  Chancellor,  I  wish  you  would  nevertheless 
in  the  mean  time  write  me  your  own  opinion  of  the  matter. 
Yours  with  true  regard — 

DANL  WEBSTER. 

(From  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 

Dear  Daniel,  JanJ-  28'  1822- 

I  never  did  like  John  Q.  Adams.  He  must  have  a  very  objec 
tionable  rival  whose  election  I  should  not  prefer.  I  think  it 
would  be  difficult  for  any  candidate  to  divide  the  vote  in  New 
England  with  him.  Although  he  may  not  be  very  popular,  yet 
it  seems  to  be  in  some  degree  a  matter  of  necessity  to  support  him, 
if  any  man  is  to  be  taken  from  the  land  of  the  Pilgrims.  I 
should  really  prefer  Calhoun,  Lowndes,  Crawford,  Clinton  & 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


90  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

fifty  others  that  I  could  mention — but  this  is  high  matter  &  it  is 
very  uncertain  what  political  feeling  may  prevail  three  years 
hence.  I  am  sorry  that  there  was  not  a  better  account  from 
Albany.  The  course  you  mention  is  the  only  one — that  our  con 
dition  leaves — <§•  that  will  not  be  taken.  At  least  I  fear  it. 

E.  WEBSTER. 


(To  James  W.  Paige.) 

_.        Tirr-iv  WASHINGTON,  Feb.  6,  1822. 

Dear  William 

I  rec'd  your  letter  yesterday,  &  am  very  glad  to  hear  you  are 
all  well.  Judge  Story  &  Mr.  Coolidge  arrived  safe,  Sunday 
Eve.  The  Court  is  now  in  session,1  &  together  with  the  claims 
keeps  me  sufficiently  occupied —  I  send  a  draft  for  100  Dolls — 
thinking  it  may  be  wanted  to  pay  taxes ;  or  for  some  other  good 
purpose.  I  hope  you  look  out  to  keep  good  fires,  I  have  a  snug 
time  of  it.  You  seem  to  have  little  snow  yet,  but  I  dare  say  I 
shall  find  enough  when  I  get  home.  My  present  expectation  is 
to  be  home  by  the  10th  of  March — I  suppose  there  will  be  a 
summer  session  of  a  fortnight,  or  three  weeks,  which  either  Mr. 
Bliss  or  myself  must  attend,  and  that,  I  hope,  will  get  us  thro' 
the  thickest  part  of  the  bushes. 

Eliza's  friends,  the  Misses  Inches,  arrived  here  three  days  ago. 
I  have  called  to  see  them,  but  they  were  not  at  home.  Tonight 
is  the  President's  Drawing  Room,  where  they  will  see  all  the 
glory  of  Washington —  I  shall  not  be  able  to  attend. 

Give  my  love  all  the  household.  I  believe  I  owe  Mrs.  W.  sev 
eral  letters — not  to  mention  my  great  debt  to  Eliza — all  which  I 
hope  soon  to  discharge. 

Yrs  truly, 
D.  WEBSTER. 

(From  T.  H.  Perkins  et  al.) 

BOSTON  18  Oct.  1822. 
To  The  Honorable  Daniel  Webster, 

Dear  Sir 
We  the  undersigned  having  been  chosen   (at  a  meeting  or 


1  Webster  did  not  again  enter  Congress  until  December  of  1823  after  six  years' 
absence.  During  this  absence  he  greatly  increased  his  fame  as  a  jurist  and 
orator. 


THE   LOCAL  POLITICIAN  91 

delegates  from  all  the  wards,  held  at  Concert  Hall,  on  Thursday 
Evening  last)  a  Committee  to  acquaint  you  that  at  that  meeting 
youiwere  unanimously  selected  to  be  recommended  to  the  sup 
port  of  their  fellow  citizens,  to  represent  the  District  of  Suffolk 
in  the  next  Congress  of  the  United  States,1 

Your  obedient  servants 

COMMITTEE. 

(From  Ezekiel  Webster.2) 

Feby.  10,  1823. 
Dear  Daniel, 

•  *  *  \ye  are  likely  to  have  fine  sport  here  till  after 
March  meeting.  The  nomination  of  Judge  Woodbury  puts  Hill 
into  hot  water.  He  has  not  hesitated  in  choosing  his  course — & 
that  is  to  write  against  the  Judge.  I  think  you  will  be  very 
much  edified  in  reading  the  Patriot.  It  will  be  very  refreshing 
after  a  severe  day's  labor.  I  look  on  like  a  spectator  at  a  bull 
baiting,  pretty  indifferent  who  is  the  conqueror  or  the  victim — 
I  have  no  tears  to  shed  for  either. 

It  is  for  some  reasons  desirable  to  have  Woodbury  elected. 
He  would  not  be  under  the  influence  of  Hill  &  Ayer — Dinsmore 
would  be  a  man  of  straw  merely.  Mr.  Hill  would  be  the  gov 
ernor  in  fact.  I  am  of  opinion  that  the  Judge  will  triumph 
over  the  General.  This  is  as  it  should  be.  The  judicial  should 
be  above  the  military  power.  Let  the  event  be  as  it  will — we 
are  breaking  up  into  new  parties,  &  probably  with  more  accri- 
monious  &  bitter  feeling,  than  ever  marked  the  old. 

I  am  yours  truly 
EZEKIEL  WEBSTER. 

(To  Jeremiah  Ma»on.) 

,.,    ~       „.  WASHINGTON,  March  25,  1823. 

My  Dear  Sir, — 

The  Secretary  of  War  has,  I  believe,  directed  a  prosecution  to 
be  commenced  in  New  Hampshire,  against  a  man  in  Boscawen, 
for  fraud  &  perjury,  in  obtaining  a  pension.  I  understand  that 
he  has  authorized  the  District  Atty  of  N.  Hampshire  to  engage 

1  See  Curtis'  "Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  i,  p.  197.     He  accepted  the  nomina 
tion  and  was  elected,  returning  to  Congress  after  six  years'  absence. 

2  This  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


92  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

your  services  in  aid  of  the  prosecution.  The  person  accused  & 
his  connexions,  &  the  circumstances  of  the  case  which  I  believe  to 
be  a  very  gross  one,  are  all  well  known  to  E.  Webster,  but  he 
would  not  willingly  act  in  the  case  farther  than  necessity  might 
seem  to  require;  at  least,  he  would  not  volunteer — If  you  send 
him  a  blank  Subpoena,  with  a  request  to  insert  the  names  of  such 
persons  as  may  know  the  circumstances,  he  will  find  no  difficulty 
in  giving  names  of  witnesses —  I  take  it  to  be  a  case  of  fraud 
ulent  giving  away  of  property,  to  sons  &  daughters,  by  deeds  still 
retained  by  the  grantor.  It  is  a  flagrant  case  &  it  will  do  good 
to  look  it  up.  Any  instructions  which  may  be  sent  to  E.  Web 
ster  he  will  attend  to.  You  will  understand  at  once,  that  the 
information  comes  here  from  him.  He  thought  it  a  case  too 
bad  to  be  connived  at : — but  at  the  same  time  does  not  wish  to  be 
officious,  in  other  persons  concerns,  any  farther  than  a  feeling  of 
duty  compels. 

I  expect  to  leave  this  place  for  home  about  the  10th  of  April, 
&  to  be  home  the  20th —  There  has  been  of  course  little  of  in 
terest  here,  since  Congress  adjourned.  I  believe  I  understand 
the  opinions  of  men,  most  attentive  to  the  subject,  on  the  pros 
pects  &  probabilities  of  the  Presidential  Election.  It  seems  to  me 
to  be  a  case,  in  which  we  shall  be  obliged  to  take  some  part,  &  I 
shall  be  anxious  to  see  you,  as  soon  as  I  get  home.  I  do  not 
think  there  was  ever  a  moment,  in  which  it  was  more  uncertain 
who  would — or  will — be  President  than  it  is  now. 

If  I  do  not  go  to  the  Circuit  Court  at  Portland — which  I  shall 
hardly  be  in  season  to  do — I  shall  not  see  you,  at  Portsmo  so 
early  as  I  should  wish,  &  hope  you  will  find  it  convenient  to  come 
to  Boston. 

I  need  not  say  that  I  am  rejoiced  at  the  election  in  N.  Hamp 
shire.  Saying  nothing  of  the  comparative  merits  of  the  Candi 
dates,  the  means  by  which  the  Caucus  nomination  was  defeated, 
gives  hope  of  much  future  good.  We  must  divide,  into  Repub 
licans  &  Radicals;  comprising,  in  the  last  class,  not  merely  the 
reformers,  in  Congress,  but  the  intriguers — the  caucus  men — 
the  hot  and  Exclusive  party  men,  &c.  It  appears  to  me  the 
public  sentiment  is  ripe  for  a  distinction  of  that  sort. 

Give  my  love  to  your  wife,  &  all  the  children — 

Yrs,  as  ever, 

D.  WEBSTER. 

Smith  Thompson  will  be  Judge,  if  he  chooses,  &  I  think  he 
will  choose. 


THE   LOCAL  POLITICIAN  93 

(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

BOSTON  Saturday  Morning. 
Dear  Sir 

I  have  yours,  &  also  one  from  the  Judge,  this  morning.  We 
shall  not  fail  to  be  at  your  House  on  Tuesday — 

I  agree  with  you  entirely  about  J.  Q.  A's  oration.  Such  is 
the  man.  My  impression  of  that  Gentleman's  character,  tho' 
high  &  favourable  in  some  respects,  is,  in  others,  so  little  satis 
factory,  that  I  hardly  know  what  to  wish,  in  regard  to  the  future. 

I  think  all  our  prospects  are  bad.  My  hopes  gave  out,  last 
winter;  &  since  then  I  have  felt  as  if  it  were  settled,  that  we 
shall  not  at  present,  or  for  several  years,  see  such  an  administra 
tion  of  the  Government  as  we  can  heartily  approve. 

I  left  Mrs.  W.  &  the  children  at  the  Blue  Hills  this  Morning. 
They  are  quite  well. 

Yrs 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.1) 

WASHINGTON  Nov.  30.  [1823] 

i 

It  appears  to  me  to  be  our  true  policy  to  oppose  all  caucuses ; 
so  far  our  course  seems  to  me  to  be  clear.  Beyond  that  I  do 
not  think  we  are  bound  to  proceed  at  present.  To  defeat  cau 
cus  nominations,  or  prevent  them,  and  to  give  the  election,  where- 
ever  it  can  be  done,  to  the  people,  are  the  best  means  of  restoring 
the  body  politic  to  its  natural  and  wholesome  state.  *  *  * 

D.  W. 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

WASHINGTON  Dec.  22,  1823. 
My  Dr  Sir 

Will  you  be  kind  enough  to  read  in  a  late  No.  of  the  Nat.  Int. 
a  Report  of  the  Judiciary  Comtee.  of  H.  R.  of  last  year,  on  the 
Subject  of  the  Courts;  &  write  me  your  opinion,  freely,  thereon.2 
Soon  after  new  years  day  we  must  report  some  measure  on  that 

1  Taken  from  "Private  Correspondence  of  Daniel  Webster,"  vol.  i,  p.  330. 
*  See  Mason's  reply  December  29,  1823. 


94  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

subject;  &  I  should  be  particularly  glad  to  know  what  you  think 
of  the  matter. 

I  incline  to  think  there  will  be  no  caucus  at  present.  Possibly, 
the  course  of  one  of  the  candidates  has  been  so  much  identified 
with  a  caucus  that  some  sort  of  a  caucus  will  be  convened,  during 
the  Session, — but,  at  this  moment,  I  imagine,  it  would  ill  suc 
ceed,  if  attempted.  I  cannot  help  having  a  half-suspicion  that 
some  doubt  of  Mr.  Crawfords  health  is  entertained;  &  that  this 
has  some  effect  in  the  postponement  of  a  caucus.  It  is  said  your 
Mr.  Bartlett1  is  in  favor  of  a  caucus.  Your  other  members  agt. 
it.  I  suspect  this  is  true,  but  I  cannot  vouch  for  it. 

Yrs  always, 

D.  WEBSTER. 

.*  Ichabod  Bartlett,  representative  from  New  Hampshire. 


WHEN  Webster  returned  to  Congress  in  1823, after  an  absence 
of  some  six  years,  lie  was  free  to  advance  his  own  broad  views 
upon  public  questions,  as  he  never  had  been  in  his  former  congres 
sional  career.  He  had  hardly  been  in  his  seat  a  month  before 
he  delivered  the  famous  "Greek  Speech"  in  defence  of  a  resolution 
which  he  had  offered,  providing,  if  the  President  deemed  it  neces 
sary,  for  the  expenses  of  a  commission  to  Greece.  The  Revolution 
in  that  land  had  aroused  the  sympathy  of  the  American  people, 
and  this  resolution  aimed  not  to  entangle  the  United  States  in\ 
that  conflict,  but  to  express  American  sympathy.  Webster  chose 
in  his  speech  rather  to  utter  for  the  first  time  his  conception  of 
the  destiny  of  the  American  Union,  than  to  use  for  rhetorical) 
ornament  the  classical  memories  clinging  to  the  land  whose  wrongs 
he  displayed.  This  speech  then  fitly  marked  the  time  when 
Webster,  the  National  Statesman,  succeeded  Webster,  the  Local 
Politician. 

Within  a  few  months  he  delivered  an  able  and  powerful  speech 
against  Clay's  tariff  bill,  which  was  to  inaugurate  "the  American 
System."  New  England's  interests  were  opposed,  as  yet,  to  a 
high  protective  tariff  and  Webster  argued  against  that  which 
four  years  later  he  was  called  upon  to  defend  because  the  govern 
ment's  policy  had  forced  New  England  into  manufacturing  and 
thus  fostered  her  interest  in  protection.  From  this  somewhat 
sectional  attitude  on  the  tariff  Webster  turned  to  a  task  in  which 
his  broad  views  were  of  great  service.  As  Chairman  of  the 
Judiciary  Committee  he  defeated  a  jealous  attempt  to  curtail  the 
power  of  the  Supreme  Court.  In  the  next  session  he  showed  an 
interest  in  Internal  Improvements  which  marked  him  for  special 
favor  among  the  people  of  the  West.  He  defended  in  a  strong 
speech  a  bill  to  continue  the  great  national  turnpike,  the  Cum 
berland  road. 

In  the  political  excitement  attending  the  election  of  John> 
Quincy  Adams  by  the  House  of  Representatives,  Webster  played 
a  prominent  part.  During  the  preliminary  struggle  between  the 

95] 


96  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

several  candidates  Tie  had  favored  Crawford,  but,  when  he  came 
to  a  decision  between  Adams  and  Jackson,  a  man  of  Webster's 
character  could  not  hestitate,  and,  anyway,  the  sentiment  of  New 
England  compelled  him  to  support  Adams. 

Politics  out  of  the  way,  Webster  turned  to  the  much-needed 
work,  for  which  he  could  expect  no  popular  appreciation.  The 
task  was  the  carrying  through  the  "Crimes  Act,"  first  codifying 
the  whole  body  of  the  Criminal  law  of  the  United  States — a  work 
in  which  Justice  Story  rendered  great  assistance — and  then  by  an 
eloquent  defense  putting  it  through  the  House.  In  striving  to 
do  a  like  service,  by  pushing  through  the  House  a  bill  for  the 
improvement  of  the  Judiciary,  he  succeeded,  where  his  influence 
could  be  effectual,  but  the  bill  was  defeated  in  the  Senate.  Later 
he  also  made  a  futile  attempt  to  pass  a  much-needed  Bankrupt 
Law. 

Meanwhile  his  relations  with  Adams'  Administration  had  been 
friendly,  although  he  was  long  kept  well-disposed  by  promises 
that  were  never  realized.  Webster  tried  in  the  House  to  carry  out 
Adams'  views  in  respect  to  the  Panama  Congress.  He  declared 
unconstitutional  the  attempt  of  the  House  to  dictate  the  conduct 
of  the  representatives  whom  Adams  might  send,  and  took  occasion 
to  make  a  clear  exposition  of  the  "Monroe  Doctrine."  Again^ 
when  Adams'  message  concerning  Georgia's  stubborn  opposition 
to  the  government  in  regard  to  the  Creek  Indians  was  attacked 
by  the  Southern  members,  Webster  defended  the  President's 
attitude  with  spirit.  So  valuable  did  he  become  to  the  Adminis 
tration,  that  Adams  opposed  his  retirement  from  the  House, 
when  m  1827  he,  though  reluctantly,  was  prevailed  upon  by  his 
friends  to  permit  his  election  to  the  Senate. 

During  the  three  years  that  preceded  his  election  to  the  Senate, 
he  had,  in  addition  to  a  number  of  powerful  legal  arguments 
and  the  prosecution  of  the  Spanish  claims,  distinguished  himself 
in  private  life  by  his  famous  Bunker  Hill  oration  and  the  eulogy 
on  Adams  and  Jefferson.  His  visit  to  Jefferson  in  1824  was 
an  event  long  cherished  in  his  memory. 

Hardly  had  the  senatorial  dignity  been  accepted,  when  the 
loss  of  his  wife  seemed  for  the  moment  to  crush  him  and  his 
ambitions.  The  excitement  of  public  life,  however,  proved  to  be 
the  greatest  relief  that  he  found  from  his  sorrow.  He  was  soon 
deep  in  affairs  and  after  carrying  through  a  bill  for  the  relief 
of  surviving  officers  of  the  Revolution  was  called  upon  in  this 
session  to  defend  New  England's  new  interest  in  protection — a 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  97 

change  of  attitude  for  Webster  which  has  already  been  men 
tioned.  After  this  tariff  had  been  passed,  South  Carolina  stren 
uously  opposed  it  and  threatened  nullification.  This  theory, 
fostered  by  Calhoun  and  ably  defended  by  Hayne,  Webster 
found  opportunity  to  confute  in  the  course  of  a  debate  on  the 
Foot  resolution,  which,  though  it  referred  to  the  public  lands 
and  not  the  tariff,  aroused  the  opposition  of  the  South,  and  led 
directly  to  a  debate  on  nullification.  This  famous  "Reply  to 
Hayne"  marks  the  height  of  Webster's  powers.  He  there  set 
forth  with  consummate  power  the  folly  of  nullification  as  a 
constitutional  mode  of  evading  the  laws  made  by  Congress  and 
approved  by  the  Supreme  Court;  and  he  uttered  in  words  that 
still  ring  in  the  Nation's  ears  his  love  of  the  Union. 

The  next  few  years  of  stress, out  of  which  came  the  combina 
tion  of  interests  creating  the  Whig  party,  were  of  greatest  mo 
ment  in  deciding  Webster's  future .  They  were  to  decide 
whether  he  was  to  be  drawn  into  party  relations  with  Clay  and 
Adams  or  with  Jackson,  Benton  and  Van  Bur  en.  At  first  there 
seemed  no  doubt,  because  of  the  very  character  of  the  men  them 
selves.  Webster's  whole  past,  too,  bound  him  to  support  the 
effort  to  renew  the  United  States  Bank,  and  for  a  time  he  was 
in  all  things  opposed  to  Jackson.  He  defeated  an  administra 
tion  amendment  to  give  the  states  authority  to  tax  the  bank,  and, 
when  Jackson  vetoed  the  bill,  Webster  denounced  the  veto. 
Then,  though  not  in  spite,  he  attacked  Jackson's  nomination  of 
Van  Buren  as  ambassador  to  England.  But  events  at  once  arose 
which  drew  Webster  into  sympathy  with-Jackson.  In  November 
of  1832  South  Carolina  passed  her  nullifying  acts,  and  Jackson 
turned  upon  her  with  a  proclamation  threatening  to  use  the  whole 
power  of  the  Executive  to  bring  her  to  terms.  Webster  sus 
tained  Jackson  in  the  effort  to  get  through  Congress  a  force  bill, 
which  would  give  him  means  to  coerce  South  Carolina,  and,  when 
Clay  offered  a  compromise  tariff  which  would  meet  the  demands 
of  the  recalcitrant  state,  Webster,  on  grounds  of  expediency  as 
well  as  for  economic  reasons,  opposed.  While  yet  both  bills  were 
undecided,  Calhoun  made  a  powerful  argument  for  nullification 
which  Webster,  sustaining  Jackson,  effectively  answered,  and 
then  in  a  strong  speech,  approved  by  the  Executive,  opposed  the 
Compromise  Tariff  on  its  final  passage. 

Thus  for  a  time  Webster  seemed  Jackson's  powerful  ally,  but 
the  latter's  attitude  on  the  bank  question  soon  drew  Webster 
away  from  him.  When  Jackson  caused  the  removal  of  the 


98  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

government  deposits  from  the  United  States  Bank  and  Clay  had 
offered  resolutions  condemning  the  President's  action,  Webster, 
submitting  like  resolutions  from  Boston,  made  a  speech  approv 
ing  the  condemnation.  During  the  long  controversy  which  fol 
lowed,  Webster,  attaching  Jackson's  financial  policy,  made  a 
series  of  speeches  which  no  American  statesman  except  Hamilton 
could  have  matched.  They  were  exhaustive  and  masterful  in  a 
high  degree.  Jackson's  protest  against  the  action  of  the  Senate 
was  answered  by  Webster  in  a  most  conclusive  manner,  discussing 
the  powers  and  duties  of  the  Executive.  By  this  time  the  es 
trangement  between  Webster  and  Jackson  was  complete. 

In  the  following  presidential  campaign,  Webster  was  proposed 
as  a  candidate  by  several  states,  and  in  Massachusetts,  in  spite 
of  his  withdrawal  from  the  contest,  was  given  all  the  state's 
fourteen  electoral  votes.  In  1837  he  made  an  extended  tour  of 
the  West,  being  received  with  enthusiasm  everywhere  as  he  had 
previously  been  in  1833.  At  this  time  he  seriously  considered 
retiring  from  the  Senate,  'giving  as  a  reason  the  need  of  recuper 
ating  his  finances  ,which  had  greatly  suffered  by  his  devotion  to 
his  duties  as  a  senator.  He  was  dissuaded  by  everyone  from, 
resigning,  and  yielded  to  the  general  wish.  After  announcing 
his  decision,  he  was  given  an  enthusiastic  reception  by  his  friends 
in  New  York,  where  in  Niblo's  Garden  he  delivered  one  of  his 
most  famous  speeches,  in  which  he  outlined  his  policy  m  the 
problems  then  before  the  country.  His  views  on  Slavery  and 
his  opposition  to  the  Annexation  of  Texas  were  expressed  in 
and  out  of  the  Senate  at  this  time.  He  was  opposed  to  the 
Abolitionists,  but  when  Calhoun  offered  a  resolution  to  the  effect 
that  Congress  had  no  right  to  interfere  with  slavery  in  the  Dis 
trict  of  Columbia,  he  exposed  the  fallacy  of  such  a  theory  and 
took  occasion  to  review  Calhoun's  political  conduct  which  he  said 
was  aimed  at  the  overthrow  of  the  Constitution.  He  at  this 
time  doubted  the  wisdom  of  trying  to  conciliate  the  South. 

In  1839  Webster  made  a  long  desired  journey  to  England, 
and,  upon  his  return,  although  he  had  been  nominated  for  the 
presidency  by  the  Massachusetts  Whigs,  yielded  to  the  general 
wish  throughout  the  country  and  entered  the  campaign  for  Har 
rison.  Everybody  wanted  to  hear  him,  and  he  spoke  until,  as 
he  wrote  his  wife,  his  throat  was  sore.  At  Saratoga,  Bunker 
Hill,  and  in  New  York  and  Richmond  he  made  the  greatest  ef 
forts,  denouncing  and  arraigning  the  recent  financial  and  other 
errors  of  the  Democratic  party. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  99 

As  a  natural  result  of  his  great  services,  he  was  urged  by 
Harrison  to  become  Secretary  of  State,  and  accepted.  Upon 
the  death  of  Harrison,  Webster  remained  as  a  member  of  Tyler's 
cabinet.  When  Congress  reached  its  open  rupture  with  Tyler 
over  the  attempted  financial  reforms,  and  when  the  other  mem 
bers  of  the  cabinet  resigned,  Webster  remained,  because  the  dif 
ficulties  which  confronted  the  country  in  its  foreign  relations 
seemed  to  need  his  masterful  hand  in  order  to  prevent  war. 
The  new  material  here  presented  is  especially  rich  in  details  of 
Webster's  work  in  settling  the  several  controversies;  the  closely 
connected  "Caroline"  and  "McLeod"  affairs;  the  North  Eastern 
Boundary  dispute;  and  the  Impressment  question.  He  also 
secured  a  long-needed  extradition  treaty  and  settled  the  con 
troversy  which  had  arisen  with  England  because  of  her  insistence 
upon  the  "Right  of  Search"  in  her  attempts  to  stop  the  African 
Slave  Trade.  While  engaged  in  this  work  he  was  incessantly 
urged  by  the  Whigs  to  resign,  and,  when  persuaded  by  his 
friends,  he  delivered  his  famous  "Hard  to  Coax"  speech  in 
Faneuil  Hall,  he  was  viciously  attacked  by  the  press  for  his 
temerity.  There  was  at  that  time  a  plan  to  send  him  to  England 
on  a  mission  concerning  Oregon,  the  only  great  controversy  with 
England  which  he  had  left  unsettled,  but  the  Senate  disapproved 
of  the  plan.  In  May  of  184.3  Webster  resigned  his  office  and 
was  once  more  a  private  citizen  with  no  great  desire  to  return  to 
public  life. 

A  year  later  when  Clay  was  nominated  for  the  Presidency,  af 
ter  Webster  had,  in  a  speech  at  Andover,  approved  of  him  and 
the  Whig  principles,  the  party  forgot  its  anger  over  the  cabinet 
episode  and  took  Webster  again  into  favor.  There  was  a  de 
mand  that  he  return  to  the  Senate,  and  once  more  he  yielded. 
During  the  campaign  for  Clay  he  had  again  expressed  his  op 
position  to  the  annexation  of  Texas,  and  upon  his  return  to  the 
Senate  offered  a  resolution  that  war  ought  not  to  be  waged 
with  Mexico  for  the  purpose  of  getting  new  territory  to  be  added 
to  the  Union,  and  that  Mexico  ought  to  be  told  that  the  United 
States  did  not  want  her  territory.  He  voted  for  the  Wilmot 
Proviso  and  claimed  to  have  invented  the  doctrine. 

In  184.8  Webster  seemed  to  be  the  available  leader,  but,  much 
as  the  people  admired  him,  he  was  not  popular,  and  Taylor,  the 
miliary  hero,  was  chosen,  though  Webster,  on  the  early  ballots 
of  the  convention,  received  votes  from  Maine,  New  Hampshire, 
Massachusetts  and  New  York.  He  was  disappointed  and  at 


100  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

first  was  undecided  whether  to  support  Taylor  or  not,  but  decided 
to  be  generous. 

Though  his  record  proved  him  to  be  a  Free  Soiler,  yet  his 
conservatism  kept  him  a  Whig.  His  real  disapproval  of  Taylor 
might  have  furnished  an  opportunity  to  leave  the  Whig  party, 
but  he  staid,  and  as  letters  here  presented  show,  hoped  for  the  of 
fice  of  Secretary  of  State.  In  that  he  was  disappointed,  and  he 
returned  to  the  Senate  to  meet  the  questions  whether  the  territory 
taken  from  Mexico  should  be  free  or  slave,  and  could  the  Consti 
tution  be  extended  over  the  territories.  To  the  last  question 
Webster  said  no,  that  it  was  confined  to  the  states,  and  he  pre 
vailed.  Then  the  South  threatened  secession,  Texas  and  New 
Mexico  quarreled  over  their  boundary,  and  California  with  a 
free-state  constitution  asked  for  admission.  A  great  crisis  had 
come  and  the  national  peace  and  unity  was  threatened.  Clay 
offered  a  compromise  and  spoke  in  its  defence;  then  Calhoun 
spoke,  and  Webster, having  deliberately  made  up  his  mind  what 
the  safety  of  the  country  demanded,  spoke  and  "discharged  a 
clear  conscience"  by  what  he  catted  his  "Constitution  and  Union" 
speech,  and  what  became  known  as  his  "Seventh  of  March" 
speech.  Then  before  the  measures  of  the  Compromise  had  been 
passed,  President  Taylor  died,  Fillmore  succeeded  him  and  Web 
ster  became  Secretary  of  State  for  the  second  time. 

During  this  occupancy  of  the  State  Department  there  were  no 
great  negotiations  like  those  of  his  previous  service,  but  there 
were  some  striking  episodes  in  which  Webster  appeared  quite  as 
sagacious  and  tactful  as  before.  He  inherited  a  controversy 
with  Austria  which  arose  because  Taylor  had  sent  an  agent  to 
report  the  condition  of  the  Hungarian  revolutionary  govern 
ment,  intending  to  recognize  it,  if  it  deserved  it.  In  spite  of 
the  fact  that  the  agent  reported  against  recognition,  Hulsemann, 
the  Austrian  charge,  complained  of  Taylor's  action.  Clayton, 
the  Secretary  of  State  explained  the  object  of  the  mission,  and, 
When  Hulsemann  sent  an  offensive  reply,  Webster,  who  had  suc 
ceeded  to  the  State  Department,  determined  to  give  him  a  rebuke, 
which,  while  stimulating  the  national  pride,  would  apprize 
Europe  that  America  was  a  nation  not  to  be  brow-beaten.  He 
suggested  among  other  things  that  the  United  States  was  a 
country  of  so  vast  an  extent  that  in  comparison  with  it  the  pos 
sessions  of  the  House  of  Hapsburg  were  but  a  patch  upon  the 
earth's  surface.  Mr.  Hulsemann  moderated  somewhat  under  this 
domineering  letter,  but  later,  when  Kossuth  was  enthusiastically 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  101 

received  in  this  country,  the  charge  was  again  filled  with  wrath, 
and  after  a  correspondence,  which  is  published  in  this  volume, 
left  the  country. 

In  addition  to  this  mcident,  Webster's  skill  as  a  diplomat  was 
fully  tried  in  a  controversy  with  England  growing  out  of  the 
Clayton-Bulis er  treaty,  and  another  with  Spain  resulting  from 
the  Lopez  invasion  of  Cuba  and  a  consequent  sacking  of  the 
Spanish  consulate  at  New  Orleans.  The  Lobos  islands  affair, 
some  trouble  with  England  about  the  fisheries,  and  a  dispute 
with  Mexico,  also  vexed  the  Administration.  In  the  midst  of 
these  troubles,  Webster  and  his  friends  made  the  last  struggle 
to  secure  for  him  the  nomination  for  the  Presidency  which  he 
had  coveted  for  so  long.  Again  a  military  hero  secured  the 
nomination  and  this  time  Webster  refused  to  support  him. 
Long  before  the  failure  to  secure  the  nomination,  Webster  had 
shown  signs  of  failing  health.  Active  public  life  was  putting 
too  great  a  strain  upon  a  body  of  which  he  had  never  taken  the 
wisest  care.  He  had  too  often  subjected  himself  to  a  tremendous 
strain  for  a  short  time,  preparing  for  great  speeches  under  fear 
ful  pressure.  All  this  tended  to  break  down  even  his  iron  frame, 
and  when  m  the  autumn  of  1852  the  annual  catarrhal  attack 
came  upon  him  he  was  too  weak  to  resist  it  and  the  end  came. 


(To  Wm.  Plumer.1) 

My  Dear  Sir  Jan-  9 

My  little  Greek  motion  will  come  on,  on  Monday,  week — viz — 
the  19th —     I  know  not  what  you  think  of  it,  but  if  it  meets  your 
approbation,  I  wish  you  would  say  something  in  its  support2 — 
Yrs  with  much  regard, 

D  WEBSTER 

(To  Nathan  Appleton.3) 

j)r  gjr  WASHINGTON  Jany  12,  1824 

I  transmit  you  a  copy  of  the  bill  proposing  an  augmentation 

1  Representative  from  New  Hampshire. 

s  This  letter  is  in  possession  of  the  New  Hampshire  State  Library. 
3  See  letter  dated  May  30,  1827,  Daniel  Webster  to  Appleton,  for  sketch  of 
the  latter. 


102  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

of  duties,  recently  reported  by  the  committee  on  manufactures. 
I  shall  be  much  obliged  to  you  for  the  communication  of  such 
observations  as  may  occur  to  you,  on  the  examination  of  this  bill. 

It  is  probable  that  the  subject  may  be  acted  upon  in  about 
three  weeks,  or  a  month,  and  the  importance  of  the  subject  I 
hope  may  excuse  me  for  asking  for  the  benefit  of  your  opinions 
respecting  it. 

I  am  Sir  with  great  regard 

Yours     DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 

feb.  15.  [1824] 
Dr  E. 

The  caucus  assembled  last  night,2  &  you  will  see  its  official 
details,  I  presume,  as  early  as  you  see  this.  I  think  the  result 
not  favorable  to  Mr.  Crawford.  The  meeting  was  too  thin;  it 
shows  his  weakness  in  the  H.  &  R.  &  how  little  chance  he  has  of 
success,  if  the  vote  comes  there,  as  I  think  it  must.  Pray  keep 
all  still  &  silent.  Let  the  Patriot  folks  espouse  the  Caucus  Can 
didate.  It  will  do  wonders  &  work  good  in  the  end,  that  they 
should  do  so.  I  hope  you  will  not  let  the  Presidential  question 
make  its  way  into  your  Spring  elections.  You  seem  to  be  in  a 
most  disjointed  state.  I  fear  your  friend  W.  will  come  in  again, 
simply  for  want  of  an  opposing  candidate.  The  last  news  we 
had  was  of  Genl.  Dinsmore's  declin'g. 

Genl.  Jackson  continues  to  make  head,  in  Penna.  &  at  the 
Convention,  at  Harrisburg,  three  weeks  hence,  I  fancy  he  will 
be  nominated.  If  so,  it  will  produce  some  change  of  prospects. 

Our  Steam  Boat3  case  is  not  yet  decided,  but  it  can  go  but  one 
way. 

Mrs.  W.  &  the  children  are  well,  &  send  a  great  deal  of  love. 
We  have  had  the  finest  winter  here  ever  known.  It  has  been  as 
mild  as  October.  Today  we  have  a  plentiful  rain.  My  wife 
means  to  write  you  herself  soon.  Julia  &  Edward  send  love  to 
their  cousins. 

Yrs 

D.  W. 

1  The  original  of  this  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 

2  A  caucus   of  the  party  members  of  Congress,  which  was  the  prevailing 
method  at  that  time  of  making  nominations  for  President  and  Vice-President. 

3  Gibbons  vs.  Ogden. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  103 

(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

WASHINGTON  Apr.  5,  1824. 
My  Dear  Sir 

It  is  rumored  here  this  morning  that  Judge  Sherburn  had  re 
signed  ;  on  hearing  of  this,  Judge  Livermore  has  started  for  the 
vacant  place.  I  believe  all  the  Delegation  of  N.  Hamp.,  with 
perhaps  the  exception  of  Mr.  Plumer,  have  signed  his  paper; 
that  is  the  style  of  things  here.  Official  information  of  the  resig 
nation  has  not  been  yet  rec'd.  Mr.  Parrott1  also  has  signed  the 
paper.  Mr.  Bell  declines,  on  the  ground  of  impropriety,  he 
being  a  Senator.  I  shall  know  more  about  it  today — but  this 
shews  you  how  things  go.  I  hope  the  story  of  the  resignation  is 
not  true — what  I  have  mentioned  I  derive  from  confidential 
sources. — &  you  must  use  it  accordingly. 

I  am  your  debtor  for  two  letters.  As  to  the  time  of  my  return, 
I  shall  press  very  hard  to  get  home  before  May  is  out.  I  expect 
to  be  obliged  to  return,  say  in  July,  to  get  my  Money,  if  we 
pass  the  Bill  this  session,  &  if  so  I  need  not,  that  I  now  see,  remain 
here  after  the  rising  of  Congress.  I  will  write  you  further  on 
this  head  &  on  other  things  soon.  I  scratch  this  in  the  House, 
merely  to  give  you  the  information  above. 

Yours  very  truly, 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

April  6.  [1824] 
Dear  Sir 

I  believe  I  was  wrong  in  one  part  of  my  communication  yester 
day.  Mr.  Bartlett  has  not  signed  the  paper;  but  is,  I  learn, 
willing  to  do  so,  on  receiving  an  assurance  that  the  Candidate, 
if  appointed,  will  remove  to  Portsmouth — a  pledge,  I  learn, 
quite  ready  to  be  given.  Mr.  Parrott  I  believe  has  rather  retract 
ed  his  recommendation,  on  the  ground  of  its  being  not  perhaps 
quite  compatible  with  his  character  as  Senator. — After  all,  I 
hope  there  is  no  vacancy.  Pray  tell  the  Judge  that  Congress 
will  not,  this  session,  increase  his  duties. 

We  are  approaching  the  question — on  the  Tariff.     I  know  not 

1  John  F.  Parrott,  Senator  from  New  Hampshire. 


104  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

how  it  may  go,  we  sometimes  have  hopes  of  stopping — but  again 
our  fears  arise,  &  exceed  our  hopes. 

Yrs 

D.  WEBSTER. 
5  O'Clock 
We  have  beat  them  on  the  iron  95  to  90.1 


(From  H.  A.  Dearborn.2) 

BOSTON,  May  4th,  1824. 
Dear  Sir 

I  received  a  letter  from  a  friend  in  London  dated  the  6th  of 
March  who  justly  observes: 

"Mr.  Webster's  speech3  has  been  received  with  general  appro 
bation  &  applause.  It  has  been  translated  into  Greek  &  printed 
in  London,  in  order  to  be  distributed  all  over  Greece.  I  am 
happy  that  the  Demosthenes  of  America  has  taken  the  lead  in 
encouraging  and  animating  the  countrymen  of  his  great  proto- 
type!"- 

I  tender  my  thanks  for  your  wise  &  magnificent  speech  on  the 
Tariff.  The  ground  you  have  assumed  is  the  only  one,  which 
history,  policy  &  experience  can  enable  us  to  maintain,  with  in 
terest  to  the  nation.  I  march  with  you,  side  by  side,  in  all  the 
route  you  take.  If  you  are  not  correct,  there  is  no  truth  in 
induction,  there  is  no  "wisdom  among  the  learned,  there  is  no 
intelligence  to  be  found  in  Parliament, — there  is  no  reliance  to 
be  placed  on  the  statements  of  the  learned  political  writers  on 
the  currency  of  nations ;  in  fact  we  have  not  any  new  lights,  to 

1  On  the  motion  to  reduce  revenue  from  $1.12  to  90  cents  per  ton  on  bar 
iron,  the  vote  was,  however,  99  to  90,  in  favor  of  the  motion. 

3  Henry  A.  S.  Dearborn,  born  in  New  Hampshire,  1783.  Educated  at 
William  and  Mary  College.  Practiced  law  in  Massachusetts  and  Maine.  Was 
successively  Representative,  Executive  Councellor  and  Senator  in  the  Massa 
chusetts  Legislature,  and  in  1831-33  was  representative  in  Congress.  Later 
was  Adjutant-General  of  Massachusetts  until  1843.  As  an  author  he  wrote 
three  volumes  on  the  commerce  of  the  Black  Sea,  a  biography  of  Commodore 
Bainbridge,  a  book  on  architecture,  and  a  Life  of  Christ.  He  was  a  lifelong 
correspondent  of  Webster's. 

3  The  "  Greek  Speech,"  delivered  January  19,  1824.  Webster  said  of  it  : 
"  I  am  more  fond  of  this  child  than  any  of  the  family;  "  referring  to  all  the 
published  speeches.  See  Curtis,  vol.  i,  p.  205.  There  are  in  the  New  Hamp 
shire  Historical  Society  collection  over  thirty  pages  of  notes  made  by  Daniel 
Webster  in  preparation  for  this  speech. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  105 

guide  us,  since  the  dark  ages,  &  must  grope  on  with  tyrant  cus 
tom  &  old  precedent,  for  crutches. 

Your  most  obt.  S't.     H.  A.  DEARBORN. 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

BOSTON  May  23.  [1824] 
DRSir 

I  wrote  you  yesterday.  Last  Evening  I  saw  Mr.  Hale  of 
Keene —  In  conversing  with  him  on  the  subject,  I  found  he  en 
tertained  the  same  general  impression  as  others,  that  the  result 
of  the  elections  was  unfavorable.  He  said,  however,  that 
Cheshire  would  be  3  or  4  votes  better.  He  had  supposed  that 
Strafford  was  much  changed  for  the  worse. 

I  perceive  he  is  a  good  deal  friendly  to  Mr.  Plumer.  From 
what  he  says,  as  well  as  from  some  other  things,  I  am  fully  per 
suaded  that  Mr.  Plumer  still  thinks  he  has  some  tolerable  chance. 
I  have  told  Mr.  H  (in  hopes  he  might  suggest  it  to  Mr.  P.)  that 
I  did  not  think  your  friends  would  vote  for  Mr.  Plumer — that  it 
was  unreasonable  to  expect  it — that  your  strength  was  greater 
than  his,  or  any  other  candidate  who  was  supposed  to  be  favor 
able  to  the  administration,  &  that  if  they  acted  on  principle,  they 
ought  to  unite,  in  your  favor.  That  Mr.  Adams  friends  could 
elect  you  if  they  chose — that  if  they  did  not,  I  did  not  see  why 
you  &  your  friends  should  seek  to  uphold  Mr.  Adams'  inter 
est  by  electing  Mr.  Plumer  or  Parrott.  In  my  opinion,  this  is 
the  right  tone ;  &  it  ought  to  be  held  distinctly  to  Mr.  P.  &  also 
to  Mr.  Parrott ;  &  let  the  responsibility  be  on  them.  Mr.  Liver- 
more  will  doubtless  be  a  candidate.  It  is  said,  &  I  incline  to 
think  it  is  true,  that  Mr.  Bell  would  prefer  Mr.  Livermore's 
situation  to  his  own,  whether  this  chance  of  opening  the  other 
seat,  to  be  filled  this  Session  also,  presents  any  new  views,  you 
can  judge.  I  am  at  present  a  good  deal  inclined  to  think  that 
Dinsmoor  will  be  the  leading  candidate ;  &  if  you  are  not  elected 
it  seems  probable  he  may  be.1 

I  shall  leave  town  tomorrow  for  three  days.  On  my  return 
hope  to  find  a  letter  from  you.  It  is  suspected  an  attempt  will 
be  made  at  Concord  to  repeal  the  Congressional  District  Law. 

1  See  "  History  of  New  Hampshire,"  by  McClintock,  pp.  541-2.     Mason 
was  defeated. 


106  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

I  think  Mr.  Fuller  will  be  speaker  here.  At  least  I  hope  so. 
The  House,  I  believe,  is  Federal.  Yet  I  think  they  will  elect  Mr. 
Fuller,  &  give  Mr.  Lincoln  just  such  a  Council  as  he  may  wish. 

Yrs  D.  W. 

Let  me  know  if  anything  occurs  to  change  the  prospect. 


(To  Ezekiel  Webster?) 

PHILADELPHIA,  June  5.  [1824] 
DrE 

I  have  come  so  far  with  Mrs.  W.  &  return  today  to  Washing 
ton — while  Mrs.  W.  moves  along  homeward  She  expects  to  be 
met  by  Mr.  Paige  in  New  York.  A  week,  I  trust,  will  suffice  for 
my  concerns  in  Washington,  &  I  shall  be  home  about  the  20th  of 
June. 

Mr.  Crawford  is  sick — very  sick.  And  recent  events  have  ap 
peared  very  favorable  to  Mr.  Adams.  In  the  event  of  Mr.  C's 
death,  (which  I  anticipate)  Mr.  Adams  will  be  chosen  by  the 
People  &  by  a  great  vote.  If  Mr.  Crawford  survives,  I  still 
think  Mr.  Adams'  chance  the  best,  at  present,  greatly.  Genl. 
Jackson's  interest  is  evidently  on  the  wane. 

As  to  Senator  from  your  State,  as  you  have  not  the  power 
of  making  him,  it  would  be  idle  to  give  advice,  even  if  I  had  it. 
You  know  my  preferences.  If  there  is  not — &  I  suppose  there  is 
not — any  chance  of  choosing  the  best  or  the  next  best,  man — if, 
in  short,  it  comes  to  be  a  question  between  Gov.  Morrill — Gov. 
Woodbury — &  Mr.  Parrott — I  hope  you  will  choose  the  latter. 
Depend  on  it,  he  is  much  preferable  to  a  new  man.  He  has  gone 
along  very  well,  I  think,  this  session,  and  I  should  greatly  prefer 
him  to  either  of  the  others.  I  wrote  Mr.  Mason  on  this  subject 
some  time  ago. 

I  have  not  learned  yet  your  choice  of  Governer.  My  Spanish 
claims  come  to  an  end,  on  Wednesday  next. 

Yrs 

DANL  WEBSTER 

P.  S. 

Do  not  fail  to  try  hard  to  District.  Of  present  mem 
bers,  I  know  most,  &  think  the  best  of  Mr.  Plumer.  I  think  you 
may  talk  with  him  very  confidentially — &  will  find  him  liberal  & 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  107 

sensible.  If  he  can  be  kept  in  Congress,  in  my  opinion  it  will 
be  a  good  thmg.  He  will  doubtless  be  at  Concord,  and  I  trust 
you  will  see  him,  &  converse  with  him.  He  is,  much  less  than 
the  rest  of  mankind — or  some  of  them  at  least — under  the  influ 
ence  of  party  feeling. 


(From  William  Gaston.1 ) 

,       0.  KINGSTON  No.  Car.  April  llth,  1824. 

My  dear  Sir 

Availing  myself  of  a  leisure  moment  on  my  circuit,  I  take  the 
liberty  of  applying  to  you  for  some  information  on  the  subject 
of  the  Presidential  Election.  While  there  was  a  prospect  of 
electing  Mr.  Calhoun  I  felt  a  strong  interest  for  his  success. 
Since  this  prospect  has  vanished  my  concern  in  the  contest  has 
almost  ceased.  Still  however  I  have  a  choice,  and  would  prefer 
Mr.  Adams  to  either  of  the  remaining  candidates.  In  this  State 
the  struggle  will  be  between  the  Crawford  and  the  Jackson  tick 
ets.  I  believe  that  the  latter  if  taken  up  generally  by  those  who 
would  prefer  Adams  might  be  made  to  succeed.  What  effect 
would  its  success  have  on  the  final  result?  If  Adams,  Jackson 
&  Crawford  be  the  three  from  whom  the  House  of  Representa 
tives  is  to  select,  which  would  get  the  majority  of  States,  and  of 
what  states  would  this  majority  be  composed?  If  Adams,  Jack 
son  &  Clay  be  the  three,  how  then  would  the  election  terminate? 

Favour  me  with  answers  to  these  inquiries,  and  believe  me  very 
truly 

Yours,     WILL,  GASTON. 


'(To  William  Gaston.2) 

T,,    -PL       0.  BOSTON  Sept.  8th  1824 

My  Dear  Sir 

More  difficult  problems  were  never  presented  than  those  con 
tained  in  your  letter  (which  I  suppose  you  'have  forgotten)  of 
April  last —  They  were  difficult  then,  &  after  waiting  four  or 
five  months,  I  do  not  see  that  time  has  done  much  towards  their 

1  Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  North  Carolina.  He  probably  became 
acquainted  with  Webster  when  a  member  of  Congress  from  North  Carolina, 
1813-17.  See  Webster's  answer  September  8,  1824. 

3  This  letter  is  owned  by  Isabel  D.  Bronson.  See  letter  dated  April  11,  1824. 


108  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

solution —  It  seems  to  me  vain  to  conjecture,  even  now,  what 
will  be  the  result  of  the  election —  I  have  an  impression  that 
Mr  Adams'  chance  is  best; — but  others,  close  about  me,  think 
differently —  All  New  England  may  be  put  to  his  credit — so, 
I  suppose,  may  New  Jersey  and  the  greater  part  of  Maryland — 
as  to  the  rest,  I  have  no  means  of  knowing  in  what  States  his 
friends  may  confidently  expect  votes  for  him —  From  the  be 
ginning  I  have  supposed  the  election  would  come  to  the  H.  of  R. 
&  still  continue  of  that  opinion.  If  Pennsylvania  adheres  to 
General  Jackson,  &  S.  Carolina,  also,  Mr.  Crawford,  Mr.  Adams, 
&  Gen1  Jackson  will  come  into  the  House,  I  should  conjecture' 
in  the  order  in  which  I  have  named  them —  If  S.  Carolina 
should  go  for  Mr  Adams,  it  might  put  him  possibly  at  the  head 
of  the  list,  &  bring  in  Mr  Clay  instead  of  Gen1  Jackson.  How 
the  election  would  terminate,  in  either  of  these  cases,  I  cannot, 
with  any  certainty,  foresee —  My  opinion,  however,  such  as  it  is, 
I  have  already  intimated.  We  are  putting  to  the  proof  the  most 
delicate  part  of  our  system,  the  election  of  the  Executive — -  In 
the  absence  of  such  persons  as  are  very  prominent,  &  highly  dis 
tinguished,  for  character  &  service,  the  choice  falls  necessarily 
among  a  greater  number,  &  among  those  also  whose  merits  may 
not  be  supposed  to  be  very  unequal.  In  such  case,  local  con 
siderations,  personal  considerations,  &  hundred  other  small  con 
siderations  will  have  their  influence.  The  result,  I  fear,  will  be 
a  general  failure  in  the  election,  by  the  Electors,  in  time  to  come — 
And  the  consequence  of  this  will  be,  as  is  obvious,  a  diminution 
of  the  weight  &  authority  of  the  Executive  Magistrate,  &  a  con 
tinued  devolution  of  more  &  more  of  the  authority  properly  be 
longing  to  that  department  on  Congress —  When  we  have 
strong  parties  again,  we  shall  have  a  chance  for  Presidents,  who 
shall  be  elected  thro'  their  own  favor  &  popularity; — so  we 
may  also,  if  war  or  troublous  times  should  bring  forth  great 
talents,  united  with  great  services —  Otherwise  I  am  fearful  the 
President's  Office  may  get  to  be  thought  too  much  in  the  gift  of 
Congress. 

In  this  part  of  the  Country  there  is  no  great  warmth  about 
the  approaching  election — 

Mr  Adams'  friends  seem  to  be  most  numerous;  but  the  other 
Candidates  are  neither  feared  nor  greatly  disliked,  except  by  the 
public  writers. 

Our  portion  of  the  Country  is  at  this  time  exceedingly  pros 
perous,  upon  the  whole;  &  having  had  a  little  excitement  from 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  109 

the  visit  of  the  good  Lafayette,  we  are  going  on  again  in  our 
every  day  pursuits —  Our  Congressional  elections  take  place  in 
Nov.  No  nominations  have  yet  been  made —  Most  of  our 
present  members  will  probably  be  reelected. —  It  is  possible  that 
our  friend  Mr  Mason  may  be  chosen  Senator  again,  from  N. 
Hampshire— but  this  is  only  possible —  The  times,  tho'  toler 
ably  good,  are  not  quite  good  enough —  I  fear  for  that. — 

I  see  Roger  Vose  now  &  then.  He  is  as  formerly,  except  that 
silver  locks  render  his  venerable  appearance  more  venerable — 
He  can  laugh  yet — &  cause  others  to  partake  in  the  same  exer 
cise. — 

Poor  Lovat,  you  know,  has  been  deceased  some  years —  I 
had  a  short  visit  last  year  from  Mr  Morris  S.  Millar.  He  is  what 
they  call  in  N.  York  a  Bucktail —  He  &  Mr  Shepherd  think 
that  opposition  to  the  war  was  carried  too  far ! — 

We  have,  My  Dear  Sir,  a  great  many  good  people  in  New 
England,  who  would  be  glad  to  see  your  face.      Some  of  us  think 
you  bear  a  resemblance  to  the  better  class  of  Yankees —     If  you 
regard  this  as  a  reproach,  come  and  disprove  it — 
Yours  always  affectionately 

DANL,  WEBSTER 

(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

BOSTON,  Nov.  14,  [1824.1 
My  Dear  Sir 

A  letter  has  been  rec'd  in  answer  to  that  written  to  Ports-, 
mouth,  quite  satisfactory  as  to  the  writers  own  wishes  &  inten 
tions;  and  rather  encouraging  as  to  the  general  prospect.  It 
speaks  of  the  writers  favourable  sentiments  &  good  wishes  towards 
the  present  incumbent,  but  also  of  the  hopelessness  of  his  reap- 
pointment;  &  says,  that  when  that  is  fully  seen,  his  friends  will 
heartily  join  in  the  other  object.  It  mentions  as  probable  the 
desired  success  in  the  H.R. ;  speaks  of  the  difficulties  elsewhere, 
but  hopes  they  may  be  overcome,  the  more  easily,  as  he  does  not 
think  any  amendment  likely  to  unite  a  Majority  of  the  voices. 
The  whole  letter  is  liberal  &  personally  friendly  to  you,  in  a  high 
degree.  It  manifests,  moreover,  more  willingness  to  take  a  part, 
than  I  expected.  I  have  permission  to  show  it  to  one  or  two 
discreet  friends,  which  I  shall  do  tomorrow. 

Yrs  always, 

WEBSTER. 


110  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Wm.  Plumer.l(?)) 

MONTECELLO,  Decr.  18.2  [1824] 
My  Dear  Sir  Saturday  Morning 

If  I  am  inquired  for,  have  the  goodness  to  say  I  may  be  ex 
pected  either  on  Tuesday  or  Wednesday  morning.  We  should 
have  left  here  yesterday  morning,  for  W.,  but  for  the  rain, 
which  fell  in  torrents  all  day.  This  morning  the  streams  are 
very  full,  &  we  doubt  the  expediency  of  setting  out. 

I  have  found  my  visit  here  very  pleasant.  It  has  not  only 
gratified  a  natural  desire  to  see  a  distinguished  &  extraordinary 
man,3  but  allowed  an  opportunity  for  much  interesting  &  in 
structive  conversation — 

Yours,  with  true  regard 

DANL  WEBSTER. 
The  rain  fell  here  yesterday  &  last  night  5  inches 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

Dear  Sir  WASHINGTON  Jan.  25,  1825. 

Ohio  &  Kentucky  have  agreed,  I  believe  without  doubt,  to  go 
for  Mr.  Adams.  This  makes  his  election  nearly  or  quite  certain. 
I  have  thought  this  might,  perhaps,  be  important  enough  to  write 
a  word  to  you,  to  mention  it.4 

We  have  no  other  news. 

_^_^_       Yrs          D.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Ezekiel  Webster.5) 

WASHINGTON,  Jan.  18,  [1825] 

I  am  much  obliged  to  you,  for  yours  of  the  10th.  It  gave  me 
much  information  that  I  wanted.  I  trust  you  have  not  forgotten 
to  write  me  again,  having  seen  Mr.  Mason  at  the  Court. 

1  There  is  no  address,  but  the  letter  was  found  among  the  Plummer  papers 
in  the  New  Hampshire  State  Library. 
8  On  this  day  Webster's  son  Charles  died. 

3  Thomas  Jefferson. 

4  For  other  correspondence  on  this  subject  see  the  "  Private  Correspondence 
of  Daniel  Webster,"  vol.   i,  p.  374,  Daniel  Webster  to  Ezekiel  Webster,  also 
pp.  3TT-380,  Warfield  to  Daniel  Webster  and  Daniel  Webster  to  Warfield. 

5  The  original  of  this  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York 
city.     Curtis,  vol.  i,  page  236,  quotes  the  latter  part  of  this  letter  and  quotes 
it  incorrectly. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  111 

I  hope  you  will  pay  all  proper  attention  to  your  approaching 
election.  The  Patriot  man,  I  perceive,  is  very  angry,  &  will  be 
very  active.  If  you  save  the  House,  you  will  save  all.  I  hope 
that  public  opinion,  even  when  for  Mr.  Mason,  will  have  some 
effect  on  the  People  of  N.  H. 

As  the  9th  Feb.  approaches  we  begin  to  hear  a  little  more 
about  the  election.  I  think  some  important  indications  will  be 
made  soon.  A  main  inquiry  is,  in  what  direction  Mr.  Clay  & 
his  friends  will  move.  There  would  seem  at  present  to  be  some 
reason  to  think  they  will  take  a  part  finally  for  Mr.  Adams. 
This  will  not  necessarily  be  decisive,  but  it  will  be  very  important. 
After  all,  I  cannot  predict  results.  I  believe  Mr.  Adams  might 
be  chosen,  if  he  or  his  friends  would  act  somewhat  differently. 
But  if  he  has  good  counsellors,  I  know  not  who  they  are. 

If  Mr.  Clay's  friends  should  join  Mr.  Crawford,  it  would 
probably  put  him  ahead  of  Mr.  Adams  the  first  ballot — &  that 
being  done,  I  know  not  what  might  follow. 

I  should  like  to  know  your  opinion  of  what  is  proper  to  be 
done,  in  two  or  three  contingencies — 

1.  If,  on  the  first,  or  any  subsequent  ballot,  Mr.  Adams  falls 
behind  Mr.  Crawford,  &  remains  so  a  day  or  two,  shall  we  hold 
out,  to  the  end  of  the  Chapter,  or  shall  we  vote  for  one  of  the 
highest  ? 

2.  If  for  one  or  the  highest — say  Jackson  &  Crawford — for 
which? 

3.  Is  it  advisable,  under  any  circumstances,  to  hold  out,  & 
leave  the  Chair  to  Mr.  Calhoun? 

4.  Wd  or  would  not,  N.  E.  prefer  a  man  of  the  power  of 
Calhoun,  to  a  choice  of  Genl.  Jackson? — 

On  these,  &  other  similar  points,  I  want  your  full  opinions,  by 
the  first  of  next  month. 

I  shall  write  you  again  in  a  day  or  two. 

Yrs 
^^^  D.  W. 

(To  Thomas  H.  Benton.) 

Feb.  25.  [1825.] 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  send  you  Mr.  R's1  original  communication  of  which  I  keep  no 

1  John  Randolph  of  Roanoke.     See  "Webster  Private  Correspondence,"  vol. 
p.  258.     In  1816  Mr.  Randolph  had  challenged  Webster  to  a  duel,  and  the 


LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

copy.  The  letter  prepared  as  an  answer  is  destroyed,  &  no  copy 
preserved.  The  correspondence  being  thus  disposed  of,  I  send 
you  a  memo,  of  what  I  am  willing  that  you  should  now  say  to 
Mr.  R.  &  will  add  that  it  would  have  given  me  pleasure  to  have 
said  the  same  at  any  time.  Our  understanding  is  distinct,  I 
think,  that  the  letters  being  thus  disposed  of,  no  publication  is 
called  for,  &  none  is  to  be  in  any  way  authorized  by  either  of  us — 

Yrs  with  much  regard 

i_  Df  W' 

[Memorandum.  ] 

[Feb.  25.  1825] 

Mr.  W.  is  willing  that  Mr.  B.  should  say  to  Mr.  R.  that  he 
has  no  recollection  of  having  said  any  thing  which  can  possibly 
be  considered  as  affecting  Mr.  R's  veracity  beyond  what  he  said 
in  the  H.  R. —  If  he  has  used  other  expressions  they  must  have 
been  about  the  same  time  and  the  same  import ;  he  docs  not  now 
recollect  them,  and  disclaims  them. 

As  to  what  Mr.  W.  said  in  the  H.  R.  he  meant  only  to  state 
that  Mr.  R.  was  under  an  entire  mistake,  or  misapprehension,  of 
the  facts ;  he  meant  to  say  nothing  more ;  and  neither  intended  to 
make,  or  did  make  any  imputation  on  the  personal  veracity  of 
Mr.  R. 

Dr    sir?  Senate  Chamber,  3  P.  M.  [Feb.  25.  1825] 

The  arrangement  is  perfectly  satisfactory.  I  return  the  memo. 
that  you  may  put  it  into  your  own  handwriting. 

I  go  out  to  dine  this  evening,  and  that  prevents  me  from  hav 
ing  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  til  tomorrow  forenoon. 

Very  respectfully,  &c. 

THOMAS  H.  BENTON. 

(To  John  Q.  Adams.1 ) 

PRIVATE. 

Dear  Sir:  H.  R.,  Feb.  26,  1825 

I  received  this  letter  this  morning.     You  know  Mr.  Mason's 

latter  in  a  dignified  way  refused  to  accept  the  challenge.  Now  Webster  again 
receives  a  challenge,  and  the  matter  is  temporarily  disposed  of,  as  is  seen  in 
the  correspondence  here  presented.  See  also  the  letter  of  Mrs.  Webster  to 
Webster,  dated  March  1,  1825,  in  this  work. 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Charles  Francis  Adams. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  113 

reputation  and  standing  in  New  England.  In  the  events  which 
have  happened  in  New  Hampshire  on  the  recent  occasion,  he  took 
an  active  and  prominent  part.  Although  I  did  not  expect  to 
receive  any  letter  from  him  on  the  subject,  and  have  no  reason 
to  know  precisely  how  far  he  would  wish  his  sentiments  to  be 
known,  yet  I  presume  he  would  expect  that  I  would  make  such 
use  of  his  suggestions  as  I  might  think  discreet.  And  I  have 
thought  the  best  course  would  be,  to  enclose  the  letter  itself,  for 
your  perusal.  You  will  see  that  in  general,  his  sentiments  are 
like  those  which  I  have  expressed  to  you  myself.  This  note 
does  not  require  any  answer.  The  letter  you  may  return  to  me 
enclosed  at  your  convenience.  My  private  letters  correspond 
with  the  public  accounts,  as  to  the  general  satisfaction  of  the 
people  all  over  the  North,  at  the  result  of  the  Election.  There 
are  letters  also  today  from  Kentucky  and  Ohio,  of  a  very  favor 
able  complexion. 

Yours  truly, 

DAN'L.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 

feb.  26.  [1825] 
Dr  E. 

I  shall,  stay  here  probably  till  15.  or  16.  March.  Your  elec 
tion  will  be  the  8 —  Write  me  Wednesday  Eve — the  9th  &  the 
letter  will  meet  me  here. — Write  me  again  on  Monday,  the  14. 
&  that  letter  will  meet  me  in  N.  York — to  which  place  let  it  be 
addressed. 

Mr.  Clinton  is  offered  the  Mission  to  Engd.  If  he  accepts,  Mr. 
Rush  is  expected  to  [be]  Sec.  Treas.  Gov.  Barbour  Sec.  of  War. 
There  are  some  objections  to  these  appointments.  Mr.  Adams' 
situation  is  full  of  embarrassments,  &  I  know  not  how  he  will  get 
along.  I  retain  however  a  confidence  that  he  will  act  liberally, 
&  in  this  hope  I  rest.  Mr.  Mason  has  written  me  a  very  sensible 
&  judicious  letter,  on  various  topics,  which  I  have  submitted.  I 
think  Mr.  Mason  will  yet  be  chosen.  New  influences  will  begin 
to  bear  on  the  case  by  June  next. 

I  have  a  letter  from  Keene  (Mr.  Prentiss)  saying  there  will 
be  a  scatter'g  of  the  votes  in  that  County  for  M.  C.  I  rather 
think  you  have  some  chance  to  be  chosen — but  shall  not  be  disap- 

1  The  original  of  this  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


114  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

pointed  if  you  should  not.  Judging  from  the  Patriot,  I  sup 
pose  old  heats  must  be  much  revived.  If  it  be  so,  it  is  but  a 
dying  effort. 

Yrs.     D.  W. 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

BOSTON  May  21,  1825. 
Dear  Sir 

Mr.  P.1  you  probably  saw,  in  the  stage  coach.  He  has  been 
here,  &  says  he  met  you  near  Newbery  Bridge.  We  have  had  a 
full  conversation  with  him;  &  every  thing  has  been  suggested, 
according  to  our  understanding.  He  rec'd  the  Communication, 
as  well  as  could  be  expected,  I  really  think  his  present  inclinations 
are  good ;  but  I  fear  he  will  not  act  with  sufficient  decision.  He 
thinks,  like  the  rest,  that  the  chance  of  success  has  been  a  good 
deal  lessened  by  the  late  election ;  but  he  does  not  appear  to  pos 
sess  any  particular  information.  He  thinks  your  Townsman, 
Mr.  P.2  has  no  chance  at  all — that  H.3  has  not  agreed  to  go  for 
W.4 — that  Mr.  D's5  friends  will  still  adhere  to  him — &  he  seems 
quite  doubtful  what  will  be  the  result.  I  have  not,  in  any  de 
gree,  given  him  to  understand  that  your  friends  would  in  any 
event,  incline  to  go  for  him — I  have  thought  best  that  he  should 
not  expect  that.  Finally,  it  is  arranged  that  he  will  be  at  C.  the 
first  day — that  he  will  then  Communicate  freely  with  Mr.  Oliver 
Pedbody,  a  Gentleman  in  whom  he  has  confidence.  It  will  be 
necessary  that  Mr.  Peabody  should  be  previously  seen ;  &,  being 
informed  of  the  Conversation  which  passed  between  you  &  me, 
he  will  know  exactly  what  has  been  said  to  Mr.  P. 

Mr.  Everett  has  acted  extremely  well  in  this  business.  I  be 
lieve  also  that  Genl.  D.  saw  Mr.  P. 

The  case  should  be  laid  before  him  strongly  as  C  &  I  hope  good 
may  come  of  it.  I  doubt  whether  he  has  much  influence  with 
individuals  but  he  could  do  much  to  make  a  general  impression  on 
those  who  are  favorable  to  administration. 

I  have  written  to  Washington.  Mrs.  W.  finds  her  sister's  fam 
ily  not  well  &  I  do  not  know  when  she  may  leave  Salisbury, — I 
have  written  her  to  come  down  to  Portsmouth.  My  going  there 
to  meet  her  will  depend  altogether  on  the  question  whether  I  can 

1  Wm.  Plumer,  Jr.  *  John  F.  Parrott.  3  Wra.  H.  Y.  Hackett. 

4  Levi  Woodbury.  *  Samuel  Dinsmoor. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  115 

do  any  good  If  I  can  I  will  come,  tho'  I  cannot  come  earlier 
than  the  30th  inst.  I  doubt  whether  Mr.  Parrott  can  do  any 
thing,  if  he  would. 

Please  acknowledge  receipt  of  this  &  let  me  know  what  you 
think.  Mr.  P.  is  half  inclined  to  have  a  conversation  with  H. 

Yrs 

D.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Jeremiah  Smith.) 

My  Dr  sir  Sunday  Eve.  [May  22.  1825] 

I  send  you  a  few  letters  &c     It  would  be  queer  if  you  &  I  & 
Judge  Story  should  happen  to  meet  at  Niagara.     It  is  possible. 
The  Judge  &  I  intend  to  set  off  in  that  direction  ab't  June  20th. 
Yours  always  most  truly, 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 

(To  James  W.  Paige.) 

D,     w  N  York  Thursday  Morning  [Nov.  24,  1825] 

We  were  all  so  busy  yesterday  that  we  let  the  day  slide  off 
without  writing  to  you.  I  had  many  ways  to  go,  Mrs.  W.  was 
much  occupied  with  her  friends  &  acquaintances.  We  came  here 
very  seasonably  to  dine  on  Tuesday — not  finding  convenient 
lodgings  at  the  public  houses,  we  availed  ourselves  of  Mr.  &  Mrs^ 
March's  hospitality,  &  have  staid  with  them.  This  morning  we 
proceed  on  our  journey. 

I  hear  of  some  important  failures  here;  but  all  these  things 
are  known  to  you  early  of  course.  The  state  of  things  in  the 
mercantile  world  is  spoken  of  as  not  being  very  satisfactory. 
Mrs.  W.  will  probably  write  you  from  Princeton. 

Yrs 
^^^  D.  W. 

(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

~.  WASHINGTON  Dec.  11,  1825. 

Dear  Sir 

I  do  not  think  there  is  the  least  probability  that  any  arrange 
ment  will  be  made  to  supply,  temporarily,  Judge  Sherburne's 


116  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

place.  When  Judges  become  permanently  incapable,  they 
ought  to  resign.  There  is  as  much  reason,  at  least,  for  proceed 
ing  vs.  Judge  S.  now  as  there  there  was  for  the  course  which  he 
pursued  against  his  predecessor,  But  at  any  rate,  no  substitute 
will  be  provided,  I  presume.  If  a  vacancy. — should  occur,  in 
that  office,  I  will  give  my  aid  to  support  the  Gentleman  you  refer 
to;  unless  a  new  state  of  things  should  in  the  mean  time  arise. 
For  example,  if  new  Circuit  Judges  should  be  created,  it  might 
become  an  object,  in  our  Circuit,  to  propose  a  Candidate  under 
such  circumstances  that  it  might  not  be  expedient,  also,  at  the 
same  time,  to  press  for  the  appointment  of  the  person  you  refer 
to  you  as  District  Judge. 

We  have  done  little  here  yet,  &  nothing  more  than  you  have 
seen.  There  will  be  opposition  to  Mr.  King's  appointment,  in 
the  Senate,  but  it  is  thought  it  will  not  be  successful  The  oppo 
sition,  however,  is  strong,  in  that  body.  A  very  good  temper 
prevails  thr°  the  mass  of  our  House.  There  is  nothing  of  a 
spirit  of  exclusion,  except  among  some  of  our  N.  England  worth 
ies,  &  perhaps  a  few  others. 

It  was  not  a  bad  thing  that  the  friends  of  Mr.  Crawford,  gen 
erally,  supported  a  Federalist  for  the  Chair.  Some  of  my 
friends  thought  that  I  might  have  obtained  some  votes  for  that 
place,  but  I  wholly  declined  the  attempt.  If  practicable  to  place 
me  there  it  would  not  have  been  prudent. 

Virginia,  as  you  will  see,  is  in  a  great  rage  with  the  Message. 
We  think  it  possible  your  old  friend  Mr.  Giles  may  come  back 
again  to  the  Senate; — unless  the  lot  should  fall  on  Mr.  Ran 
dolph. 

Yrs  truly, 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  J.  Q.  Adams.1) 

PRIVATE   AND    CONFIDENTIAL 

Feb.  28,  1826 
Sir: 

These  letters  were  put  into  my  hands  this  morning,  to  be  used 
at  my  discretion.  I  venture  to  enclose  them  to  you  for  your 
perusal ;  and  will  receive  them  again,  some  days  hence,  when  an 
opportunity  may  occur.  I  have  conversed  with  Mr.  Williams 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Charles  Francis  Adams. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  117 

on  the  subject,  and  find  him  somewhat  desirous  that  Mr.  Seawell, 
should  be  appointed,  more  specially  and  most  especially,  that  he 
should  not  be  omitted,  in  favor  of  any  other  gentleman,  in  his 
part  of  the  country.  Hereafter  I  may  venture  to  make  some 
further  suggestions  on  this  subject  at  some  future  period;  but 
it  is  thought  convenient  in  the  mean  time,  that  these  letters  should 
be  presented  to  your  consideration. 

With  entire  regard,  Yours, 

DAN'L,  WEBSTER. 


\(To 


WASHINGTON  Mar.  20,  1826. 
Gentlemen 

I  have  been  favored  with  yours  of  the  14th  instant,  relative 
to  the  proposed  new  Bridge,  &  another  also  from  Mr.  Webbs, 
accompanied  by  a  Report,  made  to  the  Senate,  by  a  Comee  of 
which  Mr  Hoar  is  Chairman. 

In  a  question,  at  once  so  important,  &  so  difficult,  I  feel  ex 
tremely  unwilling  to  say  more  than  the  emergent  occasion  re 
quires.  Whether  the  State  Legislature  can  authorize  an  ob 
struction,  in  an  arm  of  the  sea,  on  which  a  Port  of  delivery  is 
established,  by  the  laws  of  the  United  States;  and,  if  it  cannot, 
whether  a  Bridge,  built  for  public  convenience,  &  having  suitable 
draws  for  the  passage  of  vessels  is  to  be  deemed  an  unlawful 
obstruction,  arc  questions  depending  on  very  general  considera 
tions,  &  are  of  great  moment.  Very  little  has  been  decided,  or 
discussed,  on  such  questions,  except  what  transpired  in  the  New 
York  Steam  Boat  cause,  with  which  you  are  probably  acquainted. 
On  the  other  hand,  the  rest  of  the  Bridges  about  Boston,  &  espe 
cially  Craige's,  seem  to  stand  only  on  the  supposition  that  the 
Legislature  may  exercise  such  a  power.  There  is  a  Bridge,  also, 
over  Piscataqua  River,  at  Portsmouth,  fifteen  or  twenty  miles 
below  the  head  of  the  tide.  There  are  other  similar  cases.  It  is 
difficult  to  draw  a  line  between  Rivers,  below  the  head  of  the  tide, 
&  arms  of  the  Sea.  If  the  commerce  of  the  United  States,  for 
its  substantial  interest  &  convenience,  require  a  port  of  delivery 
at  Roxbury,  &  if  a  Bridge,  with  suitable  Draws,  ought  to  be 
considered  as  a  real  &  substantial  obstruction,  in  the  way  of  such 
commerce,  then  it  would  seem  to  follow  that  such  Bridge  could 

1  Copied  from  the  original  draft  of  a  letter. 


118  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

not  be  lawfully  erected.  But  I  do  not  feel  prepared,  at  present, 
to  express  an  opinion  on  either  of  those  questions.  I  might  mis 
lead  you  by  doing  so ;  &  they  are,  indeed,  questions  of  a  nature 
as  fit  to  be  considered  by  yourselves  as  by  me.  The  Courts  of 
U.  S.  could  not  regard  the  injury  to  private  property. 

I  am  the  more  willing  to  be  spared  from  giving  an  opinion  on 
those  points  at  present,  because  I  do  not  see  how  the  question  can 
be  raised,  till  the  Bridge  shall  be  built,  or  begun. — The  Courts  of 
the  U.  S.  cannot  interfere,  till  some  one,  lawfully  navigating, 
meets  with  an  unlawful  obstruction. — He  can  then  sue,  &  try  the 
right.  There  must  be  some  actual  conflicts,  between  a  right 
exercised  under  the  U.  S.  &  a  right  exercised  under  the  State, 
before  a  ground  of  action  can  be  laid. 

In  this  view  of  the  case,  it  is  perhaps  not  expedient  that  I 
should  do  more  than  to  indicate  the  general  nature  of  the  ques 
tions,  which  would  come,  in  my  opinion  to  be  discussed,  should 
the  occasion  be  furnished. 


(From  Henry 

(PRIVATE  AND  CONFIDENTIAL) 

[Apr.  1826]  ? 
My  dear  Sir 

The  lapse  of  time  now  renders  the  adoption  of  Mr.  Hamiltons 
resolution  about  Panama  necessary.2  The  Senate  wants  a  spur. 
Respect  for  it  has  heretofore  induced  the  President  to  hold  up 
his  message  to  the  house  until  the  Senate  voted.  The  same  con 
sideration  continues  to  operate;  but  that  ought  not  to  prevent 
the  House  moving  in  the  matter,  if  it  think  proper  to  do  so.  We 
really  desire  that  you  should,  and,  if  you  see  no  objection  to  the 
course,  suppose  you  take  up  Mr.  Hs  resolution  and  pass  it  for 
him  to  day?  I  made  this  suggestion  to  Letcher,  Storrs  &  one  or 
two  others  who  were  at  my  house  last  night.3 

I  am  Yours  f aithf7 

H.  CLAY. 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Mr.  C.  P.  Greenough. 

3  Refers  to  the  bill  "  making  appropriations  for  carrying  into  effect  the 
appointment  of  a  mission  at  the  Congress  of  Panama."  See  Me  Master's 
"  History  of  United  States,"  vol.  v,  pp.  433-58. 

3  See  Curtis'  "Life  of  Webster,"  i,  266.  Webster  made  a  powerful  speech 
in  defence  of  this  resolution,  "  AVorks,"  in,  178. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  119 

(To  William  Gaston.1 ) 

„.  BOSTON  May  81.  1826 

My  Dear  Sir, 

I  lose  no  time  in  answering  yours  of  the  20th,  which  was  recd 
yesterday.  Most  of  the  Gentlemen  you  mention  I  have  the  pleas 
ure  to  know,  &  know  them  to  be  most  worthy  &  respectable  per 
sons —  Dr  Holmes,  a  distinguished  Clergyman,  author  of  the 
two  vols  of  "American  Annals" ;  Dr  Harris,  author  of  several 
respectable  publications,  among  others  a  "Natural  History  of  the 
Bible,"  which  has  attracted  much  praise  abroad,  as  well  as  in 
U.  S. ;  Dr  Foster,  &  Dr  Richmond,  are  all  well  known  to  me. 
Gen1  Crane,  Sheriff  of  Norfolk,  I  know  quite  well.  Mr  Morey 
is  a  particular  acquaintance —  Mr  Rodman  I  know,  &  Mr  Sam 
uel  Williams  jr,  both  of  New  Bedford — I  do  not  know  anything 
of  the  Messrs  Whitakers  either  personally,  or  by  reputation ;  nor 
am  I  acquainted  with  the  characters,  or  persons  of  Mr  Kimball, 
Mr.  Ritchie,  or  Dr  Stone —  Mr  Bailey  I  have  known  only  from 
an  intercourse  in  Congress ;  &  of  Samuel  Williams  Junr.  I  can 
say  only  that  I  take  him  to  be  a  respectable  Gentleman,  who 
was  member  of  Congress  many  years  ago  from  Bristol  County 
It  will  give  me  pleasure  to  oblige  you,  or  to  serve  the  cause  of 
truth  &  justice  by  stating,  in  any  form,  the  general  character  & 
reputation  of  those  Gentlemen  whom  I  have  mentioned  as  being 
known  to  me.  They  are  all  equally  well  known  to  the  following 
persons,  who,  I  presume,  would  cheerfully  join  me  in  bearing 
testimony  to  their  good  character ;  viz.  Isaac  Parker,  Chf .  Jus 
tice  of  Mass :  Levi  Lincoln,  Govr ; — Mr  Justice  Story ;  John 
Davis  Esqr  District  Judge ; — I  think  it  likely  some  of  these  Gen 
tlemen  may  know  those  persons  mentioned  in  your  letter,  with 
whom  I  have  said  that  I  am  not  myself  acquainted. —  Any  wish 
of  yours,  in  regard  to  this  matter,  will  be  complied  with,  with 
great  readiness  &  pleasure — 

I  thank  you,  My  Dear  Sir,  for  your  kind  sentiments  towards 
my  poor  speech ;  but  much  more,  I  assure  you,  for  the  friendly 
dispositions  which  you  express  towards  the  Administration  & 
your  disapprobation  of  this  strange  opposition —  I  believe  Mr 
Adams'  feelings  and  purposes  are  extremely  pood.  Be  assured, 
there  is  nothing  in  him  of  narrowness,  or  illiberality,  or  local 
prejudice —  The  South,  I  very  much  fear,  means  to  quarrel 
with  him,  right  or  wrong ;  or  perhaps,  it  may  be  more  charitable 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Isabel  D.  Bronson,  of  Summit,  N,  J. 


120  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

to  say  that  it  means  to  act  on  the  presumption  that  he  must  & 
will  be  wrong,  &  act  wrong,  in  all  things, 

I  trust  it  will  turn  out  otherwise,  however,  &  that  his  measures 
will  be  found  not  unmixed  evil —  I  have  long  wished  to  write 
you,  on  these  subjects  but  have  been  restrained  from  various 
considerations- — I  know  the  posture  of  your  state ;  &  how  difficult 
&  dangerous  it  is,  or  may  be  thought  to  be,  to  support  the  meas 
ures  or  approve  the  conduct  of  one,  with  a  Community  that  is 
disappointed  at  his  elevation,  &  hopes  soon  to  see  his  place  occu 
pied  by  another — 

Nevertheless,  if  you  could  spare  a  half  hour  to  give  me  your 
views  &  feelings  fully,  I  should  be  very  much  gratified —  You 
see  on  what  grounds  the  opposition  places  itself —  The  Leading 
Jackson  Journals  make  the  great  charge  to  be,  a  tendency,  in 
Mr  Adams,  to  stand  well  with  Federalists —  All  this,  notwith 
standing  the  Genl's  Letter  about  Col.  Drayton,  Ingraham,  Hous- 
ten,  &  twenty  others  have  repeated  these  ideas,  in  their  speeches 
in  Congress —  Yet  you  know  whose  follower  Mr  Ingham  was, 
as  late  as  1823,  &  what  was  the  professed  principle  on  which  he 
who  then  was  (&  now  is)  his  leader,  acted — 

But,  My  Dear  Sir,  I  will  not  avail  myself  of  the  little  opening 
which  your  letter  affords,  to  inflict  upon  you  a  political  epistle — 
I  am,  however,  I  confess,  desirous  of  knowing  more  than  I  do 
know  at  present,  of  your  sentiments,  in  regard  to  public  affairs ; 
&  perhaps  you  will  find  leisure  to  tell  me  frankly  what  you  think, 
&  something  of  what  you  see  &  hear  around  you — 

It  caused  me  much  grief  not  to  be  here  last  summer,  when  you 
did  our  town  the  honor  of  a  visit —  Your  various  friends  will 
be  gratified  by  your  remembrance  of  them — 

I  am,  My  Dear,  with  unabated  esteem  &  regard, 

Yours 

DANL  WEBSTEII. 

(To  EzeTtiel  Webster.1) 

BOSTON,  Feb.  9,  1827. 
Dear  E. 

I  carried  your  wife  to  Woburn  last  Evening.  She  intends 
going  to  Bellerica  today,  &  to  be  home  on  Thursday.  The 
weather,  however,  is  such  as  may  perhaps  delay  her  progress. 

1  This  letter  is  the  property  of  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  121 

I  wish  to  see  you,  on  many  matters,  especially  in  regard  to 
political  matters.  Affairs  in  N.  H.  are  such,  evidently,  as  re 
quire  attention.  I  have  thought  very  much  on  the  subject,  & 
have  an  opinion  which  I  can  now  only  state,  but  should  be  glad 
of  an  opportunity  to  explain  the  grounds  of  it. 

1 .  It  will  not  answer  for  you,  &  the  Gentlemen  who  acted  with 
you  last  June,  to  retire  at  the  present  moment.     You  cannot,  I 
think,  with  honor  or  propriety. 

2.  Confusion  &  discord  will  attend  all  the  elections  of  the  next 
year,  unless  some  understanding  or  arrangement  be  made,  to 
unite  all  the  friends  of  the  Admin — 

3.  There  is  no  obvious  mode  of  avoiding  this  result,  but  that  of 
calling  public  meetings,  of  all  friends. 

4.  It  is  uncertain  whether  the  Republican  friends  of  the  Admn. 
(as  they  call  themselves)  will  take  this  course,  &  call  such  meet 
ings.     At  least  I  am  afraid  it  is  uncertain. 

5.  If  they  will  not,  still  such  meetings  should  be  called,  in  the 
Papers,  &  by  printed  notices,  &  let  all  attend  who  choose. 

The  lead  might  well  be  given  to  the  Republicans,  so  called,  if 
they  will  take  it,  If  they  will  not,  others  should. 

My  opinion  is,  that  you  &  your  friends  should  signify,  dis 
tinctly  to  the  other  supporters  of  the  Administration,  that  unless 
they  will  undertake  to  give  that  support  on  liberal  principles, 
you  will  feel  it  your  duty  to  lead,  in  attempting  to  render  such 
support. 

These  are  the  results  of  my  reflections.  I  wish  to  talk  with 
you  upon  them,  but  I  suggest  them  now,  as  you  will  see  some  of 
your  friends  next  week. 

Mr.  Hale  of  Keene  is  in  town.  I  have  told  him,  in  the  plain 
est  manner,  that  in  my  opinion,  the  Federalists  will  not  support 
the  Adams'  nominations  in  the  Senatorial  Districts,  etc.  unless 
they  shall  be  consulted  in  mak'g  them;  &,  generally,  that  they 
must  either  agree  to  act  with  the  Federalists,  or  expect  the  Fed 
eralists  to  act  agst.  them.  I  added,  that  unless  he  &  his  friends 
would  support  the  Administration  on  its  own  principles,  others 
must  undertake  it  &  wd.  undertake  it,  &c.  &c. 

I  must  see  you,  in  the  course  of  two  or  three  weeks.  Let  me 
know  when,  you  can  come.  Mrs.  W.  left  Mary  remain  here,  & 
we  shall  keep  her  till  you  come  for  her. 

Yrs  with  constant  affection, 

D.  WEBSTEB. 


122  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  J.  Q.  Adams.1) 

H.  R.  Saturday,  10  o'clock  March  3rd,  1827 
Sir: 

The  two  Houses  have  suspended  their  18th  Joint  Rule,  so  far 
as  to  allow  bills  to  be  presented  to  you  today,  which  shall  have 
passed  the  Houses  by  12  o'c.  Not  knowing  whether  you  are 
informed  of  this,  I  now  give  you  the  information,  supposing  you 
might  think  it  proper  for  you  to  be  at  the  Capitol.  The  H.  R. 
will  pass  probably,  three  or  four  private  bills.  It  has,  as  you 
see,  adhered  to  its  Amendment,  in  the  Colonial  Bill. 

Yours  as  always, 

DAN'L  WEBSTER. 


(To  J.  Q.  Adams.1) 

PRIVATE. 

PHILADELPHIA,  March  26th,  1827 
Sir: 

Mr.  Walsh  is  going  to  Washington  tomorrow,  of  which  I  give 
you  notice,  only  to  express  the  hope  that  you  may  see  him,  and 
converse  with  him.  He  seems  to  be  laboring  under  the  influence 
of  feelings,  which  I  think  would  be  changed  by  a  free  conversa 
tion  and  explanation.  His  position  at  present  is  one  of  some 
influence  and  his  future  course,  a  good  deal  important.  Pray 
place  this  note  to  the  account  of  friendly  zeal  and  anxiety,  rather 
than  to  that  of  officiousness,  and  believe  me  to  be,  as 
I  am  Most  truly  yours, 

DAN'L  WEBSTER. 

(To  J.  Q.  Adams.1) 

PHILADELPHIA,  Mar.  27, 1827 
Sir: 

I  hope  you  will  pardon  me  for  troubling  you  once  more  on  a 
political  subject.  However  infirm  my  judgment  may  be  in  the 
matter  about  which  I  write,  you  may  yet  be  assured  that  every 
word  proceeds  from  entire  singleness  of  heart,  and  devotion  to 
that  which  is  the  great  immediate  object  of  my  thoughts,  and 
efforts,  the  support  and  continuance  of  the  Administration. 

1  These  letters  are  owned  by  Charles  Francis  Adams. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  123 

One  of  the  observables  here  is  Mr.  Walsh's  entire  neutrality,  (if 
it  is  entire)  as  to  the  existing  contest.  This  is  a  great  drawback 
in  the  means  of  affecting  favorably  the  public  sentiment.  It  is 
important,  as  I  think,  and  as  all  here  think,  to  bring  him  out 
in  a  moderate  but  firm  manner,  in  support  of  the  Administration. 
He  circulates  4000  papers,  and  his  Review  also,  which  is  getting 
an  unexpected  extent  of  patronage,  opens  another  field,  which 
might  be  prudently  and  usefully  occupied,  for  the  discussion  of 
certain  principles,  now  becoming  interesting,  and  on  which  we 
must  hope  to  stand,  if  we  stand  at  all,  in  this  state. 

You  are  aware  that  there  are  40,  or  50  thousand  Electors  in 
Penn.  who  formerly  belonged  to  the  Federal  Party.  With  these, 
Mr.  Walsh's  opinions  have  great  weight,  and  a  majority  of  these 
votes  is  necessary  in  any  calculation  which  anticipates,  that  this 
state  may  be  found  in  favor,  of  the  continuance  of  the  present 
state  of  things.  I  have  now  been  here  near  a  week,  have  seen 
very  many  people,  and  have  conversed  with  all.  I  have  seen 
who  are  favorably  disposed,  whether  Greek  or  Jew.  I  have 
learned  the  grievances  of  the  Democratic  Press,  and  what  I  could 
do,  or  suggest  in  that  quarter,  tending  to  promote  satisfaction, 
and  ensure  active  exertion,  has  not  been  omitted.  The  present 
state  of  feeling  here,  is  certainly  not  the  best,  so  far  as  it  has 
been  produced,  by  the  recent  appointment.  This,  I  have  en 
deavored  by  all  the  means  in  my  power  to  mollify  and  satisfy, 
and  I  hope  with  some  success.  I  have  endeavored  also,  to  learn 
the  causes  of  Mr.  Walsh's  coldness,  and  to  find  out  what  might 
propitiate  his  good  felings,  and  secure  his  efforts.  He  sees  noth 
ing,  I  believe,  to  disapprove  in  the  general  measures  of  Govern 
ment,  but  certainly  is  at  present  in  rather  an  unsatisfied  mood, 
towards  the  Administration.  He  is  an  old  and  attached  friend  of 
Mr.  Hopkinson,  and  he  feels  that  Mr.  H.  as  an  early  and  true 
friend  to  the  President,  has  been  neglected  and  injured.  Mr. 
Hopkinson  himself  does  not  talk  in  that  way,  still  if  something 
fit  for  him  to  receive  could  be  offered  to  him,  I  have  no  doubt 
it  would  gratify  Mr.  Walsh  more  than  anything  else  whatever. 
The  District  Judge  of  this  District,  will  hardly  last  long.  It 
is  a  small  office,  but  I  presume  Mr.  H.  would  take  it.  No  doubt 
he  is  entirely  well  qualified  for  it,  and  would  probably  be  recom 
mended,  by  nearly  all  the  Bar.  I  am  persuaded  a  little  effort 
would  reconcile  all  our  other  friends  here,  or  nearly  all,  to  this 
measure.  Some  act  of  patronage,  or  kindness,  performed  at  the 
same  time  to  them,  would  lead  them  easily,  to  acquiesce  in  it, 


124  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

The  first  fruit  of  such  an  understanding,  if  it  were  found  prac 
ticable  to  make  it,  would  I  am  persuaded,  be  seen  in  the  appear 
ance  of  quite  a  different  tone  and  manner,  in  the  National  Ga 
zette.  It  would  heal  much  of  the  wound,  which  is  felt  in  New 
Jersey,  and  would  suffice  even  in  New  England,  to  awake  the 
activity  of  many  friends.  I  know  not  what  objections  there  may 
be  to  this  arrangement;  but  it  strikes  me  that  the  good  must 
greatly  over-balance  the  evil.  Friends  here,  are  in  sections  and 
parties  and  unless  union  can  be  produced,  great  mischief  may, 
or  will  ensue.  If  things  should  remain  in  their  present  state,  I 
think  it  more  than  probable  that  Mr.  Hopkinson  will  be  run  for 
Congress,  with  or  against  his  consent,  in  October,  against  Mr. 
Sergeant.  I  see  not  why  the  National  Gazette  and  the  Press, 
might  not  go  on  well  enough,  without  collision.  There  are  meas 
ures  of  Government  for  Mr.  Walsh  vo  defend,  steps  of  opposition 
for  him  to  expose,  and  reprobate  generals,  good  principles  to  be 
enforced,  &c,  &c.  The  Press,  in  the  mean  time,  may  very  well 
pursue  its  own  course,  taking  care  not  unnecessarily  to  annoy  its 
neighbors.  They  might  thus  tend  to  the  same  point,  although 
they  should  not  walk  in  the  same  road.  These  ideas,  I  have  en 
deavored  by  all  means  in  my  power,  to  enforce  on  all  sides.  It 
is  proper  for  me  to  add,  what  you  already  well  know,  that  Mr. 
Hopkinson  is  my  particular  friend.  Make  as  much  allowance 
for  bias,  and  possible  error  of  judgment  on  this  account,  as 
seems  proper  to  yourself.  Be  assured  only,  that  I  speak  as  I 
really  think.  Again  begging  you  to  pardon  me  for  writing  on 
such  a  subject,  and  so  long  a  letter,  I  have  only  to  renew  the 
assurances  of  my  sincere  and  constant  regard. 

DAN'L,  WEBSTER. 

(To  EzeJciel  Webster.1) 

BOSTON,  April  4,  1827. 
Dear  E. 

I  have  seen  no  New  Hampshire  Papers,  but  hear  from  Mr. 
Paige  that  you  are  to  be  in  the  Legislature.  I  am  very  glad  of 
it.  This  is  a  time  for  action.  I  wish  to  confer  with  you  &  Mr. 
Mason.  I  shall  have  no  objection  to  return  by  way  of  Ports 
mouth,  if  you  will  accompany  me. — 

I  submit  for  your  consideration  this  course.     Early  in  the 

1  This  letter  is  the  property  of  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  125 

session  introduce  a  string  of  Resolutions,  approving  of  the  elec 
tion  of  Mr.  Adams — &  of  the  general  measures  of  the  Administra 
tion — &  characterizing  the  opposition  as  groundless.  In  support 
of  these  resolutions,  make  your  best  Speech — print  it  &  circulate 
it  thro'  the  State.  So  favorable  an  opportunity  to  do  good  & 
to  distinguish  yourself,  will  never  occur  to  you  again. 
Let  me  hear  from  you  by  return  of  mail. 

Yrs. 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Joseph  E.  Sprague.1 ) 

BOSTON  April  27,  1827 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  was  very  happy  to  find  here  yours  of  the  21st,  on  my  return 
from  N.  Hampshire  the  day  before  yesterday;  and  rejoice  to  see 
today,  how  well  you  have  begun  in  Salem.  The  thing  will  go. 

I  have  letters  from  Maryland,  New  York,  Ohio,  and  Washing 
ton  all  giving  very  gratifying  accounts.2  Indeed  there  seems  to 
be  a  general  awakening  among  our  friends.  I  am  going  to  Ips 
wich  on  Tuesday,  and  will  endeavor  to  see  you  a  moment  as  I  go 
along,  say  about  10  o'clock. 

Yours  truly, 

DANL,  WEBSTER 


(To  Nathan  Appleton.3) 

NEW  YORK  May  30,  1827. 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  reed  yours,  enclosing  the  Govr's4  letter,  which  you  did  right 
to  open  &  read.  From  the  manner  in  which  he  expresses  himself, 
I  see  little  reason  to  hope  that  he  will  alter  his  resolution. — 

1  See  letters  in  Fl.  Webster's  Edition  of  "Daniel  Webster's  Correspondence," 
vol.  i,  pp.  414,  420.     J.  E.  Sprague  was  a  member  of  the  Massachusetts  House 
of  Representatives  and  an  active  politician.     In  1829  he  was  State  Senator  and 
in  1830  one  of  the  Governor's  Council. 

2  Refers  doubtless  to  the  tariff  agitation.     See  McMaster's  History  of  United 
States,  vol.  v,  p.  247. 

3  At  this  time  a  Representative  in  the  Massachusetts  Legislature.     Later 
he  twice  represented  the  State  in  Congress.     He  was  a   lifelong   friend   of 
Webster. 

4  Governor  Levi  Lincoln.     He  refused  to  run  for  the  U.  S.  Senate.    Webster 
was  chosen  Senator  for  Massachusetts  in  1827. 


126  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Nothing  has  occurred,  since  I  left  home  to  change  the  view, 
which  I  communicated  to  you. —  If  the  Govr.  cannot  be  per 
suaded,  then  a  case  will  have  arisen,  in  which  I  am  content  the 
legislature  shall  act  as  its  own  sense  of  public  interest  may  dic 
tate.  I  repeat  what  I  observed  to  you,  on  parting,  that  in  my 
opinion  the  choice  should  be  made,  without  loss  of  time.  En 
closed  is  a  letter  for  the  Govr.  which  I  will  thank  you  to  hand 
to  him. 

Yours  very  truly 

D.  WEBSTER 

The  length  of  my  stay  here  is  as  yet  a  good  deal  uncertain. 


(To  J.  E.  Sprague.) 

BOSTON  May  23,  1827. 
My  dear  Sir, 

L  am  obliged  to  you  for  your  letter  of  yesterday.  The  opin 
ions  you  express  are  in  general  my  own  opinions  precisely.  I 
see  but  one  way  of  escaping  from  our  present  difficulty,  and  that 
is  to  prevail  with  the  governor  to  be  a  candidate.1  To  this  end 
a  united  and  vigorous  application  should  as  I  think  be  made  to 
him  at  the  very  earliest  opportunity,  after  he  arrives  here.  I 
have  explained  myself  freely  on  this  subject  to  Mr.  Silsbee2 
whom  I  saw  yesterday. 

Yours  with  entire  regard 

DANL,.  WEBSTER. 

(To  J.  E.  Sprague.) 

CONFIDENTIAL,. 

NEW- YORK  May  30  1827 
Dear  Sir 

Your  letter  was  forwarded  to  me  here,  and  I  now  return  its 
enclosure  under  another  cover.  I  left  the  subject  on  which  your 
letter  treats  in  this  position,  namely,  that  if  the  Governor  could 
not  be  persuaded,  my  friends  might  dispose  of  me  as  they  saw 
fit.3  Since  I  left  home,  I  have  seen  or  heard  nothing  which  should 

1  For  election  to  the  U.  S.  Senate. 

J  A  successful  merchant  who  had  represented  Massachusetts  in  Congress  and 
was  at  thi«  time  U.  S.  Senator  for  Massachusetts. 

8  In  regard  to  the  U.  S.  Senatorship.     Webster  was  elected. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  127 

have  any  material  weight  in  determining  the  matter.  What  I 
have  seen  however  as  far  as  it  goes  rather  tends  to  show  that  I 
may  be  spared,  without  great  inconvenience  from  the  place  where 
I  now  am.  I  shall  probably  be  home  early  next  week,  but  in  the 
present  attitude  of  the  case  I  do  not  perceive  that  my  presence 
is  likely  to  be  important. 

Yours  truly, 

D.  WEBSTER 


(To  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 

BOSTON,  June  13,  1827. 
Dear  E. 

Daniel  arrived  safe  this  morn'g.  I  have  reed,  a  summons,  law 
ful  in  form  &  substance,  to  attend  the  Circuit  Court  in  Newport 
and  must  set  out  tomorrow  morn'g.  Mrs.  W.  is  getting  well. 

Your  Resolution,  as  to  the  course  to  be  pursued  by  yourself  & 
friends  seems  reasonable  &  just.  Will  your  friends  stick  to  it? 
If  they  will  remain  firm,  you  will  accomplish  your  purposes ;  but 
in  such  cases  some  are  generally  to  go  on  separate  account. 

If  the  Adams  Republicans  of  N.  H.  do  not,  by  this  time,  see 
the  hopelessness  of  success,  without  a  change  of  system,  nothing 
but  the  utter  ruin  of  their  cause  will  ever  open  their  eyes. 

I  shall  be  back  on  Sunday.  Let  me  hear  from  you,  by  that 
time. 

Yours 


(To  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 

BOSTON,  friday  Eve'  June  22  '27. 
Dear  E. 

I  reed  your  letter  of  Thursday  morn'g  (yesterday)  in  the 
even'g,  giving  an  account  of  the  fate  of  the  Resolutions,  &c.  In 
the  actual  state  of  things  it  would  seem  desirable  that  you  should 
not  break  up  the  session  without  coming  to  some  arrangement  as 
to  future  political  movements.  Doubtless  the  only  true  course  is 
to  rally  those,  of  whatever  name  or  party,  who  are  willing  to 
unite  to  support  the  administration  without  reference  to  former 
divisions.  If  the  Republican  Gentlemen  will  not  lead  in  such  a 
system  of  action,  then  of  necessity  the  Federalists  must.  Give 

1  These  letters  are  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


128  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

them  a  fair  option  ;  if  they  decline  taking  a  leading  part,  assume 
it  yourselves.     There  would  seem  to  be  no  other  course. 

In  the  present  position  of  things,  you  are  bound,  I  should 
think  to  do  something.  It  would  hazard  too  much  to  leave  pub 
lic  opinion  without  a  rallying  point  for  another  twelve  months. 
For  some  purpose  or  another,  there  should  be,  I  think,  a  union 
meeting,  more  or  less  public,  before  the  legislature  separates.  I 
cannot  see  thro*  the  matter  very  clearly,  but  I  suppose  there  must 
have  been  many  Republican  friends  of  the  Administration,  who 
voted  with  you,  &  who  would  not  be  adverse  to  a  union.  How 
this  is  to  be  brought  about,  those  who  are  on  the  spot  can  best 
j  udge  ;  but  in  some  form  it  seems  most  desirable. 

The  main  purpose  of  this  is  to  suggest  the  importance  of 
doing  something,  which  shall  produce  these  two  effects;  1.  To 
prevent  any  impression  from  the  postponement  of  the  Resolu 
tions,  that  a  majority  of  the  Legislature  is  agst  Mr.  Adams; 
2d.  to  agree  on  some  system,  or  mode  of  action,  which  shall  unite 
as  many  as  possible  of  the  friends  of  the  administration,  in  future 
movements.  It  would  now  seem  especially  incumbent  on  you  to 
do  all  you  can,  and  to  take  the  responsibility  in  regard  to  these 
two  objects. 

As  soon  as  the  weather  is  fair  I  go  off  on  a  little  journey  with 
Mrs.  W.  Write  me  often,  directed  here,  &  your  letters  will  be 
sent  to  me  by  Mr.  Bliss.  I  shall  be  very  anxious  to  learn  your 
proceedings,  &  to  hear  of  the  effect  produced  by  the  facts. 

Yrs  as  always, 


(To  J.  Q.  Adams.1) 

PRIVATE. 

gir.  BOSTON,  June  30th,  1827 

Having  occasion  to  write  you  today,  on  another  subject,  it 
occurred  to  me,  that  it  might  not  be  amiss,  to  use  the  same  oppor 
tunity,  to  say  a  few  words,  in  relation  to  the  late  occurrences  in 
New  Hampshire.  The  failure  of  the  Resolutions  made  in  the 
Legislature  may,  I  fear,  have  some  little  bad  influence  elsewhere, 
but  they  ought  not  to  be  received  as  evidence  of  any  unfavorable 
state  of  feeling  and  opinion  in  the  State.  It  was  produced  by  a 
difference  among  friends,  which  is  greatly  to  be  lamented,  but 
which  has  been  threat'g  for  some  year  or  two,  to  break  out.  A 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Charles  Francis  Adams. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  129 

short  state  of  the  case  is  this.  Ten  or  twelve  years  ago,  the  Re 
publican  Party,  having  attained  a  very  small  majority  over  the 
Federal  Party,  all  political  contests  from  that  time  forward,  on 
the  former  grounds  of  controversy,  closed.  It  has  never  been 
renewed  by  the  Federalists,  on  any  occasion.  Still,  however,  the 
Republican  Party  have  kept  up  their  organization,  and  had 
their  caucuses  for  nomination,  their  County  conventions,  &c. 
When  the  division  took  place  in  that  Party,  between  the  friends 
and  enemies  of  the  Administration,  a  division  which  became  mani 
fest,  soon  after  the  election  for  President,  or  indeed  rather  before 
that  event,  each  section  of  the  party  wished  to  retain  to  itself  the 
character  and  re-nomination  of  the  Republican  Party.  And  to 
prove  its  title  to  this  character,  each  kept  up  the  same  tone  of 
hostility  towards  the  Federalists,  as  in  the  days  when  there  was 
a  Federal  Party.  This  struggle  for  what  is  called  the  organi 
zation  and  machinery  of  the  Republican  Party,  has  been  going  on 
now  for  some  time,  a  majority  of  the  members  being  with  the 
Administration,  but  much  the  greatest  portion  of  management 
and  activity,  being  on  the  other  side.  Both  have  constantly  dis 
claimed  all  Federal  aid  and  cooperation,  this  was  sensible  enough 
on  the  part  of  the  opposition,  because  few  or  no  Federalists  would 
be  expected  even  if  invited  to  join  those  ranks.  But  it  was 
obviously  a  good  deal  dangerous  for  the  Republican  friends  of 
the  Administration,  because  the  Federalists  constituted,  whether 
in  the  Legislature,  or  in  the  State,  one  half,  certainly  a  large 
third,  of  the  whole  in  point  of  numbers,  and  their  proportion 
was  still  larger  in  other  respects.  Yet  this  course  has  been  stead 
ily  pursued,  although  with  such  results,  as  might,  one  should 
think,  have  inspired  a  diffidence  of  its  practicability.  Mr.  Hill's 
election  for  the  State  Senate  last  Spring  affords  an  apt  illustra 
tion  of  these  results.  He  was  nominated  by  the  Caucus,  and 
being  so  nominated  the  Journal  would  not  support  anybody  else 
Federal  or  Republican.  I  suppose  there  is  no  doubt  the  Editor 
himself,  voted  for  Mr.  Hill.  At  any  rate  I  have  been  assured 
that  if  he  would  have  opened  his  paper,  to  the  nomination  and 
support  of  any  other  Republican  Candidate,  (whose  opinions 
were  friendly)  Mr.  Hill  would  not  have  been  elected.  Thus  far, 
in  almost  every  instance,  the  opposition,  tho'  a  small  minority, 
has  succeeded  in  obtaining  the  command  of  "the  machinery  and 
organization"  of  the  party.  I  had  last  Winter  several  conversa 
tions  with  Mr.  Bell  on  this  subject,  and  expressed  to  him  my 
decided  opinion,  that  the  true  course  was  to  appeal  directly  to  the 


130  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

people,  on  broad  and  popular  grounds,  with  an  abstinence  from 
all  reference  to  former  Party.  He  signified  uniformly  that  his 
own  feelings  would  lead  to  such  a  course  (and  I  have  no  doubt 
they  would)  but  he  was  afraid  to  ask  it,  as  a  matter  of  policy. 
I  believe  that  in  regard  to  the  Federalists,  their  opinions  and 
feelings  were  fully  made  known  to  Mr.  Bell,  before  the  Meeting 
of  the  Legislature ;  that  they  expressed  their  entire  readiness,  and 
their  solicitude,  to  join  in  any  Measure,  calculated  to  strengthen 
the  Administration,  but  they  stated  distinctly  also,  that  if  this 
was  expected  of  them,  no  mark  of  opprobrium  must  be  set  upon 
them.  While  they  did  not  wish  anything  to  be  done,  to  show  any 
union  with  them,  they  still  expected  that  nothing  would  be  done 
to  exclude  and  proscribe  them  publicly  and  offensively.  Not 
withstanding  this,  as  you  will  have  seen,  the  meeting  which  was 
called,  was  limited  in  the  terms  of  the  call,  ex  industria,  to  the 
"Republican  friends  of  the  Administration".  This  call  did  not 
embrace  in  its  terms,  one  half  in  number,  or  a  fifth  in  talent  and 
character,  of  all  the  friends  of  the  Administration  in  the  Legisla 
ture.  What  happened  afterwards  and  by  consequence  you  have 
noticed.  If  I  had  been  in  my  Brother's  situation  I  probably 
should  have  supported  the  Resolutions,  notwithstanding  the  pre 
vious  proceedings  had  been  conducted  in  such  a  spirit.  I  have 
made  so  many  sacrifices  of  feeling,  in  such  cases,  that  they  come 
easy  to  me.  But  it  seems  he  did  not  desire  to  brook  it.  There 
is  not  a  faster  friend  to  the  Administration  in  the  State,  nor  a 
more  devoted  supporter  of  the  President  personally,  than  he  is. 
I  may  say  this,  as  you  do  not  know  much  of  him,  that  his  weight 
and  consideration  with  the  Community  and  in  the  Legislature,  are 
deemed  to  belong  to  few.  No  harm  as  to  New  Hampshire  poli 
tics,  will  grow  out  of  this  business,  although  as  I  have  before  said, 
its  effect  elsewhere  may  be  feared.  It  will,  perhaps,  impress  one 
salutory  truth  on  the  minds  of  our  friends,  in  that  State,  to  wit, 
that  this  Administration,  cannot  be  supported,  but  upon  the 
merits  of  its  acts,  and  by  a  direct  appeal  to  the  judgment  of  the 
People.  I  am  thoroughly  convinced  that  it  cannot  be  upheld 
anywhere,  by  combinations  and  arrangements,  among  political 
leaders.  It  is  the  singular  fortune  (for  good  or  bad)  of  the 
Person  now  at  the  head  of  the  Nation,  that  if  he  has  any  party 
disposed  to  support  him,  it  is  the  party  of  the  People,  Craving 
your  pardon,  for  the  unexpected  length  of  this  letter,  I  beg  to 
repeat  the  assurances  of  my  sincere  regard. 

DAN'L  WEBSTER. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN-  131 

,  (From  Joshua  Phillips.) 

ELDREDGE,  County  of  Huron,  Ohio. 
[Dec.  10,  1827] 
Dear  Sir, 

I  hereby  inform  you  that  we  had  a  County  meeting  at  the 
Court  House  last  Friday  for  the  purpose  of  Appointing  Dele 
gates  to  meet  with  Bothers  from  different  parts  of  the  State  at 
Columbus  the  last  of  December  to  nominate  Electors  for  Presi 
dent  &  Vice  President  &  to  take  all  laudable  measures  to  secure 
the  reelection  of  John  Q.  Adams 

As  there  is  little  or  nothing  said  publicly  about  Vice  President 
I  would  suggest  the  propriety  of  nominating  Daniel  Webster 
of  Boston  as  a  Candidate  for  Vice  President  the  ensueing  election 
&  you  need  feel  no  delicacy  in  answering  me  for  I  am  your  friend. 
Although  I  was  not  intimately  acquainted  with  you  in  New 
Hampshire  I  was  personaly  so.  I  have  mentioned  you  as  a 
Candidate  for  Vice  President  to  some  of  my  friends  &  have  told 
them  in  addition  to  other  things  you  would  never  fight  a  Duel 

Yours  respectfully 

JOSHUA  PHILLIPS 

(From  Jeremiah  Mason.1) 

PORTSMOUTH  Jany  9,  1828 
My  dear  Sir 

On  coming  home  today  from  Salem,  I  received  your  letter  of 
26  Deer.,  which  had  been  lying  by  several  days.  I  had  been 
desirous  of  writing  to  you  from  the  time  I  first  heard  of  your  & 
Mrs  Websters  sickness  at  N.  York.  *  *  * 

I  am  aware  that  your  sufferings  have  been  excessive  &  with  all 
the  alleviation  of  present  favourable  appearances,  if  they  con 
tinue  as  when  Mr.  Paige  left  you,  that  your  situation  must  still 
be  full  of  distress.  In  case  Mrs.  Webster  still  continues  in  a 
condition  actually  critical,  in  the  opinion  of  those  most  compe 
tent  to  judge  of  it,  I  do  not  think  that  your  duty  to  the  public 
requires  you  to  leave  her  to  resume  your  seat  in  the  Senate.  In 
deed  it  seems  to  me  that  under  such  circumstances  it  must  be  quite 
impossible  for  you  to  attend  to  your  duties  in  the  Senate,  and  I 
think  you  ought  not  to  attempt  it.  Nor  do  I  think  you 

1  Printed  in  Jeremiah  Mason's  "  Memoir,"  p.  309. 


132  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

ought  to  return  to  Washington  till  your  own  health  is  in  a 
good  degree  restored,  &  co'nfirmed.  But  I  hope  &  trust  my 
dear  Sir  that  when  you  receive  this,  Mrs  Webster  may  be  deemed 
to  be  out  of  danger.  If  however  she  should  unfortunately  be 
otherwise  &  that  you  should  be  obliged  to  remain  with  her  (as  I 
think  in  that  case  you  would,)  I  much  doubt  whether  that  would 
justify  you  in  immediately  or  soon  vacating  your  seat  in  the 
Senate.  This  I  understand  to  be  the  intimation  in  your  letter. 
Whether  her  continuing  long  in  such  situation  would  not  render 
your  resignation  expedient  can  be  determined  hereafter.  I  most 
cordially  wish  under  present  circumstances  that  you  was  out  of 
the  Senate.  But  I  do  not  see  how  you  will  justify  resigning 
at  this  time.  Your  motives  will  be  misunderstood  by  many  of 
your  political  friends  &  misunderstood  &  misrepresented  by  all 
your  political  enemies.  Your  resignation  would  unquestionably 
be  imputed  to  your  supposed  dispair  of  success  of  the  Adminis 
tration  party.  I  am  sure  it  would  be  so  represented  by  all  the 
opposition  papers  in  the  U.  S.,  and  I  think  it  very  probable  that 
many  not  under  their  influence  would  believe  it.  Considering 
your  standing,  such  a  belief  might  at  the  present  time  do  the 
administration  &  the  Country  vast  injury.  I  think  the  injury 
arising  from  absence  from  the  Senate  would  be  immeasureably 
less  than  from  your  resignation.  Having  accepted  the  place  so 
recently  nothing  but  imperious  necessity  will  be  or  ought  to  be 
considered  a  justification  for  resigning  it  under  the  present  cir 
cumstances  of  the  Country.  At  all  events  I  hope  you  will  not 
come  to  a  determination  to  do  this  hastily.  If  you  find  it  prob 
able  that  you  must  be  absent  from  the  Senate  the  whole  or  chief 
part  of  the  present  session  I  think  you  ought  to  state  your  will 
ingness  to  resign  to  some  of  your  political  friends  at  Washington 
&  be  in  some  measure  guided  by  their  opinion  of  its  expediency. 
There  can  be  no  danger  of  thereby  exposing  yourself  to  the  sus 
picion  of  wishing  to  obtain  their  advice  to  retain  it  altho,  I 
doubt  not  such  will  be  their  earnest  advice — You  are  too  well 
known  at  W.  to  fear  anything  of  that  sort. 

After  giving  you  my  opinion  thus  frankly  on  this  point,  I 
think  I  am  bound  to  say  with  equal  frankness  that  not  only  Mrs 
Websters  situation,  if  it  continues  to  be  dangerous  &  critical,  but 
in  my  opinion  a  due  regard  for  your  own  health,  if  it  be  as  low  & 
slender  as  I  fear,  makes  it  your  duty  to  remain  quietly  where 
you  are  for  the  present.  I  know  the  calls  for  you  in  the  Supr. 
Court  will  be  urgent,  but  I  really  fear  that  any  extraordinary 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  133 

exertions  with  your  present  feeble  health  &  anxiety  may  destroy 
you — If  you  do  return  to  Washington  I  most  sincerely  advise 
you  to  abstain  as  much  as  possible  from  occasions  of  high  excite 
ment  &  exertion.  Such  a  course  under  present  circumstances 
cannot  injure  your  reputation.  *  *  * 

The  prospect  is  now  favourable  for  our  spring  elections — 
There  will  be  greater  exertions  &  excitement  than  we  have  experi 
enced  for  many  years. 

We  shall  be  very  desirous  of  hearing  occasionally  how  you  & 
Mrs  Webster  are.  Mrs.  Mason  joins  me  in  affectionate  regards 
to  her  &  yourself. 

I  am  my  dear  Sir  most  sincerely  yours 

J.  Mason 


(To  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 

WASHINGTON,  Mar.  18,  '28. 
My  Dear  Sir 

We  are  exceedingly  delighted  with  the  N.  Hampshire  news. 
It  has  caused  many  gratulations,  &  rejoicings,  among  some  of  us, 
&  disappointment  &  chagrin  are  very  visible  on  the  faces  of 
others.  It  was  really  expected  here  that  Genl.  Pierce  w'd.  be 
re-elected.  Several  of  the  N.  H.  members  had  little  hopes  till  I 
showed  them  your  letter,  written  after  your  return  from  Haver- 
hill.  They  esteemed  that  authentic,  &  took  courage.  They  all, 
I  believe — &  some,  I  know — see  &  feel  how  much  you  have  aided 
to  bring  about  this  excellent,  excellent,  result,  I  mean  to  be 
proud  of  the  old  Nat  ale  Solum  after  all — (Mary  must  translate 
my  Latin) — I  only  beg  you,  now,  not  to  lose  the  fruits  of  victory. 
Follow  up  the  blow.  You  know  one  thing,  which  I  have  very 
much  at  heart.  Be  in  season,  in  preparing  for  that. 

You  will  never  regret  it. 

I  see  a  good  number  of  good  men  returned  to  the  House, 
Stevens,  Farley,  Peabody,  Chamberlain,  Chamberlain,2  Kent, 
Abbott,  &c.  &c. — It  looks,  too,  as  if  Wallace  &  Steele  were  both 
chosen  into  the  Senate. 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  say  that  from  other  quarters  the  news 
is  most  cheering.  Kentucky  is  now  the  great  point  of  attention. 
Her  election  for  Govr.  &c.  takes  place  the  first  Monday  in  Au- 

1  The  original  is  the  property  of  Edwin  W.  Sanborn. 

2  The  repetition  is  in  the  original. 


134  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

gust.  Metcalf  vs  Barry.  This  will  call  out  the  whole  strength 
of  parties,  &  settle  the  final  vote  of  Kentucky.  It  will  be  a  severe 
contest,  but  our  friends  are  in  good  spirits,  &  high  hopes.  Re 
cent  intelligence  is  very  favorable. 

In  N.  York  the  Anti-masonic  feeling  is  bearing  down  every 
thing.  Noth'g  can  stand  before  it;  not  even  Genl.  Jackson. 
For  once,  an  incident  is  helping  the  right  side.  Mr.  Adams  is 
not  a  mason.  Genl.  J.  is. — A  delegation  from  nearly  half  the 
State  assembled  ten  days  ago,  at  Le  Roy,  as  an  anti-masonic 
Convention.  Genl.  Wadsworth  presided. — Out  of  77  members, 
76  were  for  Administration.  They  will  have  a  Convention,  in 
the  Spring  or  Summer,  to  agree  on  a  Govr.  It  will  be  Ch.  Jus. 
Savage,  or  Mr.  Granger,  of  Canandaigua. 

I  now  believe  Mr.  Adams  will  be  re-elected. 

I  shall  send  you  more  of  Mr.  Wright's  speeches,  &  the  other 
Documents  you  write  for.  The  Court  has  adjourned;  &  I  hope 
to  have  time  to  breathe — &  to  think  of  my  friends. 

Pray  give  my  best  love  to  your  wife  &  children. 

Yrs.  always, 

D.  WEBSTER 


(To  Jos.  E.  Sprague.) 

PEIVATE  AND    CONFIDENTIAL. 

WASHINGTON  Mar.  22  1828 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  thank  you  for  your  very  kind  and  gratifying  letter  of  the 
16th  and  reciprocate  your  congratulations  on  the  result  of  the 
N.  Hampshire  election.  Most  undoubtedly  that  result  is  to  be 
wholly  ascribed  to  the  judicious  arrangements  made  in  the  fall 
for  conducting  the  elections.1  If  our  fellow  citizens  of  the  Re 
publican  party  had  adhered  to  their  old  usages,  and  gone  with 
the  machinery  of  the  Caucus,  it  is  certain  now  that  the  friends  of 
the  Administration  would  have  been  outmanaged,  overwhelmed, 
and  defeated — all  the  success  is  fairly  to  be  ascribed  to  the  course 
adopted,  and  I  am  fully  sensible  that  710  man  in  the  U.  S.  had 
done  so  much  as  yourself  to  bring  men's  minds  to  agree  to  that 
course —  Whoever  else  forgets  this  I  shall  not —  I  am  per 
suaded  that  your  efforts  have  been  felt,  not  only  in  Mass,  but 

1  See  McMaster,  "  History  of  United  States,"  vol.  v,  p.  6,  for  the  anti-caucus 
movement. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  135 

also  very  deeply  in  N.  Hampshire  and  generally  throughout  the 
country.  I  know  no  one  who  has  done  so  much  The  present 
united  force  of  New  England  is  mainly  owing  to  the  course  which 
you  have  steadily  and  zealously  urged  on  your  Republican 
friends, —  Depend  on  it —  that  you  have  been  abused  because 
you  have  been  felt  and  that  the  loud  cry  against  amalgamation 
has  originated  in  the  terror  which  our  enemies  felt  at  the  idea  of 
a  union  among  their  adversaries —  You  will  see  Judge  Story 
as  soon  as  he  returns,  He  and  I  had  some  conversation,  which 
I  asked  him  to  state  to  you,  and  to  which  I  ask  your  particular 
attention — 

As  to  the  mission  to  England,  it  is  a  subject  on  which  I  know 
little  and  say  nothing.  I  heard  what  your  opinion  is,  and  as 
sure  you  that  you  may  rest  satisfied  of  one  thing — and  that  is — 
that  nothing  will  be  done  as  far  as  I  am  concerned,  but  on  the 
maturest  consideration  and  nothing  on  grounds  merely  personal. 
Our  friends  think  that  prospects  are  getting  better  and  better 
both  on  this  and  the  other  side  of  the  Alleghany.  The  first  great 
contest  is  to  be  I  think  in  Kentucky  on  the  1st  Monday  in  Augt. 
If  General  Metcalf  shall  succeed  by  a  large  majority,  the  effect 
will  be  not  only  to  secure  the  whole  vote  of  Kentucky,  but  also 
to  give  great  courage  and  activity  to  our  friends  elsewhere.  In 
this  last  point  of  view  even  the  recent  election  election  in  N. 
Hampshire  has  done  good.  We  do  not  enough  estimate  the 
effect  which  an  expression  of  public  opinion  in  one  state  has  in 
another,  however  remote.  For  this  reason  it  is  of  great  impor 
tance  that  the  tone  in  N.  England  should  be  united  decisive  and 
strong. 

Yours  always  truly 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Jos.  E.  Sprague.) 

CONFIDENTIAL.  WASHINGTON   April   13   1828 

Dear  Sir, 

I  saw  Mr.  Silsbee's  letter  received  from  you  yesterday. 
Your  election  comes  on  nobly.  From  what  I  see,  I  shall 
confidently  expect  that  you  yourself  will  be  in  the  Senate. 
You  certainly  deserve  to  be  there  from  your  able  and  indefatig 
able  exertions  in  the  good  cause,  as  well  as  from  your  ability  to 
be  useful  in  that  situation.  I  fear  we  are  getting  into  trouble 


136  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

here  about  the  Tariff.1  The  House  of  Representatives  will  pass 
the  Bill — it  will  be  a  poor  and  inefficient  aid  to  wool  and  woolens, 
and  will  [  ]2  the  molasses  and  hemp  in  it,  what  shall  we 

do  with  it?     Pray  turn  your  thoughts  to  this  matter  a  little. 

1.  Can  we  go  the  hemp,  iron,  spirits  and  molasses  for  the  sake 
of  any  woolen  bill? 

2.  Can  we  do  it  for  a  poor  woolen  Bill? 

Yours  always  truly, 

D.  W. 

P.  S.     I  think  the  Bill  will  positively  injure  the  manufacturer. 
(though  possibly  the  "passing"  it  may  help  the  woolen  grower — 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

WASHINGTON  March  20th  1828. 
My  Dear  Sir 

The  practice  of  asking  the  advice  of  friends,  in  one's  own 
affairs,  is  a  little  old  fashioned.  I  do  not  think  very  highly  of 
the  custom,  myself,  still,  I  now  write  mainly  for  the  purpose  of 
taxing  your  good  nature  with  the  request,  that  you  will  say,  in  a 
strait  forward  way,  &  few  words  what  you  think  upon  the  sub 
ject,  with  which  the  newspaper  have  been  busy,  for  some  time 
past.  I  do  not  mean  to  trouble  you  for  a  long  statement  of 
pros  &  Cons ;  nor  do  I  mean  to  anticipate  your  impressions,  by  a 
single  suggestion  of  my  own.  You  see  what  all  the  world  sees, 
&  know  what  all  the  world  knows,  of  the  state  of  things  here,  & 
of  my  present  condition — Will  it  be  best  for  the  administration, 
&  best  for  me  that  I  stay  where  I  am,  or  that  I  go  elsewhere  ?3 

I  care  not  how  shortly  you  speak,  but  I  pray  you  to  speak 
•freely 

We  are  in  very  good  spirits,  with  the  news  from  N.  Hamp.  I 
believe  certain  Gentlemen  here  are  a  good  deal  disappointed.  It 
was  confidently  expected  by  them,  that  Genl  Pierce  would  suc 
ceed.4 

We  trust  he  has  failed  &  it  seems  that  our  friend  Hill  5  is  out 
also. 

1  See  McMaster's  "  History  of  the  United  States,"  vol.  v.  p.  254,  et  seq. 
5  A  blank  is  left  here  in  the  copy.     Original  not  obtainable. 
8  Refers  to  the  talk  of  sending  Daniel  Webster  to  England. 
4  In  the  contest  for  the  governorship.     John  Bell  was  elected. 
*  Isaac  Hill. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  137 

Affairs  here  are  wearing  rather  a  better  appearance.  The  in 
telligence,  from  interesting  points,  is  a  little  cheering.  Perhaps 
the  most  important  contests  or  rather  one  of  the  earliest  of  the 
important  contests  will  be  in  Kentucky.  The  election  of  Govr  &c 
takes  place,  in  that  state,  on  the  first  Monday  in  August.  The 
whole  will  turn,  mainly,  on  the  administration  question.  Metcalf 
is  candidate,  for  the  adm'n'n  side,  &  Barry  whom  you  know,  for 
the  opposition.  The  result  of  this  election  is  likely  to  decide  the 
ultimate  vote  (the  whole  vote}  of  Kentucky,  &  must  necessarily 
have  a  great  operation  elsewhere.  If  Barry  should  succeed,  by  a 
strong  vote,  I  should  give  up  Kentucky ;  &  with  Kentucky,  nearly 
all  hope  of  Mr  Adam's  reelection.  New  York  is  unquestionably 
mending.  If  it  goes  on,  as  it  is  now  going,  a  great  majority  of 
votes  in  that  state  will  be  for  Mr  Adams. 

The  Louisiana  members  are  to  be  elected  again,  in  July.  It 
is  believed  Mr.  Livingston  will  be  left  out,  &  a  friend  of  Admsn 
[the  admistration]  elected  in  N.  Orleans. 

Judge  Story  left  us  two  days  ago.  The  Court  has  had  an 
interesting  session,  &  decided  many  causes.  The  Judge  of  our 
Circuit  has  drawn  up  an  uncommon  number  of  its  opinions,  &, 
I  think,  some  of  them,  with  uncommon  ability. 

Yrs  always  truly 

D.  WEBSTER 


(From  Robert  B.  Campbell.1) 

WASHINGTON  March  25th.  1828. 
Sir; 

I  have  received  a  note  from  Mr.  Randolph  to  which  I  am  about 
to  send  the  answer  annexed.  In  doing  so,  I  am  actuated  by  no 
desire  of  becoming  a  party  to  any  controversy,  for  I  have  a 
repugnance  to  every  thing  of  the  kind.  I  do  not  however  feel 
authorized  in  refusing  to  commit  to  paper,  when  desired,  the 
substance  of  a  conversation  held  with  a  gentleman  three  years 
ago  four  hundred  miles  from  this  place. 

Yr.  Obt.  Sr. 

ROBERT  B.  CAMPBELL. 
Hon.  D.  Webster. 

1  Representative  from  South  Carolina. 


138  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(From  Rob't.  B.  Campbell  to  John  Randolph.1) 

WASHINGTON,  March  25th.  1828. 
Sir 

In  reply  to  your  note,  my  recollection  enables  me  to  state 
only,  that  on  the  morning  of  the  last  day  of  the  Session  of  Con 
gress  of  1824,  the  Richmond  Enquirer  containing  your  letter  to 
your  Constitutents  was  passing  among  a  few  gentlemen  who  were 
reading  &  descanting  upon  your  strictures  on  the  conduct  of  the 
committee  appointed  to  investigate  the  charges  against  Mr. 
Crawford.  During  this  conversation  Mr.  Webster  arrived  in  the 
Representative  Chamber,  when  his  attention  was  called  to  your 
communication.  While  persuing  it,  he  appeared  much  excited  & 
incensed,  repeatedly  denounced  it  as  a  lye,  &  asserted  that  upon 
the  meeting  of  the  House  he  would  proclaim  it,  in  as  plain  lan 
guage  as  a  sense  of  decorum  would  permit.  Shortly  after  the 
meeting  of  the  House  Mr.  Webster  rose  in  his  place,  and  in  words 
which  I  cannot  now  repeat,  reiterated  the  charge  of  falsehood  and 
concluded  by  saying  if  any  gentleman  could  and  would  convey 
his  meaning  in  stronger  language  he  would  thank  him  to  do  so. 
Having  no  particular  reason  to  charge  my  memory  with  Mr. 
Websters  remarks,  they  would  probably  have  been  forgotten  had 
not  their  violence  forcibly  impressed  me. 

r.  Obt.  Sr. 

ROBERT  B.  CAMPBELL 


(To  Jos.  E.  Sprague.) 

HANOVER  July  20.  1828 
My  dear  sir, 

Your  several  letters  have  reached  me  here,  beginning  with  that 
addressed  to  me  at  Nantucket.  Various  things  have  successively 
occurred  to  put  the  "Address"  out  of  my  thoughts,  or  out  of  my 
power.  I  intended  to  have  written  you  on  the  subject  while  at 
Boston,  but  in  truth  there  were  so  many  other  things  pressing, 
and  I  was  under  so  urgent  a  necessity  to  get  out  of  Town,  for  the 
sake  of  a  little  rest,  that  I  omitted  it.  Without  more  of  apology 

1  This  letter  accompanied  the  one  written  to  Daniel  Webster  by  Campbell, 
March  25,  1828.  See  the  letters  between  Ben  ton  and  Daniel  Webster  dated 
Feb.  25,  1825. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  139 

I  wish  now  to  say  that  if  the  paper  is  drawn  up  by  another  hand, 
I  shall  be  very  glad ;  if  it  be  not  and  it  is  still  wished  that  I  should 
do  it,  I  wish  to  suggest  my  opinion ;  according  to  which  I  would 
be  willing  to  make  an  attempt  at  an  address,  that  is  that  it  should 
not  be  prepared  and  published  till  the  first  of  October —  or  cer 
tainly  not  till  September.  The  main  reason  for  this  opinion  is 
that  by  the  20th  of  Augt.  we  shall  be  in  possession  of  the  result 
in  Louisiana  and  Kentucky,  of  the  pending  elections.  That  re 
sult  whether  favorable  or  unfavorable  will  make  a  considerable 
change  in  our  condition  and  prospects  and  the  address  would 
profitably  be  accomodated  to  the  new  state  of  things. 

I  leave  here  for  home  tomorrow  or  tuesday.      I  shall  be  in 
Boston  by  Friday  or  Saturday  when  I  hope  to  hear  from  you. 

Yours  truly 

D.  W. 


(To  Jos.  E.  Sprague.) 

Saturday  Evening.  [Aug.  1828] 
My  dear  friend. 

I  hope  you  will  not  come  up  tomorrow,  for  though  I  am  most 
sorry  to  say  it  I  have  not  yet  succeeded  to  do  any  thing  valu 
able —  I  find  it  exceedingly  difficult  to  say  anything  which  has 
not  been  said  before.  Yesterday  and  today  I  have  staid  in  my 
Study  without  being  able  to  satisfy  myself  at  all.  Tomorrow  I 
will  write  you  again,  not  expecting  to  go  out  of  town  till  Tues 
day.  I  have  a  letter  this  evening  from  Lexington  (Mr  C.) 
dated  the  12th.1  It  is  very  good —  It  states  in  effect  as  fol 
lows  namely. —  that  General  M.  is  elected  by  not  less  than  1500 
votes,  that  the  Lieutenant  Governor  is  also  elected.  That  the 
late  Jackson  speaker  is  defeated  in  his  election.  That  there  are 
ascertained  to  be  majorities  favorable  to  the  administration  in  at 
least  two  of  the  districts  now  represented  in  Congress  by  Jackson 
members —  That  the  successor  to  General  Metcalf  in  Congress 
is  an  administration  man,  and  finally  that  in  all  probability  there 
are  majorities  favorable  to  the  administration  in  both  branches 
of  the  Legislature 

Yours  truly  always 

D.  W. 

1  The  letter  from  Clay  (?)  has  not  been  preserved. 


140  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  J.  Q.  Adams.1) 

PRIVATE    AND    CONFIDENTIAL,. 

BOSTON,  Sept.  13, 1828 
Dr.  Sir: 

I  herewith  transmit  copies  of  two  letters  which  passed  in  Feb. 
1825  between  Mr.  Wai-field,  of  Maryland,  and  myself.  This 
correspondence,  as  far  as  I  know,  is  the  whole  foundation  of  all 
that  has  been  said  about  the  "Webster  pledge".  My  object 
now,  is  to  submit  to  your  consideration,  and  that  of  those  around 
you,  the  expediency  of  publishing  the  letters.  To  that  end,  it 
would  be  necessary  first,  to  obtain  Mr.  Warfield's  consent.  The 
publication  if  made,  may  be  made  perhaps  by  him  better  than 
by  others.  If  Mr.  Clay  had  been  at  Washington,  I  should  prob 
ably  have  written  him,  on  this  subj  ect ;  as  I  have  reason  to  think 
that  Mr.  Warfield  has  had  some  conversation  with  him,  upon  it. 
In  his  absence,  I  am  quite  willing,  if  you  think  best,  that  the 
paper  should  be  handed  to  Mr.  Rust,  and  published  in  such  man 
ner  as  his  judgment  may  approve.  Mr.  Warfield  being  first 
consulted.  I  have  only  to  add  the  wish,  that  the  mode  of  publi 
cation  may  be  such,  as  shall  not  make  my  appearance  in  the 
newspapers  necessary,  if  any  publication  should  be  made.  It 
strikes  me,  that  a  short  note  from  Mr.  Warfield  to  some  editor, 
transmitting  these  letters,  would  be  the  most  eligible  manner. 
But  of  this  a  better  judgment  can  be  formed  by  others.  If 
thought  better  on  the  whole,  that  the  publication  should  be  au 
thorized  by  me,  I  will  cause  it  to  be  done,  if  Mr.  W's  consent  be 
obtained.  I  do  not  write  to  him  not  knowing  his  address. 

Yours  always  truly, 

DAN'L  WEBSTER. 

(To  Jos.  E.  Sprague.) 

Wednesday  Morning.  [Sept.  1828] 
Dear  Sir 

I  believe  you  will  do  well  to  put  this  address  into  other  hands 
at  once,  and  those  other  hands  I  am  clear  should  be  your  own. 
Strike  out  the  thing,  and  I  will  go  over  it  with  you,  if  you  desire 
it  and  make  any  suggestions  which  occur  to  me.  I  have  really 
been  too  unwell  for  these  three  weeks  past  to  do  anything.  The 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Charles  Francis  Adams. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  141 

letter  which  you  saw  yesterday  must  also  be  attended  to,  and  in 
my  present  condition  I  can  beg  better  than  I  can  write. 

Yours  faithfully 

D.  WEBSTER 
I  shall  see  you  tomorrow  if  weather  and  health  allow. 


(From  Ezeldel  Webster,1) 

BOSTON,  Jany.  81,  1829. 
My  Dear  Brother. 

I  intend  to  go  to  Boscawen  Monday  morning.  I  have  had  a 
very  pleasant  week.  The  children  are  all  well  and  very  happy. 
It  is  very  good  coasting  on  the  common  and  Edward  is  delighted. 

Mr.  Hale  tells  me  that  the  correspondence  between  Mr.  Adams 
&  "other  folks"  is  now  in  his  press  &  will  be  out  in  a  few  days. 
From  his  account  of  it  I  apprehend,  the  business  will  not  end 
with  the  present  publication.  I  trust  Mr.  Adams'  answer  will 
not  be  satisfactory  to  anybody.  There  was  never  a  publication, 
I  so  much  regretted  as  Mr.  A's  "explanation"  in  the  Intelligencer. 
You  will  see  the  account  of  Col.  Pickering's  death,  before  this 
reaches  you.  Judge  Claggett  also  died  very  recently. 

I  can  give  you  nothing  from  New  Hampshire,  in  addition  to 
what  .1  said  in  my  last.  There  is  a  good  deal  of  anxiety  here  to 
know  what  the  Senate  will  do  with  the  nominations  now  before 
you. 

Yours  truly, 

E.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Ezekiel  Webster.2) 

feb.  23.  [1829] 

PRIVATE. 

DrE. 

I  wrote  you  last  eve'  at  abt.  Capt.  Stone's  business — I  will  see 
it  attended  to,  the  earliest  moment  I  can  leave  the  Senate. 

A  prodigious  excitement  has  been  produced  by  the  new  Cabi 
net  List.3  It  has  set  all  Washington  in  a  buz — friends  rage,  & 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 

2  This  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 

3  Jackson's  cabinet. 


142  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

foes  laugh.  Nobody  will  say  he  was  privy  to  it.  Nobody  justi 
fies  it.  The  clamor,  (  for  that  is  not  too  strong  a  name )  became 
so  loud,  that  we  hear  today  of  a  change,  that  is,  that  Mr.  Mc 
Lean  is  to  be  Secretary  of  War,  instead  of  Major  Eaton.  This 
will  in  some  matter  alleviate  the  discontents,  but  still  I  think  they 
are  deep,  &  likely  to  be  permanent.  This  very  first  step  of  Genl. 
Jackson  presents  him  his  first  difficulty,  &  every  other  step  will 
repeat  it.  His  friends  have  no  common  principle — they  are  held 
together  by  no  common  tie — &  my  private  opinion  is,  tho'  I  do 
not  wish  to  be  quoted  for  that,  at  present,  is,  that  Genl.  J.  has 
not  character  enough  to  conduct  his  measures  by  his  own 
strength.  Somebody  must  and  will  lead  him.  Who  it  will  be, 
I  cannot  say — but  I  have  an  opinion — I  will  write  you  again 
soon,  I  think  I  see  unsettled  times  before  us.  Let  me  know 
what  prospects  your  election  [promises] — take  all  the  care  of  it 
you  well  can. 

Yrs.     D.  W. 

(Memorandum.1 ) 

[Feb.  1829] 

Gen.  J.2  will  be  here  abt.  15.  Feb. — 

Nobody  knows  what  he  will  do  when  he  does  come. 

Many  letters  are  sent  to  him;  he  answers  none  of  them. 

His  friends  here  pretend  to  be  very  knowing ;  but,  be  assured, 
not  one  of  them  has  any  confidential  communication  from  him. 

Great  efforts  are  making  to  put  him  up  to  a  general  sweep, 
as  to  all  offices ;  springing  from  great  doubts  whether  he  is  dis 
posed  to  go  it. 

Nobody  is  authorized  to  say,  whether  he  intends  to  retire,  after 
one  term  of  service. 

Who  will  form  his  cabinet,  is  as  well  known  at  Boston,  as  at 
Washington. 

The  present  apparent  calm  is  a  suspension  of  action — a  sort 
of  syncope — arising  from  ignorance  of  the  views  of  the  President 
elect. 

My  opinion  is 

That  when  he  comes  he  will  bring  a  breeze  with  him. 

1  Evidently  sent  by  Webster  to  some  New  England  friend.  The  original  is 
in  the  possession  of  Mr.  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York  city,  which  would 
seem  to  indicate  that  Ezekiel  Webster  was  the  recipient. 

9  General  Jackson. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  143 

Which  way  it  will  blow,  I  cannot  tell. 

He  will  either  go  with  the  party,  as  they  say  in  N.  Y.,  or  go 
the  whole  hog,  as  it  is  [vulgarly]  phrased,  making  all  the  places 
he  can  for  friends  &  supporters,  &  shaking  a  rod  of  terror  at  his 
opposers ; 

Or  else,  he  will  continue  to  keep  his  own  counsels,  make  friends 
&  advisers  of  whom  he  pleases,  cj-  be  President  upon  his  own 
strength. 

The  first  would  show  boldness,  where  there  is  no  danger;  & 
decision,  where  the  opposite  [virtue]  of  moderation  would  be 
more  useful. 

The  latter  would  show  real  nerve,  &  if  he  have  talents  to  main 
tain  himself  in  that  course,  true  greatness. 

My  fear  is  stronger  than  my  hope. 

Mr.  Adams  is  in  good  health,  &  complains  not  at  all  of  the 
measure  meted  out  to  him. 

Mr.  Clay's  health  is  much  improved,  &  his  spirits  excellent. 
He  goes  to  K.  in  March  &  I  conjecture  will  be  pressed  into  the 
next  H.  R. 

His  chance  of  being  at  the  head  of  affairs  is  now  better,  in  my 
judgment,  than  ever  before. 

Keep  N.  E.  firm  &  steady,  &  she  can  make  him  Prest.  if  she 
chooses 

Sundry  important  nominations  are  proposed,  probably  to  know 
Genl.  J's  pleasure. 

The  above  contains  all  that  is  known  here,  at  this  time. 


(To  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 

Feb.  5.  '29. 
My  Dear  E. 

I  thank  you  for  your  letter  from  Boston,  &  wish  I  had  any 
thing  good  to  tell  you  from  here.  But  I  have  not.  Those  events 
in  N.  Jersey  &  Louisiana  have  quite  depressed  us.  We  are 
beaten,  where  we  had  decisive  majorities,  by  private  disagree 
ments  &  individual  partialities.  The  next  Senate  will  contain  a 
majority  favorable  to  Gen.  Jackson,  at  least  who  have  favored 
his  election,  even  tho'  a  Delaware  or  a  N.  H.  member  should  be 
removed  to  the  Cabinet.  Neither  of  these  however,  is  likely. 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


144  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

There  are  greater  &  stronger  claimants.  The  City  is  already 
full  of  hungry  friends,  &  will  overflow,  before  the  3.  of  March. 
Mr.  Hill *  &  his  cavalcade  have  not  yet  arrived,  but  we  under 
stand  they  are  on  the  road;  viz  Col.  McNeil,  Col.  Decatur,  &c. 
&c. —  Mr.  Green,  of  the  Boston  Statesman,  has  been  here  a 
month,  &  a  Delegation  from  the  other  branch  of  the  Jackson 
family  in  Boston  arrived  last  night.  It  consists  of  Genl.  Boyd, 
Col.  Orne,  &  Dr.  Ingalls.  Most  of  these  persons  are  doomed  to 
taste  of  disappointment. 

It  is  not  possible  Hill  can  get  the  P.  Office.  He  may,  very 
probably,  get  some  little  office,  such  as  an  Auditorship — and  will 
be  kept  here,  as  a  supporter,  &  as  charged  with  the  conversion 
of  N.  E.  But  I  incline  to  think  he  will  lose  his  importance,  as 
soon  as  he  leaves  home. 

Gen.  Jackson  will  be  here,  in  a  day  or  two.  I  am  of  opinion 
his  health  is  very  feeble,  &  that  there  is  not  much  chance  of  his 
lasting  long. 

We  have  done  nothing  in  the  Senate.  It  is  difficult  to  fore 
tell  results.  With  some,  especially  the  Federalists  who  joined 
Genl.  Jackson's  cause,  there  is  as  much  bitterness  as  you  ever 
saw  in  the  Concord  Patriot. 

It  is  eno'  to  disgust  one  with  all  public  employment. — 

I  have  spoken  to  two  or  three  of  the  N.  Hamp.  Govt.  They 
will  do  what  they  can.  The  outside  of  yr  affairs  looks  promis 
ing  enough,  but  I  suppose  it  is,  as  you  say,  very  doubtful  how 
the  election  will  go.  It  is  of  great  importance,  &  I  hope  no 
proper  pains  will  be  spared. — 

I  shall  write  you  again  soon —  I  hope  oftener  than  hitherto. 

Yrs. 

D.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Ezekiel  Webster.2) 

WASHINGTON,  Feb.  26,  1829. 
Dr  E. 

The  cabinet  arrangements  have  been  announced,  &  they  are  as 
I  wrote  you.  It  is,  on  the  whole,  a  very  weak  Cabinet ;  &  if  it  get 
along,  it  must  be  rather  by  its  weakness,  than  its  strength.  If, 
with  this  Cabinet,  Gen.  J.  takes  a  high  handed  course,  he  will 

1  Isaac  Hill,  of  New  Hampshire. 

2  The  original  of  this  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  145 

not  and  cannot  sustain  himself.  Hundreds  of  partizans  are  & 
thousands  will  be,  exceedingly  disappointed,  by  the  disposition 
of  offices ;  &  clamor  and  discontent  will  arise.  In  Va.  especially 
the  Cabinet  is  unpopular — greatly  so.  Now,  under  these  cir 
cumstances,  I  rather  expect  Genl.  J.  will  take  a  moderate  course 
— perhaps  a  vacillating  one.  The  elements  of  dissension  will  be 
in  the  Cabinet  itself.  Mr.  Calhoun,  (who  tho  not  nominally  in 
the  Cabinet,  is  likely  to  be  near  the  President)  &  Mr.  Van  Buren 
&  Mr.  McLean  will  all  be  looking  out  for  the  succession.  I 
think  it  possible  the  state  of  things  may  be  much  as  it  was  under 
the  last  4  yrs  of  Mr.  Madison. 

We  shall  have  time  to  see  &  to  know  someth'g  before  I  leave 
here.  The  great  point,  at  present,  is  the  N.  Hamp.  election. 
Depend  on  it,  this  is  the  turning  point.  If  Govr.  Bell  should 
now  succeed,  there  will  be  little  difficulty  hereafter.  Pray  let 
your  friends  be  wakened  up ; — &  do  your  best. — 

I  shall  stay  here  till  about  the  20  March.  By  that  time,  I 
shall  hear  from  N.  Hamp.  If  it  should  look  likely  that  you  are 
to  be  here,  I  shall  leave  my  Books  here,  so  that  if  I  do  not  come 
back,  you  can  take  care  of  them.  Otherwise,  I  shall  box  them 
up,  &  send  them  home, — to  be  brought  back,  if  I  come  back. 
On  this  point,  I  have  much  to  say  when  I  see  you. 

Yrs  as  ever, 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 

WASHINGTON,  March  2,  '29. 
Dear  E. 

Noth'g  of  importance  has  occurred  since  I  wrote  you  last. 
The  Cabinet  list  stands  as  it  did.  There  is  much  dissatisfaction, 
especially  among  the  Virginia  Gentlemen.  Yet  they  must  sub 
mit.  The  general  idea  now  is,  that  Genl.  J.  will  make  no  great 
number  of  changes.  The  cabinet  is  not  strong  enough  to  carry 
on  a  mere  party  administration.  This  the  Genl.  will  know  soon, 
if  he  does  not  know  now.  I  shall  stay  here  till  20th  inst.  Send 
me  word  of  your  earliest  Election  returns. 

Yrs. 

D.  W. 

1  The  original  of  this  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


146  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Henri/  Clay.) 

BOSTON  Sept.  24.  1829. 
My  dear  Sir 

The  bearer  of  this  is  William  Smith  Esquire  of  Exeter,  N. 
Hampshire,  a  member  of  our  profession,  and  a  respectable  and 
very  well-informed  young  man —  He  has  been  several  years  a 
member  of  the  Legislature  of  N.  H.  and  extensively  acquainted  in 
that  state. 

Having  been  sick,  and  his  health  not  yet  entirely  confirmed, 
he  intends  passing  the  winter  under  a  climate  somewhat  less  stern 
than  that  of  New  England. 

He  will  probably  visit  Lexington,  and  I  have  great  pleasure  in 
commending  him  to  your  regard  and  kindness.  Willing  to  be 
useful  to  him,  on  his  own  account  I  feel  an  added  motive  in  my 
regard  for  his  Father,  one  of  my  earliest  and  truest  friends. 
Him  you  know  at  least  by  reputation. 

He  was  in  Congress  in  the  good  old  times,  and  not  undistin 
guished  there  when  distinction  was  worth  something,  at  subse 
quent  periods  he  has  been  Ch.  Justice  and  Gov'r  of  our  state  of 
New  Hampshire. 

I  am  dear  Sir  always  faithfully  and  cordially  yours 

DANIEL  WEBSTER/ 


(From  Edward  Everett.) 

[Jan  26.  1830.] 

*  #  *  "When  you  come  to  the  standard  of  the  Union,  in 
the  peroration  look  at  (what  was  floating  in  your  mind)  Milton's 
description  of  the  infernal  banner,  in  the  lower  regions,  floating 
across  the  immensity  of  space,  which  is  in  turn  borrowed  from 
Tasso's  description  of  the  banner  of  the  crusades,  when  first  un 
folded  in  Palestine."1  *  *  * 

Yours  ever 

E.  E. 

1  This  passage  closes  a  long  description  of  what  Hayne  had  said  in  his 
speech  on  the  Foote  resolution.  It  is  not  dated,  but  seems  to  have  been 
written  after  Webster's  reply  to  Hayne  and  before  the  speech  was  written  out 
for  publication. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  147 

(From  Isaac  Munroe.) 

BALTIMORE,  Feb.  1,  1830. 
My  dear  Sir: 

I  must  beg  the  favor  of  you  to  forward  me  a  copy  or  two  of 
y'r.  Speech1  by  the  first  mail  after  it  is  committed  to  press.  I 
congratulate  you  most  cordially  &  sincerely  upon  your  triumph, 
in  the  most  signal  manner,  not  only  in  the  estimation  of  y'r. 
friends,  but  of  your  opponents,  who  are  forced  to  acknowledge  it. 
From  the  date  of  that  Speech  I  shall  date  the  rise  &  successful 
progress  of  liberal  &  enlightened  principles  in  our  country.  The 
reign  of  ignorance  must  be  short  &  the  march  of  intellect  most 
certain. 

Very  respectfully  &  truly  y'r  ob't.  Serv't. 

ISAAC  MUNROE. 

(From  H.  A.  Dearborn.) 

BOSTON,  Feby.  5.  1830— 
My  Dear  Sir, 

The  glorious  effect  of  your  patriotic,  able  &  eloquent  defense 
of  New  England,1  &  the  triumphant  support  you  have  given,  to 
the  fundamental  principles  of  the  constitution,  are  not  confined 
to  the  capital  of  the  Union.  The  aroma  comes  to  gladden  our 
hearts,  like  the  spicy  gales  of  Arabia,  to  the  distant  mariner. 

Never  have  I  heard  such  universal  &  ardent  expressions  of  joy 
&  approbation.  You  have  assumed  an  attitude,  which  the  ad 
verse  times  demanded,  &  nobly  braved  the  storm,  that  threatened 
the  destruction  of  our  liberties.  The  dignity  &  independence  of 
your  manner,  &  the  time,  all  were  calculated  to  produce  a  result 
auspicious  to  our  destinies. 

I  can  but  feebly  announce  the  tone  of  public  sentiment,  which 
your  speech  has  aroused,  &  the  climactical  demonstration  upon 
that  wretch,  who  presumes  to  act  the  part  of  a  dictator.  You 
have  the  warm  gratitude  of  the  north  &  must  command  the  re 
spect  of  the  south  &  the  west. 

This  is  the  attitude  for  a  great  statesman, — a  firm  &  honest 
champion  of  our  rights,  &  institutions.  How  infinitely  low  & 

1  The  reply  to  Hayne.     Only  a  few  of  the  many  letters  of  congratulation 
have  been  selected  and  those  as  diverse  as  possible  in  the  nature  of  their  com 
mendatory  sentiment. 

2  In  the  reply  to  Hayne. 


148  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

mean  &  contemptable,  appear  the  demagogues  of  faction,  when 
contrasted  with  such  a  man  in  such  an  imposing  attitude. 

With  assurances  of  my  profound  respect,  your  sincere  friend 
&  most  obt.  St. 

H.  A.  DEARBORN. 


(From  J.  W.  Scott.) 

COLUMBIA.  South  Carolina.  Feb.  12,  1830. 

Sir, 

I  am  a  son  of  New  England  and  proud  to  claim  you  as  her 
Champion.  The  friends  of  Mr.  Hayne  will  be  very  active  in 
circulating  his  2nd.  speech  on  Foots  Resolution  and  I  am  anxious 
to  have  the  antidote  to  circulate  with  the  bane.  You  would 
therefore  oblige  me  by  sending  me  your  rejoinder.  Receive  my 
warm  acknowledgements  for  your  able  and  manly  defence  of  my 
Country — the  Country  of  Yankees. 

With  admiration  &  respect  Yours  &C 

J.  W.  SCOTT 

(From  Robert  Walsh.1) 

Dear  Sir  PHILADELPHIA  March  8  1830 

I  thank  you  for  the  fair  copy  of  the  Speech,  which  you  have 
had  the  goodness  to  send  me.  You  probably  know  the  opinion 
which  I  have  expressed  of  it  in  my  gazette ;  &  I  will  abstain  there 
fore  from  repeating  my  encomium.  Nothing  of  the  kind  was 
ever  sought  with  so  much  avidity  here,  within  my  knowledge. 
You  may  remember  how  I  exhorted  you  to  make  several  great 
efforts  during  the  session.  You  are  universally  read,  and* the 
proper  impression  is  widely  made  in  spite  of  all  prejudice  and 
obloquy.  *  *  * 

Dear  Sir,  Your  respectful  &  affecte.  friend  &  sevt. 

ROBT.  WALSH,  JR. 

(From  James  B.  Longacre.) 

Dear  Sir  CHARLESTON  S.  C.  March  2,  1840. 

The  relations  and  friends  of  the  late  Governor  Hayne  of  this 

1  Editor  of  the  National  Gazette.     He  was  an  author  of  considerable  prom 
inence  among  the  writers  of  the  day. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  149 

State,  have  requested  me  to  publish  an  engraving  from  my  origi 
nal  Portrait  of  him,  taken  in  1830 —  and  it  has  occurred  to  me, 
that  the  appearance  of  your  name  amongst  the  subscribers, 
would  be  no  detriment  to  your  fame  in  the  south — 

I  do  not  make  the  suggestion  from  a  consideration  of  personal 
advantage  to  myself,  but  regarding  my  occupations  as  an  artist 
in  the  light  of  an  attempt  to  strew  flowers  on  the  pathway  of  our 
national  history,  I  have  thought  you  would  appreciate  the  occa 
sion  I  am  able  to  offer  you —  if  my  conjecture  is  correct;  I 
request  the  favor  of  a  brief  note  from  you  directed  to  this  city, 
expressive  of  your  views,  on  paper  not  occupying  a  larger  space 
than  this. 

With  sentiments  of  high  regard — I  remain  Your  Ob't  Serv't  &c 

JAMES  B.  LONGACRE 


(To  James  B.  Longacre.) 

WASHINGTON  Mar.  6,  [1840.] 
Dear  Sir, 

I  understand  you  are  about  publishing  an  Engraving  of  your 
Portrait  of  the  late  Govr.  Hayne,  whose  afflicting  death  I  learned, 
with  much  pain,  in  Europe  last  year. 

It  has  been  my  fortune  to  pass  several  years  in  public  life  with 
Govr.  Hayne  and  I  have  ever  entertained  for  him  a  very  high 
opinion,  as  a  man  of  distinguished  talents,  perfect  integrity, 
great  urbanity,  and  always  devoting  himself,  with  singular  zeal 
&  fidelity,  to  the  discharge  of  his  duties. 

I  will  be  obliged  to  you  to  send  me  a  copy  of  the  Engraving. 

Yours  with  regard, 
DANL,  WEBSTER 

(To  Jos.  E.  Sprague.) 

WASHINGTON  March,  16,  1830 
Dear  Sir, 

I  thank  you  for  your  very  kind  letter  of  the  9th  of  March,  as 
soon  as  I  came  home,  I  will  give  every  degree  of  attention,  to  the 
object  about  which  you  write.  I  am  fully,  deeply  impressed 
with  its  importance.  Prospects,  of  a  favorable  character,  are 
opening,  far  and  wide,  and  I  think  we  shall  see  things  clearly  by 
midsummer. 


150  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Boston  is  your  place  for  the  next  three  or  four  years. 

You  are  very  civil,  in  what  you  say  about  my  speech.  It  has 
made  much  more  noise  than  it  deserved.  The  times  favored  its 
impression.  I  follow  your  hint,  and  shall  frank  a  copy,  of  a 
handsome  edition  to  every  member  of  the  Legislature. 

Things  move  very  slowly  here —  The  Printers  not  yet  acted 
on,  their  fate  is  quite  doubtful, 

Nothing  will  be  done  with  the  Tariff. 

Yours  truly 

D.  WEBSTER 

Your  numbers  on  Mr.  Cambreling's1  Report  are  read  and 
praised  by  every  body, 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

WASHINGTON  Mar.  19,  '30 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  return  Mr. letter  Mr.  A.2  did  quite  as  well,  in  his 

letter  to  the  Statesman,  as  could  be  expected. 

We  have  not  yet  acted  on  the  N.  H.  nominations.  I  know  not 
whether  to  decide  to  reject  them,  or  not, —  Decatur  &  Cush- 
man3  are  in  great  danger  but  would  they  be  succeeded  by  any 
body  better?  And  if  Hill  should  be  rejected,  should  we  not 
have  him  in  the  Senate  ? 

Appearances,  in  various  parts  of  the  Country,  indicate  dis 
satisfaction  wit  hthe  present  state  of  things.  The  stock  of  pat 
ronage  is  exhausted,  &  many  are  left  unprovided  for,  &  they  are 
looking  out  for  other  parties,  &  other  leaders,  It  is  admitted, 
I  believe  by  most,  that  Mr.  Clay  is  gaining  rapidly  in  the  west. 
Kentucky  is  doubtless  strong  for  him  &  as  agt.  any  body  but 
Gen'l.  Jackson,  he  would  take  nearly  all  the  western  votes.  In 
the  mean  time,  the  Anti  Masonic  party,4  steadily  encreasing  in 

1  Churchill  C.  Cambreling  was  long  a  representative  in  Congress  from  New 
York.     He  had  been  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits  with   John  Jacob  Astor 
and  had  traveled  extensively.     As  chairman  of  the  Committees  on  Commerce, 
Ways  and  Means  and  on  Foreign  Affairs   his  reports   were   numerous  and 
excellent.     One  report  on  Commerce  and  Navigation  went  through  several 
editions. 

2  Atherton  (?). 

8  See  Jeremiah   Mason   to  Daniel  Webster,    Feb.    8,   1830,  in  J.   Mason's 
"Memoirs." 
4  See  McMaster's  "  History  of  the  United  States,"  vol.  v,  p.  109-120. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  151 

N.  York,  is  breaking  out  like  an  Irish  rebellion  in  Pennsyl 
vania. —  It  goes  on  with  a  force  that  subdues  all  other  feel 
ing. — These  things  put  party  calculations  at  defiance. —  The 
party  here  are  obviously  very  much  alarmed.  The  adm'n  Sena 
tors  are  understood  to  have  held  a  Caucus,  three  nights  ago,  & 
endeavored  to  unite  &  rally.  Something  more  of  tone  &  de 
cision  has  been  since  visible  It  may  become,  perhaps,  [the  cause 
of]  the  Confirmation  of  all  the  appointments —  As  to  meas 
ures,  they  are  irreconcilable, —  They  cannot  stir  agt.  the 
Tariff,  As  a  means  of  union  &  a  necessary  means — they  seem 
now  resolved  to  keep  the  present  President  in  office  thro,  a  second 
term. —  He  now  intends  to  hold  on,  beyond  all  doubt.  Here 
again,  accidents  to  his  life  or  health,  would  produce  quite  a  new 
state  of  things —  So  that,  on  the  whole,  I  do  not  think  there 
has  been  a  period  in  our  time  when  one  could  see  less  of  the 
future  than  the  present 

I  thank  you  for  your  civil  sayings  about  my  speech.  It  has 
made  much  more  talk  than  it  deserves,  owing  to  the  topic,  &  to 
the  times.  I  hope  it  is  doing  some  good  at  the  South,  where  I 
have  reason  to  think,  it  is  very  generally  circulated  &  read. 

Yrs  very  sincerely 

D  WEBSTER 

having  cut  my  thumb,  I  write  even  worse  than  usual. 


(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

HOPKINTON  March  23.d  1830. 
My  Dear  Father, 

*  *  *  I  never  knew  what  the  constitution  really  was,  till 
your  last  short  speech.  I  thought  it  was  a  compact  between 
States.  I  like  that  last  reply  better  than  all  the  rest;  for  it 
comes  out  so  a'propos,  and  conclusive  that  Mr.  H.  has  nothing 
more  to  say.  It  is  the  "Cou  de  Grace"  It  winds  him  up ;  as  we 
boys  used  to  say.  I  saw  in  the  papers  that  the  Postmaster  has 
made  a  new  construction  of  the  franking  law  to  suit  the  occasion. 
I  do  not  know  how  it  is ;  but  it  seems  to  me  to  be  as  plain  an 
usurpation,  or  misuse  of  power  as  ever  was. 

However,  they  can  only  do  so  three  years  longer.     *     *     * 
Your  ever  affectionate  Son, 

D.  F.  WEBSTER. 


152  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Hon.  Jos.  E.  Sprague.) 

PRIVATE   AND    CONFIDENTIAL. 

[March  24.  1830] 
Dear  Sir 

Can  you  inform  me  what  summer  it  was  that  Mr.  Henshaw1 
passed  a  part  of  at  the  Hermitage2  Can  you  send  me  a  news 
paper  which  stated,  long  before  General  Jackson's  election  how 
the  Boston  appointments  were  to  be  disposed  of,  It  may  be  use 
ful  to  know  that  Mr.  Henshaw,  understood  what  his  chance  was 
in  case  of  success,  as  soon  as  he  returned  from  Tennessee — 

Yours  truly 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

Wednesday  Eve'  April  14,  [1830] 
Dr  Sir 

A  feeble  attempt  was  made  to  day  to  reconsider  Hill's  nomina 
tion,  but  as  the  rejection  had  been  notified  to  the  President,  it 
was  held  to  be  out  of  order. —  His  game,  I  think,  is  finished 
here. —  The  President  has  the  power,  I  suppose,  of  nominating 
him  again ;  tho'  he  will  hardly  be  advised  to  do  that,  &  it  would 
do  no  good,  if  he  should  do  so. —  nothing  could  get  him  thro' 
the  Senate,  for  any  office —  The  rejection  has  produced  a 
strong  sensation  here  for  so  small  a  thing — The  poor  N.  H. 
members  especially  are  wofully  mortified.  H.  H.,1  I  learn  was 
heard  to  say  he  would  rather  have  lost  the  whole  N.  H.  Election — 
Kendall's  fate  &  Noah's  not  yet  decided,  they  are  both  doubtful. 
I  incline  to  think  they  will  both  depend  on  the  casting  vote  of 
the  V.  P.— 

There  was  a  great  party  dinner,  yesterday,  as  you  will  see. 
The  object  was  to  recompose  &  reconstruct  the  party,  on  the  Old 
Jefferson  platform. —  The  thing  did  not  go  off  well.  Many, 
very  many  of  the  party  found  themselves  taken  in —  All  the 
Penna.  members,  having  seen,  before  dinner,  what  the  toasts  were, 
took  themselves  off! 

I  think  we  shall  see  some  schism  grow  out  of  it. — McDuffie's 

1  David  Henshaw,  who  was  later  Secretary  of  Navy  under  Tyler. 

8  General  Jackson's  home. 

3  Henry  Hubbard,  representative  from  New  Hampshire. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  153 

Report,  on  the  Bank  Subject,  is  not  yet  printed —     It  is  said  to 
be  a  stiff  negative  to  the  President — 

I  am  tired  with  the  Session,  &  wish  myself  safely  in  N.  E. 

Yrs  truly 

D  WEBSTER 

How  will  Mr.  H.1  appear,  should  he  be  prefered  for  a  Seat  in 
the  Senate,  Since  2/3rds  of  its  members  have  so  significantly 
manifested  their  opinion  of  him.  If  he  were  to  come  there,  they 
could  not  speak  to  him. 


(From  Joseph  D.  Story.) 

CAMBRIDGE  April  17,  1830 
My  dear  Sir 

I  was  truly  comforted  by  your  kind  letter,  which  I  received  a 
day  or  two  ago —  As  soon  as  I  recovered  from  the  severe  fa 
tigues  of  my  long  &  boisterous  passage  in  the  Sound,  (perilous 
with  all)  &  had  escaped  from  the  throng  of  kind  friends  that 
called  on  me,  I  was  about  writing  you —  But  an  entire  new 
direction  was  given  to  my  thoughts  by  the  horrible  murder  of 
Old  Capt'n.  White  at  Salem2 —  You  are  aware  that  he  died 
childless  &  that  his  principal  heirs  are  Mr  Stephen  White  & 
my  Sisters  children —  It  is  altogether  the  most  mysterious  & 
dreadful  affair  that  I  ever  heard  of —  "Truth  is  stranger  than 
fiction"  has  been  often  said —  I  never  knew  any  case,  which  so 
completely  illustrated  the  truth  of  the  remark  as  this.  Not  the 
slightest  trace  has  as  yet  been  found  by  which  to  detect  the  assas 
sins,  (for  I  am  satisfied  there  was  more  than  one)  and  we  are 
yet  in  a  darkness  rendered  still  darker  by  the  utter  defeat  of 
every  conjecture —  I  have  been  obliged  to  go  to  Salem  several 
times,  &  every  thing  there  seems  in  inextricable  confusion. 

— I  never  knew  such  a  universal  panic. —  It  is  not  confined 
to  Salem,  or  Boston,  but  seems  to  pervade  the  whole  community — 
We  are  all  astounded  &  looking  to  know  from  what  quarter  the 
next  blow  will  come —  There  is  a  universal  dread  &  sense  of 
insecurity,  as  if  we  lived-  in  the  midst  of  a  Banditti. 

I  am  satisfied  the  object  was  plunder,  though  it  was  not  prob- 

1  Isaac  Hill,  of  New  Hampshire.     He  did  succeed  in  getting  himself  elected 
Senator  in  1831. 

2  For  a  full  account  of  this  affair  and  Webster's  part  in  securing1  the  con 
viction  of  the  murderers  see  Curtis'  "Life  of  Daniel  Webster,"  vol.  i,  p.  378. 


154  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

ably  found,  having  been  removed  some  time  before  from  the 
house —  It  was  a  deep  scheme,  by  persons  who  were  adepts  in 
their  vocation  &  irretrivably  wicked — damned  spirits —  Its  suc 
cess  is  astonishing.  Its  malicious  deliberation  unparalelled — 

Mr  White  left  a  Will —  He  has  given  many  legacies  to  his 
relatives ;  but  the  bulk  of  his  fortune  goes  to  Mr  Stephen  White, 
who  will  get  from  150  to  200  thousand  dollars —  Three  of  my 
nieces  will  receive  about  25,000  each —  But  of  this  no  more — 

I  have  been  in  several  circles  of  our  friends  since  my  return, 
all  of  whom  speak  in  the  most  gratifying  terms  of  your 
Speeches —  The  first  effect  has  not  in  any  degree  subsided ;  ad 
miration  &  respect  seem  to  have  assumed  a  permanent  mastery 
over  all  the  meaner  views  of  the  doubters  &  the  grumblers — 
There  never  was  a  triumph  more  complete  &  to  all  appearance 
more  undisputed —  I  hear,  however,  that  at  the  South  there  is  a 
little  rally;  but  I  suspect  it  is  feint — 

I  met  Mr.  Prescott1  the  other  day  &  I  know  you  will  be  pleased 
to  know,  that  he  thinks  most  highly  of  your  speeches,  deeming 
them  all  that  we  could  wish  &  as  sound  as  they  are  striking. 
His  praise  is  worth  much,  for  it  is  considerate  and  slow — 

In  respect  to  the  Circuit  Court  I  have  no  objection  to  any 
adjournment,  which  will  suit  the  convenience  of  the  Bar — .  If 
after  the  R.  Island  Court  it  will  be  agreeable  to  me —  Arrange, 
as  you  think  best  on  this  subject,  remembering  only,  that  our 
hot  weather  begins  soon  after  the  20th  of  June. 

All  your  friends  are  impatient  to  see  Mr  Webster,  &  above  all 
Mrs.  Webster;  &  I  am  quite  sure  she  will  be  doubly  welcomed 
home,  for  we  are  quite  bent  upon  making  her  give  up  all  thoughts 
that  she  has  any  other  home  than  Boston —  And  Mrs  Story  and 
myself  are  anxious  to  prove  to  her,  that  Cambridge  is  not  more 
than  three  miles  from  town,  &  a  good  deal  more  pleasant  &  quiet 
than  Pennsylvania  Avenue — 

I  have  talked  a  little  with  the  Saints  about  a  certain  thing — 
They  are  satisfied  with  my  views,  to  wait  events,  &  agree  that 
it  is  not  well  to  say  a  word  until  a  movement  shall  be  made  else 
where —  N  England  never  seemed  less  inclined  to  quarrel  with 
her  own  than  now ;  but  she  will  be  wise  &  frugal  of  her  resources — 

The  rejection  of  Hill  has  given,  I  believe,  general  satisfac 
tion —  If  followed  up  by  others  of  a  like  cast,  it  will  do  the 
Admin  more  good,  than  any  of  their  measures —  Are  the  re- 

1  The  historian. 


THE    NATIONAL   STATESMAN  155 

ports  of  the  Birth  Day  Dinner  Arrangements  &  Developments 
mere  gossip,  or  true? — 

I  write  you  in  great  haste,  being  hard  driven  by  business  but 
always  Most  truly  Your  friend 

JOSEPH  D  STORY 

P.  S.  Remember  me  most  kindly  to  Mr  Silsbee  &  his  family — 
&  to  Mrs  Webster  &  Julia —  Forget  not  my  admonition  about 
yourself —  Work  &  think  as  little  as  practicable  for  the  present. 


(To  Louis  Dwight.1) 

Boston,  April  19,  1830.2 
MY  DEAR  SIR, 

WILL  you  have  the  goodness  to  express  your  opinions  on  the 
following  subjects: 

1  What  do  you  think  of  imprisonment  for  debt  for  sums  less 

than  one  dollar? 

2  What  do  you  think  of  imprisonment  for  more  than  one,  and 

less  than  five  dollars? 

3  What  do  you  think  of  imprisonment  for  more  than  five,  and 

less  than  ten  dollars? 

4  What  do  you  think  of  imprisonment  for  more  than  ten,  and 

less  than  twenty  dollars? 

5  What  do  you  think  of  imprisonment  for  more  than  twenty, 

and  less  than  one  hundred  dollars?  agt  it;  at  least  to  50 
Dollars ;  perhaps  to  a  100. 

6  What  do  you  think  of  imprisonment  for  debt  in  any  case  \m\ 

which  there  is  no  evidence  of  fraud? 

7  What  do  you  think  of  imprisonment  for  thirty  days  in  cases 

in  which  the  poor  debtor's  oath  is  to  be  taken?    Useless — 

8  Can  Christian  imprison  Christian  for  debt,  in  any  case  in 

which  there  is  no  evidence  of  fraud,  with  a  good  conscience? 
Every  Christian  must  judge  for  himself,  if  the  law  allows 
it.  I  should  imprison  nobody,  for  a  debt  due  me,  with 
out  evidence  of  fraud. 

1  Secretary  of  the  Prison  Discipline  Society,  of  Boston,  author  of  a  report  on 
the  Gaols  and  Prisons  of  Massachusetts. 

8  This  printed  circular  was  sent  by  Dwight  to  Daniel  Webster  and  the  latter 
wrote  on  the  circular  and  then  added  the  letter.  The  printed  portion  appears, 
here  in  italics. 


156  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

9  Can  Christian  imprison  infidel  for  debt,  in  similar  circum 
stances,  with  a  good  conscience? 

1.0  Is  the  penalty  of  imprisonment  for  debt  well  proportioned  to 
the  aggravation  of  the  offence,  in  cases  where  there  is  no 
evidence  of  fraud?  I  think  not. 

11  What  evils  would  result  from  abolishing  imprisonment  for 

debt?     frauds  might,  w't  very  good  guards.     This  w'd 
depend  on  the  modifications,  &  the  substitute. 

12  What  benefit  would  result  from  abolishing  imprisonment  for 

debt? 

13  Have  you  ever  found  it  necessary  to  imprison  a  man  for  debt 

due  to  you  personally?    I  never  did  it. — 

Please  to  communicate  any  facts  or  remarks,  on  other 
points,  not  embraced  m  these  questions,  but  touchmg  the 
general  subject,  which  you  may  deem  important. 
By  answering  the  above  questions,  in  such  manner  as  you  may 
think  proper,  in  order  to  express  your  opinion  on  the  general 
subject  of  imprisonment  for  debt,  and  returning  the  answer  to 
me,  you  will  greatly  oblige 

Your  sincere  friend  and  obedient  servant, 

LOUIS  DWIGHT. 

6.  question.  It  seems  to  me,  that  when  one  does  not  pay  his 
debts,  for  example,  to  his  butcher,  &  baker,  &  tailor,  he  ought 
to  shew  that  he  is  unable,  <§•  that  his  inability  is  not  fraudulent. — 
That  is  to  say,  he  ought  to  shew  a  full  &  fair  excuse,  for  not  pay 
ing.  It  does  not  appear  to  me  to  be  enough  merely  for  him  to 
say  that  he  cannot  pay,  &  then  to  call  on  his  creditors  to  show 
that  his  inability  is  merely  pretended,  or  is  fraudulent. —  The 
debtor  ought  to  shew  why  he  cannot  fullfil  his  promise — &  that 
he  has  not  acted  fraudulently —  When  he  has  shewed  this,  his 
person  ought  no  longer  to  be  held.  He  ought  to  be  called  on, 
first,  for  his  own  oath,  secondly,  for  any  reasonable  explanation 
of  suspicious  circumstances,  if  such  exist. —  Having  done  this, 
his  person  ought  to  be  discharged. — 

The  great  remedy  for  evils  of  this  kind  is  obvious.  Nineteen 
twentieths  of  the  whole  of  it  would  be  relieved,  if  imprisonment 
for  small  debts  were  abolished.  Small  credits  are  often  given  on 
the  confidence  of  being  able  to  collect,  by  the  terrors  of  the  jail; 
great  ones  never. — 

In  my  humble  judgment,  two  simple  provisions  would  accom 
plish  all  that  is  absolutely  required,  in  Massachusetts — 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  157 

1.  No  imprisonment  to  be  allowed,  where  the  debt,  exclusive 
of  all  costs,  does  not  exceed  50,  75,  or  100  Dols. — 

2. — Do  away  the  necessity  of  the  imprisonment  for  30  days, 
in  order  to  take  the  poor  debtors  oath ;  and  to  give  to  the  magis 
trate,  taking  the  oath  such  further  powers  as  may  be  necessary 
to  a  full  investigation  of  the  fairness  or  fraud  of  the  debtor's 
conduct —  The  Insolvent  Laws  (not  Bankrupt  Acts)  of  Eng 
land  might  well  be  looked  to  for  useful  hints  on  this  subject. — 

These,  My  Dear  Sir,  are  very  hasty  thoughts.  They  are  in 
tended  for  your  use  only,  c/  you  must  not  make  them  public.  If 
you  wish  for  any  opinions  of  mine,  on  these  questions,  to  be  made 
public,  you  must  send  this  sheet  back,1  &  let  me  prepare  what  I 
have  to  say  with  more  deliberation,  &  express  it  more  fully,  & 
with  more  care — 

Yrs  with  regard 

D.  W/ 


(From  Thos.  H.  Benton.) 

SENATE  CHAMBER,  April  20th.  1830. 
Sir, 

The  object  of  this  note  is  to  inquire  whether  you  have  any 
objection  to  the  publication  of  the  correspondence  between  your 
self  and  Mr.  Randolph  in  1825  ?2  and,  to  the  promulgation  of 
the  verbal  agreement  which  bound  each  party  to  contradict  any 
publication,  to  the  prejudice  of  the  other,  which  came  within  its 
knowledge  ? 

Yours,  &c. 

THOMAS  H.  BENTON. 


(To  Thomas  H.  Benton.) 

SENATE  CHAMBER,  April  20, — [1830] 
Sir 

I  have  your  note  of  this  morning.     What  passed  on  the  occa 
sion  referred  to,  in  1825,  having  taken  place  under  an  agreement 

1  This  sheet  was  returned  and  a  more  formal  letter  sent,  which  appears  in  the 
sixth  volume  of  Webster's  Works  [Boston,  1856],  p.  533. 

4  See  the  correspondence  of  Feb.  25,  1825,  between  Daniel  Webster  and 
Benton. 


158  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

that  no  publication  should  be  made  authorized  by  either  party, 
I  do  not  feel  inclined,  at  this  remote  period,  to  depart  from  that 
understanding.  One  consideration  enforcing  the  propriety  of 
this  conclusion,  is,  that  something  of  what  passed,  &  which  might 
perhaps  be  necessary  to  qualify  or  explain  the  rest,  was  verbal 
&  I  have  no  minute  of  it — nor  have  I  kept  my  memory  in  charge 
of  it. 

Yours — &c. 

D.  W. 


(To  James  Kent.1) 

WASHINGTON,  April  27,  1830. 
My  dear  Sir, — 

I  thank  you  much  for  both  your  letters.  They  have  helped 
me.  I  can  hardly  find  a  j  ust  and  reasonable  man,  who  can  speak 
what  he  thinks,  who  does  not  admit  that  my  amendment  is  right 
in  principle.  Yet  party  envy,  hatred,  and  malice  are  most  likely 
eventually  to  defeat  it.  We  are  fallen  on  evil  times,  as  times 
are  when  public  men  seek  low  objects,  and  when  the  tone  of  public 
morals  and  public  feeling  is  depressed  and  debased.  I  hope  our 
children  may  see  a  better  state  of  things, — a  state  of  things  in 
which  that  part  of  our  prosperity  and  greatness  which  depends 
on  ourselves  may  bear  some  little  proportion  to  the  many  favors 
with  which  Providence  has  distinguished  our  country. 

DAN'L,  WEBSTER. 


(To  H.  W.  Kinsman. ) 

MAY  28.  [1830] 
Dear  Sir 

There  is  a  treaty  with  Denmark2  it  will  be  well  for  you  to  go 
immediately  to  Mr  Snelling,  &  get  him  to  go  with  you  to  the 
other  offices,  &  secure  the  agency  of  their  claims — 

Yrs     D  WEBSTER 

1  Printed  in  the  Memoir  of  Chancellor  Kent,  p.  207. 

2  See  Treaties  and  Conventions,  p.  235.     Date  of  treaty  was  March  28,  1830. 
Ratified  and  proclaimed  June  5,  1830.     Denmark  agreed  to  indemnify  Amer 
ican  subjects  who  had  suffered  by  seizure,  detention  or  confiscation  by  the 
Danish  authorities. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  159 

(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

NEW  YORK  June  4,  1830. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  have  rec'd  here  your  letter  of  the  31th  of  May  Col  Upham 
may  address  himself,  at  once  to  D.  B.  Ogden. — Let  him  write 
without  reference  to  any  supposed  conversation  between  Mr. 
Ogden  &  any  other  person;  but  introduce  the  Subject  as  if  de 
novo,  He  need  say  nothing,  on  the  Subject  of  fees ;  but  merely 
request  to  have  the  suit  brought  in  the  Circuit  Court,  &  give  Mr. 
O.  leave  to  associate  with  him  any  other  Counsel  whom  he  may 
select. — No  time,  perhaps,  should  be  lost,  in  having  the  suit  com 
menced. — 

We  leave  this  City  tomorrow,  if  the  weather  should  favour  & 
hope  to  be  home  on  Monday  morning.  Affairs  were  in  a  pretty 
state  of  excitement,  when  we  left  Washington.  Be  assured, 
Maryland,  Ohio,  &  Kentucky  are  Irretrievably  lost  to  the  admin 
istration.  Indiana,  also,  &  probably  Illinois  &  Missouri.  Re 
cent  events  will  hasten  on  the  contest,  &  it  will  be  impossible  to 
restrain  the  People  from  bringing  out  Mr.  Clay,  as  a  Candidate, 
agt.  Geril.  Jackson.  We  had  a  great  run  of  luck  especially  in 
the  H.  of  R.  the  last  week  of  the  Session. 

I  hope  to  see  you  soon.  As  to  my  seat,  I  shall  not  act  sud 
denly  on  that  subject.  Some  time  ago  you  expressed  a  wish  that 
Mr.  Madison  might  come  out  agt.  this — nullifying  doctrine. 
That  object  is  secured.1  In  due  time  the  public  will  have  the 
benefit  of  his  opinions,  in  the  most  gratifying  manner. 

I  left  Washington  on  Monday,  the  moment  of  the  adjourn 
ment,  &  came  hither  without  much  delay.  At  Philadelphia  I  saw 
Mr  Biddle,  &  some  other  Gentleman,  &  we  had  a  hearty  laugh 
at  the  fortunes  which  have  befallen  your  puissant  accusers,  Hill, 
Decatur,  &  Cushman — 

I  suppose  you  have  heard  that  Woodbury  declines  a  reelection. 
I  believe  it  is  true. 

Mr.  Harvey  told  me,  coming  on,  that  it  was  so — &  that  he  had 
seen  the  declining  letter,  or  a  copy  of  it — 

I  am,  D  Sir,  Yrs  as  ever 

D.  WEBSTER 

1  See  Madison  to  Daniel  Webster,  March  15,  1830,  in  "Private  Correspond 
ence  of  Daniel  Webster,"  vol.  i,  p.  496. 


160  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

( To  Jos.  E.  Sprague.) 

PRIVATE   AND    CONFIDENTIAL. 

BOSTON  June  28,  1830 
Dear  Sir, 

I  was  at  New  Port  when  yours  of  the  16th  was  received,1  and 
since  my  return  have  not  had  a  moments  leisure.  All  I  can  say 
is  that  in  regard  to  the  object  and  subject  of  it  I  will  do  all  that 
is  incumbent  on  me.  You  know  I  am  not  good  for  the  detail  of 
such  matters.  I  do  not  understand  them,  I  see  the  importance 
of  the  general  object,  and  most  sincerely  wish  to  promote  it,  and 
wish  also,  especially,  to  do  whatever  may  be  useful  to  you.  But 
other  heads  must  plan.  If  you  will  come  up  here,  any  morning 
or  evening  this  week,  giving  me  a  day's  notice,  I  will  lay  all  other 
things  aside,  and  have  a  conversation  on  the  subject. 

Let  me  hear  from  you. 

Mr.  C.2  is  well  and  in  excellent  spirits 

Yours  truly 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 


(To 


Senate  Chamber,  Feby  23d  1831. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  have  read  Mr.  Bridge's  letter,  and  feel  some  delicacy  in  com 
plying  with  the  request  contained  in  it.  It  asks  for  an  opinion 
on  a  highly  important  subject,  calling  in  question  the  validity  of 
a  very  important  law  of  Kentucky.  I  have  little  desire  to  take 
part  in  such  discussions,  especially  in  cases  arising  in  states  re 
mote  from  the  sphere  of  my  usual  professional  practice.  Never 
theless,  while  I  remain  at  the  Bar  of  the  Supreme  Court,  I  do 
not  hold  myself  at  liberty  to  decline  engagements  in  behalf  of 
reputable  persons,  in  cases  coming  regularly  into  that  Court  for 
decision.  You  are  at  liberty,  therefore  to  say  to  your  friends, 
that  I  shall  not  object  to  being  retained  in  the  cause,  looking 
merely  to  its  discussion  here,  if  such  be  their  wish. 

There  are,  however,  I  think,  good  reasons  why  I  should  refrain 

1  Mr.  Sprague's  letter  cannot  be  found. 

*  Henry  Clay.  See  Clay  to  Webster,  June  7,  1830.  "  Private  Correspond 
ence  of  Daniel  Webster." 

3  Daniel  Webster  MSS.,  dictated  and  corrected  by  him.  I  cannot  determine 
who  was  the  recipient. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  161 

from  giving  an  opinion,  on  this  great  question,  as  preliminary  to 
judicial  proceedings.  There  would  probably  indeed,  be  little 
value  in  such  opinion,  since  the  clause  of  the  Constitution,  which 
must  be  the  subject  of  argument,  has  been  so  recently  considered 
and  interpreted,  by  the  highest  Judicial  authority,  in  the  Mis 
souri  case. 

Indeed,  sir,  whatever  my  opinions  might  be,  on  a  full  con 
sideration  of  the  case,  it  seems  to  me  that  the  respect  due  from 
me  to  the  State  of  Kentucky,  &  her  Law,  and  to  the  great  inter 
est  she  must  feel  in  the  question,  may  justly  impose  on  me  a  for 
bearance  from  expressing  such  opinions,  in  advance  of  the  regu- 
ular  forensic  discussion. 

I  am  Dr.  Sir,  Your's  with  true  regard, 

[D.  W.] 

(From  Stephen  White.1) 

NEW  YORK  August  7  1831 
My  Dear  Sir 

*  *  *  The  day  on  which  you  left  the  Springs  I  received 
a  letter  from  Mr  S.  C.  Phillips  which  ought  to  have  been  re 
ceived  several  days  before.  Had  you  been  there  I  should  have 
asked  you  to  look  at  it,  and  if  I  find  a  private  conveyance  will 
send  it  you  for  it  is  somewhat  voluminous —  The  main  object 
was  to  ascertain  whether  you  continued  faithful  to  the  interest 
of  Mr  Clay  and  tho'  written  by  Mr  Phillips — was  doubtless  ex 
pression  of  the  wishes  of  the  Central  Committee —  On  that 
point  I  assured  him  there  had,  so  far  as  I  could  ascertain,  been 
no  alteration  in  your  opinions  or  feelings —  that  on  more  than 
one  occasion  recently  I  had  heard  you  speak  of  Mr  C.  and  of 
his  claims  in  a  mode  evincing  of  that  disposition —  That  in  my 
individual  judgement  our  friends  should  all  stand  firm  for  him 
unless  a  failure  of  a  Kent'y  election  or  his  death,  both  equally 
fatal  to  his  success,  should  call  for  a  new  candidate  in  which  event 
I  thought  neither  yourself  or  your  friends  should  be  unmindful 
how  prominent  your  claims  were  when  compared  with  those  of 
any  other  individual —  I  then  referred  him  to  a  letter  I  wrote 
Mr  Sprague,  detailing  among  other  facts  the  great  feeling  in 
your  favour  uniformly  evinced  by  the  prominent  individuals  of 

1  "White  was  Senator  from  Essex  County  in  the  Massachusetts  Legislature 
and  a  prominent  merchant  of  Salem.     Fletcher  Webster  married  his  daughter. 


162  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

all  parties  wherever  you  had  been  and  the  strong  disposition  to 
create  a  constitutional  party  and  to  place  you  at  the  head  of  it — 
While  making  these  remarks  however  I  distinctly  stated  then  as 
the  result  of  views  consequent  upon  the  failure  of  Mr.  Clay,  who 
I  presumed  would  be  supported  manfully  until  his  defeat,  if  it 
should  unhappily  take  place,  should  lead  our  friends  to  adopt 
some  other  more  popular  candidate  rather  than  make  shipwreck 
of  our  hopes  by  an  obstinate  support  of  men  instead  of  prin 
ciples —  *  *  * 

resp  Yours 

STEPHEN  WHITE 
I  enclose  Phillips  letter,  confidentially 


(To  Nathan  Appleton.1) 

SANDWICH  [Mass.]  Sept  11  [1831] 
My  Dr.  Sir, 

The  enclosed  is  from  the  keeper  of  the  hotel  in  which  we  lodged 
last  session.  The  rooms  are,  two  rooms  on  the  second  story  one 
pretty  large  one,  in  front,  one  smaller  in  rear,  connected  by  a 
door  of  common  size.  This  largest  was  Mrs  Websters  room  to 
see  her  friends,  and  we  dined  there  also,  when  we  had  company. 
The  smaller  room  was  used  as  a  study — but  we  dined  in  it  when 
quite  alone — 

J2  rooms  in  the  story  next  above,  which  are  comfortable  lodg 
ing  rooms,  and  then  rooms  still  higher  up  for  servants. 

These  rooms  would  accommodate  two  gentlemen  very  well — 
there  would  be  a  lodging  room  &  a  reading  or  sitting  room  for 
each  &  breakfast  &  dinner  could  be  served  in  the  larger  without 
inconvenience.  But  they  would  not  well  accommodate  three 
gentlemen  without  compelling  some  of  them  to  read  &  write  in 
their  lodging  room. — 

My  expectation  is  that  Mrs  Webster  will  join  me  at  W.  about 
the  10th  March — There  will  be  room  enough  for  her.  She  talks 
something  of  bringing  her  sister,  Mrs  Newbold  with  her,  but  I 
regard  that  as  too  uncertain  to  be  the  basis  of  any  calculation. 
If  Mrs  Appleton  should  accompany  you,  or  join  you,  there  would 

1  Hon.  Nathan  Appleton,  of  Boston.  He  had  just  been  elected  a  Represent 
ative  to  Congress  and  was  solicitous  about  obtaining  quarters  in  Washington. 
He  and  Webster  finally  settled  at  Gadsby's,  mentioned  above. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  163 

be  room  enough  of  course  for  her.  If  she  should  not,  and  your 
daughter  should  visit  Washington,  an  arrangement  could  be 
made  to  accommodate  her.  Under  these  circumstances  shall  we 
engage  the  rooms?  The  charge  is  high  for  us  two;  but  the 
omission  of  corkage  (one  dollar  per  bottle)  is  a  considerable 
diminution.  I  have  had  a  coloured  man  as  my  servant,  for 
many  years.  The  keeper  of  the  hotel  furnishes  one  good  one,  & 
these  are  enough.  Mr.  Gorham  can  tell  you  what  rooms  &  lodg 
ings  would  cost  at  Gadsbys  corkage  included.  Gadsbys  rooms 
are  much  larger  &  handsomer  &  his  house  much  nearer  the  capi 
tal.  In  other  respects,  at  least  in  some  other,  I  should  prefer 
Barnards.  I  believe  Gadsbys  culinary  establishment  is  as  good 
as  Barnards.  If  you  will  write  me  a  line  to  say  what  you  think 
upon  all  this,  I  will  give  Mr.  Barnard  an  answer.  For  myself 
I  have  no  strong  opinion,  either  way.  The  price  is  high  for  our 
own  lodging  &  board,  while  alone,  which  so  far  as  my  family  is 
concerned,  will  probably  be  three  months.  In  general,  I  have 
found  that  somebody  wanted  the  pay,  as  much  as  I  wanted 
rooms,  and  have  not  engaged  them  until  I  arrived.  Yet  there 
may  be  some  danger  that  we  shall  not  find  what  will  well  suit  us — 
I  shall  remain  here  some  few  days  longer.  You  may  address  me 
at  this  place 

Yrs  truly     D  WEBSTER 
It  is  exceedingly  warm  here  for  to  day 


(To  James  Buchanan.1 ) 

BOSTON  Septr.  24,  1831. 
Dear  Sir, 

The  decision  at  the  Treasury  on  our  (or  more  properly  on 
your)  Act  of  the  last  session  astonishes  me.  I  had  never  dreamed 
of  any  such  thing.  If  you  think  the  enclosed  expression  ot' 
opinion  will  do  any  good,  you  are  at  liberty  to  com  [torn] 

I  thank  you  for  your  kind  &  friendly  expressions ;  &  as  I  did 
you  no  more  than  justice,  in  regard  to  your  agency  in  the  pass 
ing  of  the  Insolvents'  Relief  Bill,  I  trust  I  shall  on  no  occasion 
do  you  less.     I  would  express  the  hope  of  seeing  you  at  Wash 
ington,  in  the  winter,  if  it  were  not  that  such  an  expression  might 

1  This  letter  is  in  the  Buchanan  Collection  of  MSS.,  belonging  to  the  Penn 
sylvania  Historical  Society. 


164  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

imply  an  expectation  that  you  are  not  to  be  elsewhere,  at  that 
time.  Not  knowing  at  all  how  that  may  be,  I  must  confine  my 
self  to  the  tender  of  general  good  wishes,  &  to  the  assurances  of 
esteem  &  regard. 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(From  Ambrose  Spencer.1 ) 

ALBANY  Oct.  24,  1831. 
Dear  Sir — 

I  am  sensible  that  your  professional  engagements  engross  all 
your  time,  &  I  would  not  obtrude  upon  you,  did  not  public  in 
terest  prompt  me  to  it — it  would  give  me  great  satisfaction  to 
know  whether  our  opinions  coincide  upon  the  course  to  be  adopted 
as  to  the  next  Presidency — I  was  appointed  a  delegate  to  the 
Baltimore  convention  by  the  national  republican  convention  held 
here  in  June  last — nothing  was  done  by  that  body  to  take  from 
the  delegates  their  freedom  of  opinion,  altho'  a  resolution  was 
adopted  strongly  approbatory  of  the  character  &  qualifications 
of  Mr.  Clay — my  present  opinion  is,  I  shall  not  attend  the  con 
vention  at  Baltimore — it  seems  to  me, —  to  be  apparent,  that  the 
convention  will  nominate  Mr.  Clay,  taking  the  Newspapers  as 
indices  of  public  opinion — If  he  should  be  nominated  &  accept 
the  nomination,  our  cause  is  lost,  &  Genl  Jackson  will  certainly 
be  re-elected — I  am  very  unwilling  to  be  a  party  to  a  course  so 
ruinous  to  all  our  hopes;  &  I  am  unwilling  also  to  disturb  the 
harmony  of  the  convention  by  differing  from  them. 

However  Mr.  Clay's  friends  deceive  themselves  by  believing 
he  has  the  least  chance  of  success  if  Genl  Jackson  &  Mr.  Wirt 
are  both  in  the  field?  Mr.  Clay  at  the  utmost  can  gain  but  89 
votes,  namely  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  Connecticut,  New 
Jersey,  Delaware,  Maryland,  Kentucky,  Ohio,  Indiana  &  Louisi 
ana — the  remaining  votes  are  to  be  divided  between  Genl  Jackson 
&  Mr.  Wirt.  I  agree  that  Mr.  Wirt  would  probably  obtain 
only  the  vote  of  Vermont,  but  he  would  withdraw  a  sufficient  num 
ber  from  those  opposed  to  Genl  Jackson  to  secure  his  election  by 
the  electoral  college — admitting  this  last  opinion  to  be  erro- 

1  A.  Spencer  had  served  in  the  New  York  State  Legislature  both  as  Rep 
resentative  and  Senator,  had  been  Attorney  General  and  later  Judge  and  Chief 
Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  New  York.  He  represented  the  State  in 
Congress  in  1829-31.  See  Webster's  reply  to  this  letter. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  165 

neous,  &  that  there  will  be  a  failure  to  elect  a  President  by  the 
college ;  we  know  the  representatives  of  a  ma j  ority  of  the  States, 
will  vote  for  him  in  the  House  of  Representatives. 

In  my  opinion  Mr.  Wirt  has  gone  too  far  to  decline ;  if  how 
ever  he  should,  I  know  enough  of  the  temper  &  spirit  of  anti- 
masonry,  to  affirm  positively,  that  they  will  hold  another  con 
vention,  &  nominate  some  one  who  will  not  decline.  Mr.  Clay 
can  not  be  that  man,  he  can  not  speak  his  opinions  on  masonry  & 
if  he  could  it  is  too  late. 

If  Mr.  Clay  would  decline  before  the  meeting  of  the  Baltimore 
convention,  or  address  a  letter  to  that  body  recommending  the 
nomination  of  Mr.  Wirt  &  giving  his  reasons,  it  seems  to  me  Mr. 
Wirt  would  receive  the  votes  of  all  Mr.  Clay's  friends.  He  cer 
tainly  would  if  they  are  governed  by  principle  &  not  devotion  to 
an  individual — in  that  event  there  is  every  probability  Mr.  Wirt 
would  be  elected — give  him  the  votes  of  the  States  I  have  men 
tioned,  &  to  this  we  may  confidently  add  New  York  &  Vermont 
&  he  is  elected — 

It  is  not  only  my  opinion,  but  that  of  our  most  considerate  & 
best  informed  men,  that  if  a  union  can  take  place  in  this  state 
between  the  anti-masons,  &  those  opposed  to  re-election  of  Genl 
Jackson,  they  would  certainly  form  a  majority  of  the  electors. 

I  am  astonished  that  an  opinion  exists  that  this  State  will  give 
its  vote  for  Mr.  Clay,  should  Genl  Jackson  &  Mr.  Wirt  be  candi 
dates — the  fact  is,  Mr.  Clay  in  that  case  would  receive  compara 
tively  but  few  votes — Mr.  Wirt  would  receive  three  times  more 
than  Mr.  Clay,  but  Genl  Jackson  would  receive  more  than  either, 
&  thus  gain  the  electoral  vote  of  the  State — I  feel  as  confident  in 
these  facts,  as  in  any  future  event  ever  presented  to  my  con 
sideration — the  result  of  the  late  elections  in  Vermont,  is  decisive 
of  the  Presidential  vote  of  that  state;  the  Anti-Masons  are  the 
largest  party  now,  &  one  year  hence  will  form  the  maj  ority ;  but 
at  all  events  Mr.  Clay  has  nothing  to  hope  from  that  State — 

With  respect  to  Pennsylvania,  what  I  have  said  of  New  York, 
applies  to  that  State — there  is  already  a  large  body  of  Anti- 
Masons  there,  &  it  is  one  of  the  dogmas  of  that  party,  sanctioned 
by  experience,  that  anti-masonry  neither  goes  back  nor  stands 
still — there  are  anti-masons  enough  there,  to  defeat  all  hopes  of 
[that]  an  electoral  ticket  favorable  to  Mr.  Clay,  can  be  chosen — 
it  is  by  no  means  improbable,  that  the  concentration  of  the  Anti- 
masonic  votes  with  those  opposed  to  Jackson's  re-election,  in  Mr. 
Wirt,  would  give  him  that  State —  In  Virginia  too,  is  there  now 


166  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

good  hope,  that  if  Genl  Jackson  &  Mr.  Wirt  are  the  only  candi 
dates,  that  State  may  go  for  the  latter — we  know  there  is  great 
defection  from  Jackson  there ;  Mr.  Wirt  is  a  Virginian  by  birth, 
&  a  republican  of  the  Jefferson  school,  divested  of  Mr.  Jeffer 
son's  political  errors.  If  Mr.  Wirt  should  not  command  the  votes 
of  all  Mr.  Clay's  friends,  this  loss  will  I  think  be  made  up,  by 
the  votes  of  many  who  dislike  both  Genl  Jackson  &  Mr.  Clay — 

Of  Mr.  Wirt's  high  qualifications,  I  need  not  say  one  word  to 
you  who  know  him  much  more  intimately  than  I  do — his  nomina 
tion  was  totally  unexpected,  but  ought  we  not  to  hail  it  as  a  most 
auspicious  event,  if  he  can  be  the  means  of  defeating  the  re-elec 
tion  of  a  man  whose  administration,  has  been  a  curse  to  the 
nation  ? 

Now  if  it  is  apparent  or  even  probable  that  Mr.  Clay  can  not 
be  elected,  but  that  Mr.  Wirt  can  be  elected  if  Mr.  Clay  declines, 
ought  there  to  be  any  hesitation  in  taking  measures  to  produce 
that  result  ?  I  feel  &  acknowledge  Mr  Clays  splendid  &  patriotic 
services  to  the  country  &  that  he  has  been  most  cruelly  &  malig 
nantly  persecuted  &  slandered ;  &  that  he  has  high  claims  on  his 
country ;  but  what  of  all  this,  when  the  real  question  is,  by  what 
means  a  weak,  wicked  &  dangerous  man,  shall  be  defeated — I  am 
for  the  cause  &  my  Country,  &  am  unwilling  from  mere  personal 
considerations  to  sacrifice  the  cause  to  the  man — 

If  I  am  laboring  under  erroneous  impressions,  I  wish  to  be  un 
deceived  &  therefore  write  you  with  the  utmost  freedom  &  candor 
— I  speak  the  opinions  of  many  cool  &  temperate  friends  of  Mr. 
Clay  here — if  my  facts  are  true  it  is  madness  to  persist  in  nomi 
nating  Mr.  Clay,  &  if  persisted  in  the  result  will  be  Jackson's 
re-election. 

It  is  to  be  feared  that  Mr.  Clay  is  deceived  by  some  of  his 
ardent  friends  as  to  the  vote  of  New  York,  he  can  not  be  as  to 
Vermont  since  their  recent  election — Is  it  not  possible  to  lay  be 
fore  Mr  Clay  a  true  state  of  facts,  that  he  may  take  a  course  to 
relieve  us  from  the  perplexity  we  are  in  ?  Could  he  see  that  his 
persistence  in  being  a  candidate,  must  ensure  the  re-election  of 
Genl  Jackson,  if  I  rightly  estimate  him,  he  would  decline  in  such 
a  way  as  to  transfer  his  strength  to  Mr.  Wirt. 

There  are  idle  speculations,  that  Mr.  Calhoun  will  be  a  candi 
date,  &  one  of  the  three  highest  on  the  electoral  tickets — He  will 
not  expose  his  weakness  by  being  a  candidate — this  is  evident 
from  the  course  of  Duff  Green — but  where  is  he  to  gain  votes 
save  in  S.  Carolina? 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  167 

I  could  say  much  more  on  this  all  important  subject,  but  I 
fear  your  patience  will  be  exhausted  in  reading  this  already  too 
long  letter — 

When  you  &  Mrs.  Webster  were  at  Saratoga  the  last  summer, 
I  was  quite  indisposed,  else  I  certainly  would  have  seen  you  there 
— present  me  most  respectfully  &  cordially  to  her  &  believe  me 
With  high  respect  Your  sincere  friend 

A.  SPENCER 


(To  Hon.  Ambrose  Spencer.) 

PRIVATE  AND  CONFIDENTIAL. 

My  Dear  Sir  BOSTON  Nov.  16  1831 

I  wrote  you  a  hasty  line,  some  time  ago,  to  acknowledge  the 
receipt  of  your  friendly  letter  of  the  24.  of  October,  &  promis 
ing  to  give  you  my  thoughts  on  the  highly  important  matters,  to 
which  it  relates. 

I  incline  to  think,  My  Dear  Sir,  that  it  may  be  a  wise  decision 
on  your  part,  with  your  present  opinions,  to  abstain  from  attend 
ing  the  Baltimore  Convention ;  for  I  am  convinced  you  will  find 
there,  should  you  go,  very  little  inclination  to  support  Mr.  Wirt's 
nomination.  Indeed  if  the  members  of  it  should  vote  to  support 
Mr.  Wirt  unanimously,  &  Mr.  Clay  should  freely  concur  therein, 
I  think,  judging  from  what  I  see  around  me  here,  we  could  not 
induce  the  People,  generally,  to  vote  for  him.  I  am  astonished 
to  hear — but  I  daily  do  hear — persons  who  were  never  Masons, 
&  who  are,  in  truth,  in  their  sentiments,  Anti-Masonic ; — that  is, 
they  disapprove  of  Secret  Societies,  say,  nevertheless,  that  be 
tween  Mr.  Wirt,  standing  as  he  now  does,  &  Genl  Jackson,  they 
should  go  for  the  latter.  This  seems  strange,  but  it  is  true.  In 
this  part  of  the  Country,  at  least  in  this  State,  Anti-Masonry  as  a 
sentiment,  is  gaining  ground;  but  Anti-Masonry,  as  a  political 
party,  or  basis  of  such  party,  I  do  not  think  is  gaining.  Our 
people  do  not  feel  that  Anti  Masonry,  alone,  is  a  principle  broad 
enough  to  save  the  country,  &  maintain  the  Govt.  I  think, 
further,  that  with  us,  Mr.  Wirt's  nomination  has  greatly  checked 
the  progress  of  antimasonry  itself.  It  has  caused  dissatisfaction, 
&  suspicion,  in  many,  in  whom  nothing  of  either  existed  before. 
Of  your  own  State  you  can  judge  better  but  I  have  been  all 
along  apprehensive,  that  there  being  no  National  Republican 
candidates  nominated,  generally,  throughout  N.  York,  very 


168  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

many,  who  dislike  Anti-Masonry,  would  go  over  to  the  Jackson 
party.  I  have  never  thought  it  possible  to  get  the  vote  of  N 
York  for  Mr.  Wirt — tho'  I  am  a  poor  judge,  on  that  question. — 
He  cannot,  I  think,  obtain  any  votes  in  N.E.  out  of  Vermont. 
He  has  no  chance,  at  all,  in  Maryland,  Delaware,  Ohio,  Indiana, 
or  Louisiana.  And  as  to  Va.  I  do  not  think  a  respectable  ticket 
could  be  found  for  Mr.  Wirt,  in  that  State,  under  present  circum 
stances. 

I  cannot  help  thinking,  My  Dear  Sir,  that  Mr.  Wirt  acted 
under  great  mis-information,  when  he  accepted  the  nomination  at 
Baltimore.  I  believe  I  must  say,  that  it  is  among  our  misfor 
tunes  that  Anti-Masonry,  in  this  State,  has  not  fallen  into  the 
hands  of  the  most  prudent  &  popular  persons.  Its  course,  there 
fore,  with  us  has  not  been  so  satisfactory  as  it  might  have  been ; 
&,  for  a  like  cause,  I  fear  Mr.  Wirt  had  not  before  him  an  accu 
rate  view  of  the  ground,  so  far  as  it  respected  this  quarter.  As 
I  observed  in  my  former  short  letter,  I  believe  Mr.  Wirt's  nomi 
nation  has  secured  Genl.  Jackson's  re-election !  I  believe  he  can 
not  take  a  vote  from  Genl  Jackson,  but  may  take  a  few  from  Mr. 
Clay;  that  is,  the  Vermont  votes;  but  a  greater  evil  resulting 
from  his  nomination  is,  that  it  greatly  discouraged  those,  who 
were  desirous  of  producing  a  change  in  the  Genl  Administration, 
&  greatly  encouraged  the  friends  of  the  present  President.  I 
hope,  indeed,  for  a  different  result,  but  I  do  not  expect  it.  It  is 
true,  the  events  of  the  session  may  produce  new  aspects  of  things 
&  I  am  willing  to  anticipate  the  best. 

I  have  thus,  my  Dear  Sir,  freely,  &  in  entire  and  close  confi 
dence,  expressed  my  thoughts.  You  will  not  find  much  comfort 
in  them.  But  let  us  trust  to  a  kind  Providence,  &  still  adhere 
to  the  great  interests  of  the  Country.  We  shall  at  last  thus 
deserve  success.  I  do  not  fear  great  mischief  from  acts  of  Con 
gress.  Our  most  imminent  danger,  at  present,  is  from  the  man 
ner  in  which  the  appointing  power  is  likely  to  be  exercised.  We 
must  pray  for  long  life  for  all  good  men  in  office,  &  deeming  our 
country  yet  too  young  to  be  ruined,  we  must  resist  evil,  when 
ever  we  meet  it,  &  overcome  it  if  we  can.  May  Heaven  prosper 
us! — 

It  will  give  me  true  pleasure  to  hear  from  you  often — &  I  may 
prove  myself  a  more  punctual  correspondent,  hereafter,  than  on 
this  occasion.  rTA  ,  TT,  1n 

[DAN  L   WEBSTER1] 
1  This  letter  was  taken  from  Daniel  Webster's  draft  of  the  letter  finally  sent. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  169 

(From  Thomas  H.  Benton.) 

SENATE  CHAMBER  Jan  4.  1832 
Sir, 

I  take  leave  to  invite  your  attention  to  a  "published  letter,1 
which  Col.  Davis  will  show  you,  &  to  say,  that  he  will  receive  the 
answer,  if  any,  which  you  may  think  the  occasion  calls  for.2 

Your  obt.  servant 

THOMAS  H.  BENTON 

(To  Thomas  H.  Benton.) 

SENATE  CHAMBER  Jan  4,  1832 
Sir, 

I  have  rec'd  your  note,  of  this  day,  and  lose  no  time  in  saying, 
that  the  printed  letter  enclosed  therein  was  published  without 
the  slightest  knowledge  on  my  part,  that  that,  or  any  publica 
tion  was  intended  on  the  subject  to  which  it  relates;  and  that 
neither  the  publisher,  or  anybody  else,  ever  rec'd  any  communi 
cation  from  me  in  regard  to  the  subject;  much  less  any  authority 
to  publish  any  thing.  From  the  time  of  the  transaction  to  the 
present  moment  I  have  never  felt  at  liberty  to  authorize  any 
publication,  nor  even  to  make  it  the  subject  of  conversation,  so 
far  as  respected  the  manner  in  which  it  was  finally  terminated 

Yr  ob.  servt. 

DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(From  Thomas  H.  Benton.) 

DAWSON'S  No.  2. 

Jany.  4.  1832. 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  this  day,  by  Col.  Davis,  is  received,  and  is  very 
conclusive  on  the  point  to  which  it  relates,  which,  however,  did 
not  come  within  the  scope  of  my  object  in  laying  the  printed  let 
ter  before  you.  My  object  was,  and  nothing  more,  to  present  a 
case  for  the  operation  of  the  verbal  agreement  which  bound  each 

1  The  clipping  appeared  in  the  New  York  Commercial  Advertizer  December 
26,  1831. 

8  This  is  a  renewal  of  the  Randolph  Controversy  of  1825,  to  which  the  printed 
excerpt  referred.  See  the  correspondence  of  February  25,  1825. 


170  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

party  to  contradict  any  publication,  to  the  prejudice  of  the  other, 
which  came  to  its  knowledge. 

Your  obt.  Servant. 

THOMAS  H.  BENTON. 


(To  Thomas  H.  Bent  on.) 

SENATE  CHAMBER  Jan.  5.  1832 
Sir; 

I  have  rec'd  your  letter  of  last  Eve',  thro'  Hon'bl  Mr.  Davis. 
I  have  no  recollection  of  the  verbal  agreement,  to  which  you 
allude;  tho'  it  is  plain  enough  that  such  an  understanding  sh'd 
have  been  had.  Indeed,  in  the  lapse  of  seven  or  eight  years, 
many  of  the  circumstances  have  passed  from  my  recollection.  I 
considered  the  whole  matter  as  finally  settled,  &  endeavoring  to 
fullfil,  with  scrupulous  exactness,  the  agreement  remaining  in 
writing  between  us,  not  to  authorize  any  publication.  I  have  not 
kept  alive  the  recollection  of  particulars. 

Nevertheless,  with  or  without  any  agreement,  I  should  wish 
to  do  whatever  can  be  fairly  required,  of  the  most  delicate  and 
honorable  feeling;  but  I  would  submit  to  you,  or  to  any  other 
gentleman,  whether  I  can,  with  propriety,  be  called  on  to  contra 
dict  anything,  after  what  is  reported  to  have  been  said  by  Mr.  R. 
recently,  in  a  public  speech,  which  you  probably  have  seen ;  & 
which  doubtless  caused  the  revival  of  this  matter  in  the  news 
papers. 

Your  Obt.  Ser. 

DAN'L.  WEBSTER 

(From  Thomas  H.  Bent  on.) 

DAWSON'S  Jany  5th  1832. 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  this  day,  through  Col.  Davis,  is  received. 

I  have  taken  leave  to  enclose  the  copy  of  a  note  to  you  of 
about  two  years  ago,  in  which  the  agreement  not  to  publish,  and 
the  verbal  agreement  to  contradict,  are  both  recited  for  the  pur 
pose  of  putting  a  question  upon  each  of  them ;  also  I  enclose  a 
copy  of  your  answer  to  that  note,  in  which  no  dissent  is  intimated 
to  the  existence  of  the  verbal  agreement.  Taking  the  fact  of 
this  agreement  to  be  established,  the  refusal  on  your  part  to  exe- 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  171 

cute  it  ( for  whatsoever  reason )  may  give  rise  to  a  question  which 
I  do  not  wish  to  solve ;  namely,  whether  the  whole  agreement  of 
which  it  is  part  and  parcel,  is  not  thereby  abrogated? 

The  exception  taken  in  the  concluding  sentence  of  your  letter, 
and  which  may  be  considered  as  a  plea  to  the  jurisdiction,  for 
inability  in  the  person,  would  seem  to  have  been  waved  by  the 
answer  in  chief  which  was  given  in  your  note  of  the  4th.  For 
the  rest,  I  have  to  say,  that  I  have  not  seen  the  reported  speech 
of  Mr.  Randolph ;  that  I  know  nothing  of  it,  except  as  mentioned 
in  the  printed  letter  sent  to  you ;  that  I  was  disposed  to  have  cut 
off  that  part ;  but  did  not  for  fear  of  misconstruction ;  that  I  am 
acting  without  the  knowledge  of  Mr.  R. ;  that  I  limit  my  present 
interposition  to  the  part  of  the  original  affair  to  which  I  was 
privy;  and,  that  a  line,  saying  that  you  do,  or  do  not  execute 
the  verbal  agreement  (taking  it  now  to  be  established)  accom 
plishes  the  object  which  I  had  in  view  in  laying  the  printed  let 
ter  before  you. 

Your  obt  servant. 

THOMAS  H.  BENTON. 

(To  Thos.  H.  Benton.*) 

SENATE  CHAMBER,  April  20,  1830. 
Sir; 

I  have  your  note  of  this  morning.  What  passed,  on  the  occa 
sion  referred  to,  in  1825,  having  taken  place  under  an  agree 
ment  that  no  publication  should  be  made  or  authorized,  by  either 
party,  I  do  not  feel  inclined,  at  this  remote  period,  to  depart  from 
that  understanding, 

Yours,  &c. 

DAN'L  WEBSTER 

(To  Thos.  H.  Benton.) 

JAN.  6.  1832. 
Sir, 

I  have  reed  your  letter  of  yesterday.  The  question  cannot  be 
properly  put  to  me,  I  think,  whether  I  shall  execute  a  verbal 
agreement,  the  recollection  of  which  I  have  already  disclaimed, 
in  my  note  of  the  5.  inst ;  because,  in  an  affair  of  this  kind,  after 
so  long  a  period  has  elapsed,  I  do  not  feel  bound  to  act  on  any 

1  This  letter  was  enclosed  in  Benton's  letter  of  January  25,  1832. 


172  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

one's  recollection,  except  my  own.  The  written  agreement  speaks 
for  itself,  &  is  unambiguous.  My  note  to  you  of  April  20th. 
1830  does  not  admit  the  existence  of  any  other  agreement.  Its 
only  object  was  to  decline  altogether,  any  publication  at  all.  I 
am  offering  no  pleas  to  jurisdiction — setting  up  no  justification, 
or  excuse,  for  not  fulfilling  every  obligation,  which  I  admit  to 
exist.  The  case,  at  present,  requires  no  such  course  from  me. 
On  the  contrary,  I  fulfil,  to  the  letter,  all  that  I  regard  as  the 
existing  agreement,  without  inquiring,  for  the  present  how  that 
agreement  has  been  kept,  on  the  other  side.  I  adopt  this  course, 
because  I  do  not  intend  to  say  or  do  anything,  which  can  be  made 
a  ground  for  departing  from  the  written  agreement. 

But  I  do  not  admit,  that  as  a  matter  of  propriety  or  of  cour 
tesy,  I  can  be  requested  to  contradict  anything,  so  long  as  the 
public  speech  reported  to  have  been  made  in  Virginia,  goes  itself 
uncontradicted.  I  should  be  thought  to  entertain  very  little  self 
respect,  if,  with  the  knowledge  of  that  occurrence  before  me,  I 
should  be  found  correcting  published  paragraphs  (not  authorized 
by  me),  however  derogatory  they  might  be  to  the  character  of 
Mr.  Randolph.  That  very  speech,  &  nothing  else,  as  I  pre 
sume  has  occasioned  the  publication  of  such  paragraphs ;  &  who 
ever  decides  that  question,  which  you  say  you  do  not  wish  to 
solve,  will  doubtless  consider,  whether  Mr  Randolph's  Speech,  & 
those  publications  which  it  has  occasioned  without  any  agency  of 
mine,  furnish  just  cause  to  abrogate  the  whole  agreement. 

If  it  were  necessary  to  give  reasons,  for  declining  the  publica 
tion  to  which  I  am  invited,  it  would  be  sufficient,  to  say,  that  if 
there  were  grounds,  at  the  time,  for  leading  the  parties,  into  such 
agreement,  there  are  stronger  grounds,  now,  for  adhering  to  it ; 
because  much  of  what  took  place  has  become  forgotten,  my  recol 
lection  of  the  particular  circumstances  might  differ  from  that 
of  others,  &  the  Gentleman,  principally  consulted  by  me,  on  the 
occasion,  is  no  longer  living. — 

Your  Ob.  Servt 


(From  Thos.  H.  Benton.) 

•    DAWSON'S  No.  2.  Jany.  8.  1832. 
Sir; 

Your  letter  of  yesterday  contains  matter  which  I  deem  it  in 
dispensably  necessary  to  refer  to  Mr.  Randolph.     I  apprize  you 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  173 

of  this  circumstance,  because  it  is  fair  that  you  should  know  it, 
and  to  account  for  the  pause  which  may  take  place  in  our  corre 
spondence,  even  if  it  is  not  finally  closed. 

Your  obt.  servant. 

THOMAS  H.  BENTON. 

(To  Thomas  H.  Benton.) 

gir.  Senate  Chamber,  Jan,  9.  1832. 

I  have  read  your  note  of  the  8th  instance,  &  am  disposed  to 
consider  our  correspondence  on  this  subject,  is  finally  closed. 

Your,  Ot. 

DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  J.  Q.  Adams*) 

My  dear  Sir:  Thursday  eve.,  Jan.  24th,  1832 

Does  it  happen  that  you  can,  from  recollection,  and  without 
the  trouble  of  any  research,  refer  me  to  any  document,  or  fact, 
anterior  to  Mr.  Monroe's  Administration,  showing  that  U.  S.  in 
their  negotiation  with  England,  had  preferred  a  claim  to  the 
admission  of  our  produce  into  the  Brit'h  West  Indies,  subject  to 
the  same  duties  only,  as  were  paid  on  products  of  the  same  kind 
imported  from  the  Continental  Colonies  of  G.  B.?  I  pray  you 
not  to  give  yourself  the  trouble  of  a  search,  but  if  anything  of 
this  be  in  your  recollection,  it  will  oblige  me  to  have  a  reference 
to  it.  Yours  with  entire  regard, 

DAN'L,  WEBSTER. 

(To  Nathan  Appleton.) 

Dear  Sir,  [June.  1832.] 

It  appears  to  me  you  have  completely  refuted  each  &  every 
of  Mr.  McDuffie's  propositions —  I  see  no  vestige  left,  of  one  of 
his  arguments.  You  will  see  I  have  made  a  mark  or  two  on  the 
10th,  14th  &  17  pages.  The  speech  is  a  model  of  close  reason 
ing,  on  an  abstruse  subject.2 

Yrs  truly 

D.  WEBSTER 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Charles  Francis  Adams. 

2  Without  date,  but  was  written  after  reading  Mr.  Appleton's  speech  of  May 
30,  1832,  in  answer  to  McDuffie. 


174  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(Memorandum. ) 

Any  letters  appearing  to  be  double,  may  be  opened  to  see  if 
they  contain  letters  for  other  persons. 

Letter  from  Richmond  if  it  come,  may  be  opened.  If  it  be 
from  Ch.  Jus.  Marshall  &  say  anything  of  [illegible]  it  may  be 
read  by  Mr.  A1 —  &  shown,  confidentially  to  J.  Davis,  Mr.  Choate 
&c. 

Letters  from  Albany  (Judge  Spencer)  from  Trenton  (Mr. 
Southard)  from  Newbern  (Mr.  Gaston)  may  perhaps  be  rec'd., 
on  the  same  subject.  If  so,  they  may  be  read,  &  shown  con 
fidentially,  if  they  will  do  good. — 


(From  Abraham  Van  Vechten.2) 

£>ear  sir ALBANY  June  27-1832 

The  importance  of  the  approaching  election  is  my  only  apol 
ogy  for  seeking  to  divert  your  attention  for  a  few  moments  from 
the  interesting  Subjects  before  Congress,  at  the  heel  of  a  long 
and  tedious  session —  You  are  no  doubt  apprised  of  the  elec 
toral  Ticket  lately  nominated  by  our  Anti-Masonic  convention, 
with  a  view  of  conciliating  the  national  republicans3 —  The 
result  will  probably  be  propitious  to  their  wishes,  provided  it  is 
understood  that  there  will  eventually  be  no  collision  between  Mr 
Clay  and  Mr  Wirt — On  this  subject  I  am  interrogated  by  well 
meaning  &  influential  men,  who  are  disposed  to  pursue  efficient 
measures  to  defeat  the  present  National  Administration  candi 
dates —  May  I  ask  of  you  to  give  me,  such  information  as  you 
may  feel  warranted  to  enable  me  to  answer  the  above  Interroga 
tories  so  as  to  allay  the  apprehensions  of  the  timid,  and  stir  up 
all  to  vigorous  action —  You  will  of  course  understand  that  any 
communication  you  may  make  will  be  deemed  strictly  confidential, 
and  used  by  me  without  disclosing  the  source  of  my  Informa 
tion. 

I  am  Dear  Sir  With  very  great  respect  Your  Obedt  Servt. 

AB.  VAN  VECHTEN 

1  Mr.  J.  Q.  Adams. 

2  An  able  and  distinguished  jurist  of  Albany,  N.  Y.     See  "History  of  Al 
bany,"  Howell  and  Tenney,  editors,  p.  132. 

3  See  Schouler's  "  History  of  United  States,"  vol.  iv,  p.  83.     See  also  Web 
ster's  reply,  next  letter. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  175 

(To  Abm.  Van  Vechten.) 

PRIVATE   &   CONFIDENTIAL 

WASHINGTON  July  2,  1832 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  have  been  much  gratified  by  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the 
27th  June,  relative  to  the  recent  nomination  of  Electors,  in  New 
York.  Indeed,  I  had  already  suggested  to  a  friend,  before  the 
receipt  of  your  letter,  that  I  would  take  the  freedom  to  write  you, 
on  the  same  subject.  We  look  on  that  nomination  as  being,  on 
the  whole,  propitious  to  the  great  cause  of  the  Country,  under 
existing  circumstances,  &  we  all  wish  its  success.  I  can  say  to 
you,  in  entire  confidence,  that  there  is  a  perfectly  good  under 
standing  between  Mr  Clay  &  Mr  Wirt;  &  that  they  had  a  free 
&  friendly  conversation  in  regard  to  the  political  state  of  the 
country,  when  Mr  Wirt  was  here ;  that  it  is  generally  understood 
here  that  Mr  Wirt  would  be  glad  of  an  opportunity  to  make 
public  his  wishes,  that  the  whole  voice  of  all  opposed  to  the  re 
election  of  Genl  Jackson  should  be  united  for  Mr  Clay;  &  that 
such  an  opportunity  is  looked  for,  &  is  not  unlikely  to  occur, 
before  the  day  of  giving  the  votes. 

I  will  only  add,  that  every  day  brings  grounds  for  increased 
hopes  of  success,  if  we  can  but  unite.  We  hear,  today,  of  a 
great  defection,  among  the  President's  friends,  in  Kentucky,  & 
understand  it  is  likely  to  be  contagious,  along  the  Ohio  River. 

The  Tariff  bill  will  pass,  amended,  in  some  respects.  The 
Bank  Bill  will  pass  the  House,  much  as  it  passed  the  Senate, 
probably ;  but  it  is  generally  believed,  &  I  have  no  doubt  it  will 
be  found  true,  that  the  President  will  negative  it. 

This  will  affect  Penna — but  how  deeply,  I  cannot  say. 

One  the  whole,  we  think  all  depends  on  N.  York.  We  cannot 
doubt,  if  the  great  State  goes  right,  the  general  result  will  be 
right.  We  therefore  respectfully,  but  earnestly,  beg  of  all  good 
men  in  your  State  that  they  will  make  one  great  effort  to  save 
the  Country. 

I  am,  D  Sir,  with  m°  true  regard, 

Yrs. 

[D.    WEBSTER]1 
1  This  copy  was  taken  from  the  original  draft  of  the  letter  sent. 


176  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  J.  Q.  Adams.1) 

WASHINGTON,  July  7th,  1832 
Dear  Sir : 

You  will  receive  herewith  your  various  letters,  respecting  the 
Tariff  Bill,  for  the  use  of  which  I  am  quite  obliged  to  you.  I 
feel  the  greatest  anxiety  that  the  House  may  agree  to  our 
Amendments,  they  raise,  I  think,  no  question  of  principle  and 
as  to  measures,  and  degree,  they  do  not  depart  further,  from  the 
provisions  of  the  House,  than  may  be  accounted  for,  as  the  fair 
difference  of  opinion.  In  respect  to  the  Amendment  on  the 
Woolens  provisions,  I  fully  believe  the  whole  Bill  will  be  haz 
arded,  if  that  Amendment  be  rejected.  It  is  certain  that  several 
senators,  who  voted  for  the  Bill,  will  go  for  its  indefinite  post 
ponement,  if  its  ultimate  form  shall  be  the  same  in  which  it  came 
from  your  House,  and  I  incline  to  think  the  number  of  these, 
added  to  the  enemies  of  the  Bill,  would  make  a  majority  of  the 
Senate. 

I  am,  Dear  Sir,  with  regard  Yours, 

DAN'L,  WEBSTER. 


(From  Henry  Clay.) 

ASHLAND  27th  Aug.  1832. 
Dear  Sir 

Our  Kentucky  elections  have  terminated  in  the  election  of  the 
Jackson  candidate  for  Governor  by  a  majority  of  1260  votes, 
the  U.  Republican  candidate  for  Lieut.  Governor  by  a  majority 
of  2506  votes;  and  in  60  out  of  the  100  members  that  compose 
our  H.  of  Representatives,  as  well  as  in  securing  in  the  Senate, 
where  the  majority  was  against  us  last  year,  a  majority  of  22  out 
of  the  38  members  composing  that  body. 

We  have  been  so  often  mortified  with  the  issue  of  elections  in 
this  state,  that  I  do  not  know  whether  you  will  take  any  interest 
in  the  causes  of  our  recent  partial  defeat.  They  were  1st  the 
employment  of  extraordinary  means  by  the  Jackson  party,  with 
in  and  without  the  State.  On  this  point  all  their  efforts  were 
brought  to  bear;  and  every  species  of  influence  was  exercised. 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Charles  Francis  Adams. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  177 

The  patronage  and  the  means  of  that  party  were  profusely  used. 
2dly  An  irruption  of  Tennessee  voters  who  came  to  the  polls  in 
some  of  our  border  counties.  Last  year,  official  returns  of  all 
the  voters,  in  all  the  counties,  were  made  to  form  a  basis  for  the 
periodical  adjustment  of  the  ratio  of  our  representation.  In 
some  of  those  border  counties,  at  the  recent  election,  I  understand 
that  the  Jackson  majorities,  exceeded  the  whole  number  of  the 
voters  according  to  those  returns.  But  we  should  have  been  able 
to  resist  successfully  the  joint  effect  of  both  the  above  causes,  if 
it  had  not  been  for  a  third,  which  operated  most  extensively.  Our 
candidate  was  a  Presbyterian,  and  against  that  sect  most  deep 
rooted,  and  inveterate  prejudices  exist,  the  weight  of  which  had 
not  been  sufficiently  estimated  when  he  was  selected.  Owing  to 
this  latter  cause  I  believe  we  lost  not  less  than  probably  three 
thousand  votes. 

But  it  is  less  important  to  dwell  on  the  past  and  incurable  event 
of  our  Governor's  election  than  to  look  forward  and  provide 
against  future  disaster.  The  spirit  of  our  friends  is  unbroken, 
their  zeal  is  increased  in  warmth ;  and  they  are  full  of  confidence 
of  success  in  November.  What  is  more  encouraging,  they  are 
already  engaged  in  the  best  plans  to  secure  success.  Far  from 
being  disheartened,  their  recent  partial  defeat,  arouses  them  to 
exertion  more  vigorous  than  ever;  and  the  exceptionable  means 
employed  by  their  opponents  have  fired  their  indignation.  I 
think  there  is  much  reason  to  hope  that  the  late  events  will  lead 
to  more  certain  success  in  November  than  if  we  had  carried  the 
election  of  the  Governor  by  such  a  majority  as  the  other  side  has 
obtained. 

What  is  most  absorbing  of  public  attention  at  this  time  is  the 
Bank  Veto.  On  that  subject  our  opponents  have  been  much  more 
industrious  in  the  circulation  of  documents,  than  the  friends  of 
the  institution.  The  President's  message  and  Benton's  rodomon 
tade  have  been  scattered  in  countless  thousands,  and  time  enough 
to  affect  the  election ;  whilst  on  the  other  side,  but  little  reached 
us  before  the  election,  except  Mr  Clay's  speech,  which  had  a  lim 
ited  circulation,  as  it  arrived  only  at  the  moment  of  the  election. 
A  clear,  intelligible,  popular  statement  of  the  case,  with  a  just 
account  of  the  certain  effects  of  the  overthrow  of  the  Bank  is 
much  needed. 

I  hope  that  our  friends  abroad  will  see  in  our  election  that  the 
bad  issue  of  it  has  been  neutralized  by  the  good ;  and  that  they 


178  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

will  derive  from  it  fresh  motives  to  spare  no  exertions  to  save  the 
country. 

I  remain  always  Faithfully  Your  friend 

H.  CLAY. 

P.  S.  Whilst  it  would  be  indiscreet  to  publish  this  letter  with 
my  name,  I  request  you  to  show  it  to  Mess  Dearborne,  Everetts  or 
any  other  particular  friends 

H.  C. 

Why  has  not  your  Speech  on  the  Veto  been  published  at 
length?1  

(To  J.  Q.  Adams.2) 

BOSTON,  Nov.  7th,  1832 
Dear  Sir: 

I  am  quite  obliged  to  you,  for  your  friendly  messages  by  Mr. 
Charles  Adams,  although  I  had  never  for  a  moment  entertained 
the  slightest  suspicion  that  such  a  movement  as  rumor  averred  to 
be  contemplated,  had  rec'd  or  could  receive  your  countenance. 
In  writing  to  a  friend,  ten  days  ago,  I  assured  him  that  there  was 
not  the  least  reason  to  suppose  that  you  were  knowing  to  any 
such  intention,  if  it  existed,  or  would  encourage  it,  if  you  should 
know  it,  and  that  I  did  not  believe  (as  I  still  do  not)  that  any 
such  intention,  does  in  fact,  exist  anywhere.  In  the  engage 
ments  of  the  Court  I  have  not  found  leisure  to  read  Dermot. 
The  world  will  have  it,  that  there  is,  and  must  be,  satire  lurking 
in  it,  tho'  it  is  admitted  to  be  well  disguised.  Mrs.  Webster  is 
exceedingly  mortified  that  she  has  not  been  able  to  pay  her  re 
spects  to  Mrs.  Adams,  since  she  came  to  town.  Either  my  en 
gagements  at  Court  or  absence  in  N.  Hampshire,  have  con 
stantly  been  in  the  way  of  such  a  visit,  until  this  week.  We  had 
ordered  the  carriage  both  yesterday  and  today  for  a  drive  to 
Quincy;  but  on  both  occasions,  have  been  prevented  by  the 
weather,  from  executing  our  purpose.  It  only  remains  for  us  to 
render  to  Mrs.  Adams  and  yourself  our  hearty  good  wishes  for  a 
pleasant  journey  to  Washington.  Mrs.  Webster  intends  remain 
ing  where  she  is,  through  the  Winter. 

I  am,  Dr  Sir,  Yours  with  very  true  regard, 

DAN'L  WEBSTEE. 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Mr.  Greenough. 

*  This  letter  is  owned  by  Charles  Francis  Adams. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  179 

(To  Edward  Everett.) 

WASHINGTON  15"  Feby  1833 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  will  be  much  obliged  to  you  for  a  few  of  your  thoughts, — 
say,  a  note  of  the  main  objections,  as  they  strike  you,  to  Mr  C's 
measure.1  Let  me  have  them  tomorrow  at  10. — 

Having  this  matter  on  my  hands,  and  nullification  also,  I  have 
more  than  I  can  get  along  with. 

Yours 

D.  W. 


(From  Silas  Wright.2) 

Senate  Chamber  Monday  Morning  25  Feby.  [1833] 
Dear  Sir, 

In  the  afternoon  and  evening  of  yesterday  I  saw  most  of  my 
friends  in  the  New  York  delegation  in  the  other  House,  and  after 
very  full  conversations  with  them  am  inclined  to  think  that  it  is 
my  duty  to  vote  for  the  bill3  upon  its  final  reading,  unless  some 
thing  in  the  course  of  the  proceedings  hereafter  shall  change  my 
mind.  I  give  you  this  information  according  to  my  promise  and 
had  designed  to  have  done  it  at  your  quarters,  but  Company  at 
my  room  prevented. 

Yours  &c  &c, 

S.  WRIGHT,  JR. 


(To  Nathan  Appleton.) 

Sunday  Ev.g  [Feby.  1833] 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  cannot  well  say  how  much  I  thought  of  you,  or  how  mourn 
fully  after  you  left  us.  You  seem  to  have  had  an  uncommon 
share  of  wayfaring  hardships,  preceding  a  great,  perhaps  the 

1  See  Schouler's  "History  of  United  States,"  vol.  iv,  pp.  97-104.  Clay's 
measure  is  referred  to.  This  is  quite  a  habit  of  Webster's  to  call  on  his  friends 
for  "thoughts."' 

3  Representative  and  Senator  from  New  York,  and  at  this  time  holding  the 
latter  position.  Later  he  was  Governor  of  New  York.  President  Tyler 
offered  him  a  seat  in  the  Supreme  Court,  but  he  declined. 

3  See  the  following  letter. 


180  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

greatest  of  all  domestic  afflictions.  I  have  tasted  of  the  cup,  & 
know  its  bitterness  you  have  all  my  condolence.  Your  letter 
from  N.  Y.  was  duly  rec.d  as  also  yrs  from  Boston  of  the  12th.  I 
pray  you  to  make  my  most  kind  remembrance  to  your  daughters ; 
they  will  be  doubly  dear  to  you  for  the  recent  occurrence  &  you 
may  well  esteem  them  as  blessing  to  be  cherished,  &  to  be  grateful 
for. 

Mr.  Clay  came  forward  with  his  bill  on  Tuesday,  as  you  have 
seen.  It  has  thrown  us  into  great  confusion.  I  thought  it 
necessary,  in  the  promptest  manner,  to  signify  my  dissent.  The 
commee  has  met,  upon  the  bill,  three  or  four  times,  but  as  yet 
has  agreed  upon  nothing. 

At  our  last  meeting,  he,  (Mr.  Clay)  seemed  to  me,  to  be  half 
sick  of  his  own  measure.1  I  meet  it  in  committee  with  unrelenting 
hostility;  so  does  Mr.  Dallas.  Mr.  Grundy  would  gladly  mend 
it,  &  turn  it  into  an  administration  measure.  Mr.  Calhoun  of 
course,  likes  it  as  it  is;  &  Mr.  Ring  will  also  agree  to  it,  in  its 
original  shape.  Mr.  Clayton,  though  quite  disposed  I  think,  to 
go  with  Mr.  Clay,  will  not  agree  to  it  as  it  is.  If  Mr.  Clay  him 
self  is  satisfied  he  can  report  it  as  it  is,  since  Mr.  Grundy  will 
vote  for  it,  if  it  cannot  be  amended —  I  think  it  quite  as  likely 
as  anything,  that  it  will  be  reported,  without  amendment,  by  the 
votes  of  Clay,  Calhoun,  Grundy  &  King.2  There  is  no  chance  of 
getting  it  thro'  the  Senate,  unamended,  nor  probably  in  any 
shape.  In  the  meantime  the  H.  of  R.  seems  to  have  come  to  a 
standstill. 

It  does  not  look  as  if  there  was  to  be  any  tariff  this  year.  We 
shall  need  you  next  session,  more  than  ever. 

I  have  said  all  I  wish  on  the  Nullification  matter.  It  does  not 
seem  magnanimous  to  underrate  ones  adversary,  but,  truly,  be 
tween  ourselves,  I  was  greatly  disappointed  in  Mr.  Calhoun.  He 
has  little  argument; — at  least  so  it  appeared  to  me.  Mr.  Dut- 
ton,  Mr.  Boon,  &  Mr.  Gorham  are  all  here.  Mr.  Gray  has  taken 
your  rooms.  The  Senate  holds  two  sessions,  a  day,  and  as  the 
comm-ee  on  Mr.  Clays  bill  meets  in  the  morning  I  am  kept 
busy. — 

I  am,  my  dear  Sir,  with  most  true  regard     Yrs 

DANL,.  WEBSTER. 

1  Clay's  Compromise,  as  the  measure  was  known.     See  Schurz's  "  Life  of 
Clay,"  vol.  ii,  p.  16. 
5  Wm.  R.  King,  of  Alabama. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  181 

(To  Henry  Clay.1?) 
CONFIDENTIAL 

MARCH  21,  1833. 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  learned  that  you  called  at  my  residence  on  the  even'g  previous 
to  my  departure  from  Washington.  It  is  a  source  of  regret  to 
me  that  I  was  not  at  home.  It  was  my  intention,  My  Dear  Sir, 
if  circumstances  had  furnished  a  convenient  opportunity,  to  say 
a  few  words  to  you  confidentially,  before  the  close  of  the  late 
session  upon  subjects  interesting  to  the  country.  Although  our 
political  associations  have  not  been  identical,  yet,  from  the  good 
understanding,  &  I  believe  I  may  say,  mutual  respect,  which  has 
always  existed  between  us.  I  flattered  myself  that  you  would 
not  be  averse  to  confidential  interchange  of  opinions  upon  topics 
which  must  arise,  in  the  course  of  a  short  time,  &  on  which  public 
men  will  be  obliged  to  act.  No  occasion  however  seemed  to  pre 
sent  itself.  I  am  still  desirous  of  such  an  interview,  &,  with 
your  permission  will  seek  an  opportunity  to  meet  with  you,  before 
the  expiration  of  many  months. 

It  is  generally  understood,  as  you  are  aware,  that  we  may  not 
have  you  with  us,  thro'  the  summer ;  but  the  public  seems  not  to 
know,  (&  in  that  respect  I  am  only  as  well  informed  as  the  pub 
lic,)  at  what  time  your  residence  at  Washington  may  be  expected 
to  terminate.  I  would,  prefer  to  see  you,  before  your  -final  de 
parture  from  Washington;  I  do  not  mean  the  breaking  up  of 
your  residence  in  that  City,  but  the  final  taking  leave  of  your 
friends  there,  if  the  general  expectation  is  to  be  realized,  by  your 
leaving  the  Country  for  a  time.  I  understood  from  you,  that  you 
might,  perhaps  be  in  the  north,  in  the  early  part  of  the  summer, 
should  that  happen,  &  should  it  also  be  your  expectation  to  be  at 
Washington  again,  after  your  excursion  to  the  north,  a  very 
convenient  opportunity  will  be  offered  me  of  seeing  you  in  the 
course  of  your  northern  journey.  But  if  you  are  not  to  return 
to  Washington,  it  will  only  be  left  for  me,  perhaps  in  making  a 
trip  which  I  propose  to  Ohio,  to  go  by  the  South  and  return 
by  the  North,  instead  of  the  reverse,  as  I  have  hitherto  intended. 
By  this  change,  I  shall  be  able  to  see  you  in  Washington,  pro 
vided  you  should  not  leave  that  place  earlier  than  June. 

I  leave  this  City  in  two  days,  for  N,  York,  where  I  shall  re- 

1  This  is  taken  from  Daniel  Webster's  draft  of  letter  sent.  "Webster  has 
indorsed  this  as  follows  :  "Altered  so  far  as  to  propose  his  coming  to  N. 
York  by  April  5th  or  coming  some  day  in  April  to  meet  me." 


182  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

main  until  the  end  of  this  month.  If  you  will  favor  me  with  a 
line,  in  answer  to  this,  addressed  to  me  in  N.  I  shall  be  glad  to 
receive  it.  But  if  any  thing  should  lead  you  to  a  desire  to 
postpone  any  answer  which  you  may  think  it  worth  while  to  make, 
to  a  later  period,  please  direct  to  me  at  Boston. 

I  will  not  send  this  letter,  My  Dear  Sir,  without  adding,  that  I 
find,  everywhere,  a  high  &  grateful  feeling  of  respect,  entertained 
towards  yourself,  for  the  part  understood  to  have  been  per 
formed  by  you,  in  late  measures  so  essential  to  the  honor  &  well- 
being  of  the  country,  &  which  have  exhibited  so  much  ability  and 
patriotism. 

I  need  not  add,  that  in  all  this,  no  one  concurs  more  heartily, 
than,  Sir 

Yours — 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Matthew  Carey.) 

BOSTON.  May  14.  1833. 
D.  Sir 

I  rec'd  &  read  with  interest  your  letter  of  the  9th  of  April. 
In  most  of  what  you  remark,  I  entirely  concur.  I  think  there 
has  been  culpable  negligence  on  the  part  of  the  friends  of  the 
Union  and  the  Government,  in  not  laying  fully  and  forcibly  be 
fore  the  people  the  tendency  and  consequences  of  the  Doctrines  of 
Nullification ;  &  that  at  this  moment  it  is  the  incumbent  duty  of 
these  friends  of  the  Union  &  Government  to  resist,  by  all  the  usual 
means  of  discussions,  reasoning  &  statement  of  facts,  every  at 
tempt  made,  or  which  may  be  made,  to  produce  a  belief  in  one 
part  of  the  country,  that  the  people  of  the  other  part  are  hostile 
to  their  interests.  &  meditate  an  attack  on  the  security  of  their 
property.  These  seeds  of  separation,  it  appears  to  me,  are  now 
industriously  sown;  their  growth  ought  to  be  prevented. 

It  is  but  justice  to  say  that  in  my  opinion  your  various  short 
tracts  on  the  subject  of  the  Constitution,  &  the  attempts  at  Nulli 
fication  ;  have  done  much  good ;  &  would  have  done  more,  had  they 
been  more  widely  circulated.  Plain  spoken  views  of  these  sub 
jects  often  are  more  effectual,  than  elaborate  essays.  I  hope 
that  you  will  suffer  nothing  to  discourage  you  from  doing  the 
good  that  may  be  in  your  power,  &  that  others  may  not  be  be 
hind  you  in  the  disposition  to  disseminate  truth,  &  thereby  up- 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  183 

hold  the  government  of  the  Country,  in  the  affections  of  the 
Pe°Ple—  With  regard,  Yours 

[D.  WEBSTEB.1  ] 

(Objects.2) 

[About  June  1, 1833(?)] 

First,  &  principal,  To  maintain  the  Union  of  the  States,  & 
uphold  the  Constitution,  against  the  attempts  of  its  enemies, 
whether  attacking  it,  directly,  by  Nullification,  or  seeking  to 
break  it  up  by  secession. 

2.  To  support  the  Administration,  fairly,  in  all  its  just  & 
proper  measures;  &  especially  to  stand  by  the  President  in  his 
patriotic  constitutional  principles;  &  to  cherish  a  sympathy  of" 
feeling,  &  encourage  cooperation,  in  action,  with  the  friends  of 
Union  &  Liberty,  in  the  South. — 

3  To  maintain  the  cause  of  American  Capital,  American  In 
dustry,  &  more  than  all  American  Labor,  against  foreign  &  de 
structive  competition,  by  a  reasonable,  moderate,  but  settled  & 
permanent  system  of  protective  duties — 

4.  To  preserve  the  general  currency  of  the  Country,  in  a  safe 
state,  well  guarded  agt.  those  who  would  speculate  on  the  rise  & 
fall  of  circulating  paper;  &  to  this  end  to  advocate  the  renewal 
of  the. Bank  of  U.  S.  as  the  best  means  of  promoting  this  end,  and 
as  especially  useful,  in  this  part  of  the  Country,  as  a  check 
against  the  combination  of  other  monied  influences. 

5  To  resist  &  oppose  the  oppression  &  tyrannical  combination 
of  the  Regency,3  &  to  endeavor  to  rescue  the  people  from  its 
yoke,  &  to  obtain  for  us  all,  as  citizens  of  New  York,  a  right  of 
thinking  &  acting  for  ourselves,  as  Independent  freemen,  &c.  &c. ; 
and  to  expose  the  political  conduct  of  those  who,  to  favor  their 
own  ambitious  designs,  are  doubtful  &  hesitating,  in  the  cause  of 
the  Constitution,  &  are  ready  to  sacrifice  all  its  vital  powers  & 
objects  to  its  enemies. 

6  I  oppose,  vigorously  &  unceasingly,  all  unlawful  combina 
tions,  all  secret  oaths,  all  associations  of  men,  meeting  in  dark 
ness,  &  striving  to  obtain  for  themselves,  by  combination  &  con 
cert,  advantages  not  enjoyed  by  other  citizens  of  the  Republic.4 

1  This  is  Daniel  Webster's  draft  of  the  letter  sent. 

*  This  heading  is  the  one  given  by  Webster  to  this  memorandum.     The  date 
is  a  conjecture  of  the  editor. 
3  The  New  York  " machine."  4  This  is  drawn  up  by  Daniel  Webster. 


184  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(From  Rufus  Choate.) 

SALEM  12  Aug.  1833. 
Dear  Sir 

I  have  hesitated  whether  I  should  write  to  you  upon  a  subject 
in  which  you  can  take  very  little  interest,  but  in  which  I  take,  on 
my  own  account,  a  great  deal.  It  has  been  intimated  that  some 
one  has  represented  to  you,  that  I  expressed  myself  in  terms  of 
disrespect  &  unfriendliness  of  yourself  at  the  dinner  of  a  few  of 
the  party  on  the  4th  of  July.  It  would  give  me  inexpressible 
pain  to  suppose  that  you  could  believe  this,  lightly  as  you  might 
regard  it;  and  I  cannot  suffer  the  day  to  pass  without  assuring 
you  that  the  representation  is  wholly  false,  and — so  far  as  I  had 
the  honor  to  allude  to  your  name,  it  is  the  very  reverse  of  the 
truth. 

I  was  invited  to  the  dinner  by  those  who  got  it  up,  and  their 
object  was  to  bring  together  some  of  the  younger  &  more  effective 
of  the  party  to  keep  ourselves  in  heart  &  under  arms.  The  late 
visit  of  the  Cabinet,  it  was  thought  was  an  electioneering  opera 
tion  of  the  Vice  President,  to  make  an  impression,  &  it  was  sup 
posed  to  be  well  enough  to  counteract  the  impression — so  far  as 
he  was  concerned.  I  doubt  whether  there  was  any  particular  un 
friendliness  to  the  President;  but  it  was  certainly,  &  unequivo 
cally  an  anti-  Van  Buren  Dinner.  The  specific  &  immediate  ob 
ject  was  to  keep  our  own  ranks;  &  to  see  that  none  of  our  num 
bers  were  carried  away  by  the  recent  flow  of  good  feeling — 
Our  Jackson  men  here  are  Van  Buren  men. 

In  all  I  said,  addressed  by  the  way  to  one  hundred  of  as  sincere 
admirers  &  zealous  &  decided  political  friends  of  yourself  as  there 
are  in  the  United  States,  my  sole  purpose  was  to  keep  up  the 
spirits,  &  organization  of  the  party —  I  went  on  the  ground 
throughout,  that  the  object  of  the  party  in  power  was  to  secure 
the  succession  to  V.  B. — and  that  our  business  was  to  hang  to 
gether  &  prevent  it —  Every  thing  was  pointed  at  him — not 
even  at  the  President  at  all — &  pointed  at  him  as  the  leading 
administration  Candidate  for  the  Presidency — aspiring  to  come 
in  as  the  regular  successor — the  declared  choice  &  natural  head 
of  the  existing  organization —  I  feel  the  absurdity  and  imper 
tinence  of  reporting  to  you  a  dinner  speech — but  it  is  perhaps 
due  to  myself  to  say,  that  I  asked  in  so  many  words,  whether — 
just  because  Mr.  V.  B.  was  among  us — shaking  hands  with  our 
wives  &c.  &c. — we  should  forget  our  old,  tried  trusty  absent 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  185 

friends — naming  yourself  &  Mr.  Clay — &  following  up  those 
names  with  the  highest  possible  expression  of  fervent  love  &  re 
spect —  Whoever  has  troubled  himself  to  give  you  an  account 
of  this  matter  will  remember  this  if  he  was  present. 

It  is  hardly  delicate,  for  an  obvious  reason,  to  say  so,  but  it  is 
also  perfectly  true,  that  in  speaking  of  Mr.  Clay,  I  alluded  to 
him  as  a  retired  statesman,  and  toasted  him  as  the  setting  sun — 
in  Garricks'  common  lines.  I  made  no  allusion  whatever,  to  his 
coming  forward  again,  &  the  impression  made  upon  every  hearer 
would  be  decidedly,  that  I  considered  him  to  have  withdrawn  from 
active  statesmanship,  &  an  unsuccessful  competition — &  wished 
to  do  him  justice  as  a  character  of  history — 

It  is  hardly  possible  for  me  to  express  the  reluctance  I  have 
felt  to  trouble  you  with  this  letter.  I  will  bring  it  to  a  close  by 
hazarding  one  assertion,  that  there  is  not  a  man  in  this  nation 
young  or  old,  who  rejoices  more  than  I  do,  to  see  this  great 
breaking  out  of  your  fame, — &  that  there  is  not  an  audience  to 
whom  it  would  be  so  unsafe  to  say  anything  cold  or  disrespectful 
of  yourself,  as  an  audience  of  National  Republicans  of  Essex1 — 
I  am  Sir  With  great  regard  &  affection.  Your  obedient  servant 

RUFUS  CHOATE. 

(From  H.  A.  Dearborn.) 

BRINLEY  PLACE,  ROXBURY, 

August  12,  1833. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

1  enclose  you  a  draft2  of  the  letter  I  have  sent  to  several  gentle 
men,  &  in  the  course  of  two  days  shall  have  forwarded  one  to  each 
of  the  following  persons. 

Maine.  Peleg  Sprague  &  Mr.  Brant,  the  editor  in  Portland. 
N.  Hamp.  S.  Bell  Mas.  John  Davis  &  Bates  Rhd  Isld.  I.  Been 
Jr  &c  Conn.  W.  W.  Elsworth  Vermont  H.  Seymour  N.  Jer 
sey  T.  Frelinghuysen  Delaware  John  M.  Clayton  Maryland. 
Ezek.  Chambers  Ohio.  Thomas  Ewing  Louisiana  G.  A.  Wag- 
gaman  &  H.  A.  Bullard.  N  York.  Gov'r  Pitcher  &  John  A. 
Collier  Penna.  Harmar  Denny  &  Col.  Watmough.  Virginia 
Carl  Mercer  North  Carolina  Lewis  Williams  of  the  House.  Ten 
nessee.  T.  D.  Arnold,  of  the  House. 

'  This  letter  is  owned  by  C.  P.  Greenough.     "Greenough  Coll.,"  ii,  32. 

2  See  the  following  letter. 


186  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

If  you  will  suggest  any  other  names  to  whom  I  can  write  with 
effect,  I  will  cheerfully  attend  to  it.  I  shall  send  off  all  the  letters 
in  three  days.  I  enclosed  a  Courier  in  each  letter. 

With  the  highest  respect  I  offer  the  most  friendly  salutations 

H.  A.  DEARBORN. 

(From  H.  A.  Dearborn.) 

BRINLEY  PLACE,  ROXBURY,  August  12,  1833. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

From  the  demonstrations  in  Virginia  &  elsewhere  it  is  apparent 
the  Presidential  Canvass  has  been  opened,  &  whether  premature  or 
not,  it  now  becomes  the  duty  of  every  friend,  to  the  Constitution 
&  Union,  to  fix  on  some  candidate,  who  will  concentrate  the  votes 
of  all  those,  of  whatever  previous  party,  who  are  solicitous  to 
perpetuate  the  republic,  in  all  its  vigor  &  glorious  consequences, 
upon  the  prosperity  of  the  Whole  People. 

I  enclose  a  Boston  Courier,  which  contains  an  article  expressive 
of  the  views  of  the  national  republicans  &  others  in  this  quarter. 

From  indications  from  Ohio,  Pennsylvania,  New  York,  the 
Union  party  of  the  Eastern  States,  &  other  parts  of  the  country, 
it  is  evident  that  Mr.  Webster  is  looked  to  as  the  candidate  who 
will  rally  the  most  powerful  party  under  the  battle  cry  of  "The 
Constitution  cy  the  Union." 

What  is  public  opinion  with  you  on  this  momentous  subject. 
Pray  write  me  freely,  &  let  there  be  an  understanding  estab 
lished,  by  correspondence  throughout  the  country  as  to  the  course 
we  shall  pursue. 

We  are  at  the  most  perilous  &  momentous  epoch  in  the  history 
of  the  nation  &  it  requires  the  zealous  &  firm  cooperation,  of  all 
really  honest  &  patriotic  men,  to  preserve  &  perpetuate  the  gov 
ernment,  in  all  its  purity,  efficiency  &  glory. 

I  write  you  with  frankness  &  wish  you  to  assume  the  same 
manner  with  me. 

With  sincere  esteem  &  great  respect  Your  most  obt.  St. 

H.  A.  DEARBORN 

(To  Jeremiah  Smith.) 

My  Dear  Sir  BosTON  SeP"  3'  '33 

The  bearer  of  this  is  Matthew  St  Clair  Clarke,  Clerk  of  Uncle 
Sam's  H.  of  Representatives.  He  is  a  very  good  sort  of  a  fellow 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  187 

— came  from  Chambersburg,  &  tells  Dutch  &  Pennsylvania 
Stories.  With  all,  he  is  a  reading  man,  with  some  touch  of 
authorship  in  him,  At  present  he  is,  wandering  about,  looking 
up  old  &  dust-covered  State  records,  documents,  &  all  that  sort 
of  thing.  He  goes  to  Portsmouth — then  to  Epping,  to  see  Govr. 
Plumer — &  I  have  advised  him  to  top  off  with  a  short  stop  at 
Exeter. 

You  will  find  him  intellectual  &  agreeable  &  to  say  sooth,  I  was 
willing  he  should  not  leave  our  native  state,  without  seeing  the 
best  things  in  it  "Our  native  State !"     What  a  forlorn  &  Pros 
trate  State  it  is !     Quantum  mutate  ab  ilia !  eheu ! 
Yours,  ever,  with  sincerest  regard 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  Nathan  Appleton.) 

WASHINGTON  Jany  17.  1834. 
Dr  Sir. 

You  will  see  that  the  comptroller  has  been  ordered  to  track 
back,  on  the  subject  of  the  cotton  duty.  I  hope  the  temporary 
duration  of  the  evil  wrought  no  great  injury.  We  are  looking 
for  the  proceedings  of  the  Boston  meeting.  The  correspondent 
of  the  Atlas  is  a  Mr.  Orr  (a  N.  H.  man  son  of  a  worthy  father 
Col.  Jas.  Orr,  of  Bedford,  Hills.  Co.)  a  reporter  for  the  Tele 
graph.  It  rather  looks  to  me  as  if  there  were  certain  operations 
going  on,  not  without  system  to  obtain  praises  for~certain  of  our 
old  friends,  from  Nullifying  sources,  &  a  contra.  I  think  there 
is  little  chance  of  getting  a  maj.  in  house  of  Rep's,  to  restore 
deposites  at  present.  If  such  a  majority  should  ultimately  be 
found,  tho'  the  President  should  veto  the  Resolution  for  restora 
tion,  yet,  I  think,  he  must  be  brought  to  some  reasonable  terms. 
I  think  of  saying  a  few  words,  on  Monday,  not  as  discussing  any 
thing,  but  simply  expressing  my  opinion,  on  two  or  three 
things —  I  do  this,  to  repel  certain  foolish  inferences  drawn  from 
my  silence.1 

Yrs  truly 

D.  WEBSTER. 

1  Webster  regarded  the  situation  at  this  time  as  desperate.  He  wrote 
Milliard  Phillips,  Jan  25,  1834:  "  We  are  at  our  wits'  end  here,  and  cannot  see 
thro'." 


188  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  Edward  Everett.) 

21"  Jany:  1834 
We  have  adhered — 34  to  13 —      take  care  of  the  Bill.1— 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Nathan  Appleton.) 

FEBY  2.  1834. 
Dr.  Sir 

I  send  you  the  documents  which  you  have  requested.  I  wish 
I  had  any  thing  cheering  to  say ;  but  Mr.  Wrights  budget  has 
little  hope.  From  all  quarters  of  the  country,  however,  the  com 
plaint  appears  to  grow  louder  &  louder.  It  strikes  me  at  pres 
ent,  that  the  thing  most  likely  to  be  done,  in  season  to  stop  the 
mischief,  is  to  continue  the  present  Bank  3  or  5  yrs,  leaving 
Congress  at  liberty  to  make  another  after  1836.  We  look  anx 
iously  for  the  effect  which  the  recent  debate  in  the  Senate  (Mr. 
Wright  Jr)  may  produce  at  the  north. 

Yrs.     D.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

WASHINGTON  March  21,  1834 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  reed,  two  days  ago  yr  letter  saying  that  our  cause  was  fixed 
for  27th  inst.  On  the  18th.  I  moved  for  leave  to  bring  in  a  Bill, 
respecting  the  Bank ;  a  motion,  which,  in  common  times  does  not 
bring  on  much  debate.  But  in  the  present  state  of  things,  debate 
arises  on  every  question,  Mr.  Benton  is  now  speaking,  on  the 
question  of  leave;  Mr.  Wright,  Mr.  Leigh  &  Mr  Calhoun  hav 
ing  spoken  at  large.  So  soon  as  I  can  get  a  vote,  I  shall  set  out 
for  home ;  but  it  is  impossible,  I  fear,  to  be  in  Boston  the  27th. 

I  will  write  you  again  tomorrow,  My  utmost  hope  now  is  to 
get  off  on  Monday. 

Yrs.  truly 

D  WEBSTER 

1  See  Benton's  "  Abridgment  of  the  Debates  of  Congress,"  vol.  xii,  p.  2.32. 
The  appropriation  bill.  Everett  was  in  the  House  of  Representatives  at  this 
time. 


THE   NATIONAL    STATESMAN  189 

(To  Edward  Everett.) 

FEIDAY  EVE  :  May  9"  1834. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  have  been  on  the  point  of  writing  you  this  week,  but  we  have 
had  a  report,  every  day,  that  we  might  expect  to  see  you  here. 
Today,  I  hear  the  same  report ;  but  write  you  to  let  you  know,  in 
case  my  letter  finds  you  in  Philadelphia,  that  we  are  all  alive  yet. 

I  learn  your  Committee  act  as  a  secret  Committee.  Have  they 
a  right  to  do  that?  The  general  rule  is,  that  every  Committee 
is  an  open  Committee  unless  it  be  originally  constituted  as  a  secret 
Committee.  I  doubt  much  whether  a  Committee  can,  by  its  own 
authority,  impose  secrecy  on  its  members. 

I  wish  you  would  write  me  to  say  (unless  it  be  a  secret)  how 
long  you  expect  to  be  in  Philadelphia. —  I  will  write  you,  on 
some  things,  if  you  are  likely  to  remain  some  days. 

In  the  month  which  has  elapsed  since  I  saw  you,  things  have, 
as  I  think,  in  a  considerable  degree  manifested  their  probable 
tendencies. 

I  hope  you  sometimes  see  Mr  E  Chauncey. 

Yours  truly 

D.  WEBSTER 

(To  James  W.  Paige.) 

WASHINGTON  Deer.  11.  1834 
Dear  William 

I  found  a  letter  here  from  you,  &  wrote  the  next  day  to  Mr  W. 
desiring  him  to  shew  you  my  letter.  I  was  yesterday  given  to 
learn,  by  a  letter  Mr  Kinsman  rec'd.  from  Mr  White,  that  Mr  W. 
is  not  coming  here.  I  had  fully  expected  to  see  him  on  the 
15th. — &  I  fear  my  wife  will  be  still  more  disappointed,  as  I 
believe  she  relied  on  him,  as  her  beau  from  N.  York. — 

— We  are  as  yet  doing  little  here,  except  talking  about  the 
French  business.1  I  think  there  is  no  great  disposition  to  go  to 
War  in  haste,  although  every  [one]  sees  that  France  has  acted 
rather  cavalierly —  She  is  clearly  in  the  wrong. 

I  am  very  anxious  to  hear  from  you,  &  to  know  how  you  all 
are.  If  your  own  leisure  does  not  permit  you  to  write,  ask  Har- 

1  Because  of  the  failure  of  France  to  pay  the  spoliation  indemnity.  See 
Schouler's  "History  of  United  States,"  vol.  iv,  p.  184. 


190  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

riet  to  write  a  good  long  letter,  &  tell  me  all  about  everybody, 
&  everything.—  I  shall  look  for  Mrs  Webster  to  be  here  the 
first  of  next  week,  if  she  can  get  a  beau — 

Yrs  truly  always, 

DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  Nicholas  Biddle.1 ) 

DECR.  19.  [1834] 
Dr  Sir, 

I  have  yr  favor  of  the  15. — Tomorrow,  I  intend  to  send  you  a 
remittance  of  1500,  or  thereabouts.  If  it  do  not  go  tomorrow, 
(as  I  trust  it  will,)  it  cannot  go  for  two  or  three  days;  but  it 
will  go. — 

Mr  Fletcher  has  a  blank,  by  which  he  can  renew  Mr  A's  note, 
The  note,  you  know,  is  secured  by  stock. — 

The  Bank  Report  has  made  Mr  Benton,  &  the  Globe,  &  all  the 
K.  C.  full  of  wrath.  They  say  Mr  Webster  wrote  it — now  Mr 
W.  did  not  write  a  page  of  it. — Mr  W.  you  know,  had  sense 
enough  to  leave  the  whole  investigation  to  Mr  E.  &  Mr  M.2 — 
Every  thing  relative  to  your  affair  stands  well.  Nothing  is  said 
of  loans  to  Directors,  &  all  that  is  said  abt.  loans  to  members  of 
Congress  is  true  &  just — &  as  it  should  be. — The  Report  acquits 
the  public  men  of  the  country,  of  all  sides,  from  any  such  influ 
ence  over  their  conduct  as  the  Bank  could  exert. 

We  have  nothing  new  here,  abt.  French  affairs.  Our  latest  in 
telligence,  is  in  the  N.  Y.  papers. 

I  am  always  truly  Yrs 

D.  WEBSTER 

The  Senate  does  not  sit  today,  (friday)  &  the  House  is  on 
private  bills. 

(To  A.  G.  Stevens.3) 

WASHINGTON,  Jan.  1,  1835. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  have  written  to  Mr.  Kelley  to-day  endorsing  notes,  &c,  and 
desiring  him  to  close  the  bargain  with  Mr.  Shaw  for  the  pasture. 

1  Mr.  Chas.  Roberts,  of  Philadelphia,  kindly  loaned  this  letter. 

2  Ewing  and  Mangum. 

3  This  letter  is  in  the  possession  of  Arthur  Stevens,  of  Concord,  N.  H.,  who 
kindly  furnished  a  copy. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  191 

I  rely  entirely  on  your  judgment  &  his  in  the  matter,  &  hope  it 
will  be  brought  to  a  conclusion  soon. —  We  shall  now  be  likely 
to  have  pasture  enough ;  perhaps  more  pasture  than  hay. — 

The  cattle  which  were  bought  last  fall  did  pretty  well.  The 
best  bargain  was  that  for  the  steers,  of  Mr.  Babcock.  The  oxen 
which  were  had  of  Mr.  Noyes  of  Boscawen,  turn  out  well.  Most 
of  the  cattle  were  sold.  The  4  year  old  &  two  year  old  steers  we 
kept. — 

I  wish  you  to  keep  some  of  your  young  stock,  (if  not  the 
whole)  rather  better  than  is  usual  in  the  country.  I  would  like 
to  have  at  least  one  pair  of  steers  raised  every  year,  which  might 
grow  to  some  size —  The  heifer  calves  of  the  Durham  breed, 
should  also  be  well  kept.  If  you  should  have  a  full  blooded  one, 
this  year,  let  it  run  with  the  cow. 

In  general,  I  believe  it  is  better  to  keep  but  little  stock  &  keep 
it  well. — 

I  wrote  sometime  ago  to  Mr.  Kelley,  respecting  the  repairs  of 
the  house.  If  that  business  is  undertaken,  as  I  hope  it  will  be, 
you  must  see  that  everything  is  so  arranged  that  the  house  will 
be  done  &  in  readiness  for  me  and  my  wife  by  the  first  of  June — 

I  should  be  glad  you  would  write  me  on  these  matters. — 

You  will  wish  to  know  what  is  the  prospect  of  a  quarrel  with 
France. —  It  is  somewhat  uncertain  &  must  remain  so  until  we 
hear  from  France.  Congress  will  not  take  any  hostile  step  at 
present. —  The  danger  is,  that  France  may  be  either  angry,  or 
alarmed,  when  she  sees  the  President's  Message,  &  may  take  some 
measure,  which  will  make  matters  worse.  On  the  other  hand,  we 
have  some  hopes  that  France  will  have  agreed  to  pay  the  money, 
due  by  treaty,  before  the  Message  reaches  Paris — 

Mrs.  Webster  &  Julia  desire  remembrance  to  your  wife  & 
daughter. 

Yours, 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 

(From  H.  W.  Kinsman.1) 

Jany.  18  /35 
Dear  Sir 

I  will  give  you  a  little  chapter  of  the  secret  history  of  matters 
here —  There  are,  as  you  are  probably  aware,  among  the  whigs 

1  A  member  of  the  Massachusetts  Legislature  from  Newburyport. 


192  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

three  parties,  viz —  Those  Who  are  more  friendly  to  Mr.  Clay 
as  a  candidate  than  to  yourself ;  Those  who  prefer  you ;  &  wish 
to  make  a  nomination  forthwith  and,  those,  who,  although  you 
would  be  their  first  preference,  yet  wish  to  wait  to  take  up  the 
strongest  whig  candidate  who  may  appear  in  the  field —  These 
are  all  honest,  sincere  whigs.  There  is,  however,  besides,  a  set  of 
waiters  upon  Providence  who  at  present  hail  from  the  whig  party, 
but  who  are  ready  to  attach  themselves  to  any  party  in  which 
they  can  become  conspicuous ;  these  last  are  generally  opposed  to 
you  at  heart,  although  they  do  not  deem  it  prudent  to  say  so 
openly,  &  they  have  occasioned  us  considerable  embarrassment  by 
their  management  &  secret  whisperings  with  the  first  &  last  men 
tioned  portions  of  the  Whig  party.  All  the  delay  in  our  pro 
ceedings  has  arisen  from  this  source.  At  the  preliminary  meet 
ing  on  Friday  evening,  which  I  mentioned  in  my  last,  your  im 
mediate  nomination  was  advocated  by  T.  Parsons,  F.  Dexter  & 
M.  N.  Hale  and  also  by  Mr.  Gray  &  Mr.  Baylies —  It  was  op 
posed  by  A.  H.  Everett,  who  said  that  your  prospect  was  hope 
less;  that  we,  by  nominating  you  should  take  a  course  fatal  to 
the  influence  of  the  State,  &  perhaps  ruinous  to  the  cause ;  that 
unquestionably  some  more  popular  candidate  would  be  taken  up 
by  the  Whigs,  &  we  should  then,  being  pledged  to  support  you 
&  not  being  able  to  recede,  be  placed  in  a  very  embarrassing 
position ;  he  affected  to  doubt,  notwithstanding  his  brother's  let 
ters  were  read,  whether  Mr.  Clay  had  yet  declined  &  c.  &c.  Chap 
man  of  Greenfield,  also  opposed  an  immediate  nomination,  he  is, 
I  think,  a  good  whig,  but  his  bump  of  self-esteem  is  very  strongly 
developed,  as  the  Phrenologists — would  say, —  his  ground  was 
that  Mr.  Clay  could  not  have  declined —  he  said  he  had  recently 
been  at  Washington,  had  frequently  seen  Mr.  Clay,  &  conversed 
with  him,  &  that  that  gentleman  had  not  mentioned  to  him  (Mr. 
Chapman  )  that  he  intended  to  decline  being  a  candidate,  he  there 
fore  could  not  believe  it  &c  &c — 

Roberts  of  Salem,  was  also  inclined  to  the  opposition,  he  is 
also  a  good  whig,  but  a  very  soft  one,  his  whig  principles  are  not 
yet  burnt  into  him,  &  hardly  any  other  principles,  &  he  has 
withal  such  a  desire  to  appear  honest,  fair  &  courteous,  that  he  is 
almost  willing  to  yield  the  very  question  in  dispute  to  his  ad 
versary,  for  the  sake  of  being  called  generous  &  candid,  From 
this  discription  you  will  perceive,  that  it  was  better  for  us  that 
he  should  begin  on  the  other  side,  as  he  did,  &  come  over  to  us 
in  a  candid,  fair,  courteous  &  gentlemanly  manner,  as  he  also 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  193 

did —  It  was  with  a  view  to  make  these  men  operate  in  our 
favour  by  putting  them  into  a  conspicuous  situation,  that  they 
were  all,  with  Mr.  Shaw  who  professes  to  be  favourable,  put  on 
the  Committee  so  that  they  cannot  bolt,  or  get  out  of  the  traces, 
without  being  noticed,  although  I  am  apprehensive  that  their 
policy  was  carried  too  far — The  committee  ought  to  have  been 
so  numerous,  as  to  have  given  us  a  majority  of  assured  friends — 
We  hope,  however,  by  keeping  a  vigilant  eye  upon  their  proceed 
ings,  that  we  shall  be  able  to  finish  the  business  this  week,  and  if 
there  is  any  flinching,  any  hesitation  on  the  part  of  the  Commit 
tee,  in  calling  the  proposed  meeting,  it  will  be  called  nevertheless 
by  others — 

In  this  state  of  things  we  were  much  troubled  by  the  prema 
ture  assignment  of  the  time  for  the  election  of  a  senator,  a  move 
ment  which  has  every  appearance  of  having  been  concealed — 

Our  present  plan  is,  to  have  a  meeting  Tuesday  or  Wednes 
day  evening,  of  which  the  President  of  the  Senate  is  to  be  made 
Prest.  &  the  Speaker,  Vice  Prest.,  &  if  everything  goes  on  accord 
ing  to  present  expectation  you  will  hear  by  the  last  of  this  week 
the  result — 

Yrs. 

H.  W.  KINSMAN 

(To  Jeremiah  Mason.1) 

WASHINGTON,  February  1,  1835. 
My  Dear  Sir, — 

I  received  your  letter  yesterday,  and  the  mail  of  today  brings 
intelligence  verifying  your  prediction  that  Mr.  Davis  would  be 
elected  Senator.  So  far  as  regards  the  filling  VD  the  vacant  seat 
in  the  Senate,  nothing  could  be  better.  I  hopi  all  the  evil  will 
not  happen,  which  is  expected  or  feared,  arising  from  the  diffi 
culty  of  finding  him  a  successor  in  the  administration  of  the 
executive  government  of  the  State.  I  do  not  think  Mr.  Adams 
will  ever  again  consent  to  be  a  candidate ;  certainly  not  against 
Mr.  Everett;  and  Mr.  Everett  and  Mr.  Bates  are  not  men  to 
suffer  the  harmony  of  the  State  to  be  disturbed  by  a  controversy 
among  their  personal  friends.  I  am  still  most  anxious  that  all 
fair  means  should  be  used  to  settle  this  masonic  and  anti-masonic 
quarrel  in  Massachusetts.  You  have  little  idea  how  much  it  re- 

1  Reprinted  from  Jeremiah  Mason's  "Memoirs." 


194  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

tards  operations  elsewhere.  The  reported  debate  in  the  Whig 
Caucus,  on  the  subject  of  the  Bristol  Senators,  is  industriously 
sent  to  every  anti-masonic  quarter  of  the  Union,  and  has  excited 
much  unkind  feeling,  and  thereby  done  mischief.  We  are  en 
deavoring  here  to  make  the  best  of  Borden.1  Our  anti-masonic 
friends  in  Congress  will  write  to  him,  advising  him  not  to  com 
mit  himself  to  any  course  of  public  conduct,  till  he  shall  come 
here  and  see  the  whole  ground.  The  nomination  appears  to 
have  been  done  as  well  as  it  could  be.  I  mean,  of  course,  in  the 
manner  of  it.  No  fault  is  found  with  it  by  our  friends,  so  far 
as  I  know.  Measures  are  in  train  to  produce  a  correspondent 
feeling  and  action,  in  New  York,  Vermont,  and  some  other  States. 
The  Legislature  of  Maryland  is  now  in  session,  and  I  have  seen 
a  letter  today,  which  says,  that  if  Mr.  Clay  were  fairly  out  of 
the  way,  that  Legislature  would  immediately  second  the  Massa 
chusetts  nomination.  Mr.  Clay  does  nothing,  and  will  do  noth 
ing,  at  present.  He  thinks — or  perhaps  it  is  his  friends  who 
think — that  something  may  yet  occur,  perhaps  a  war,  which 
may,  in  some  way,  cause  a  general  rally  around  him.  Besides 
sundry  of  the  members  of  Congress  from  Kentucky,  in  addition 
to  their  own  merits,  rely  not  a  little  on  Mr.  Clay's  popularity,  to 
insure  their  reelection  next  August.  They  have  been,  therefore, 
altogether  opposed  to  bringing  forward  any  other  man  at  pres 
ent.  Public  opinion  will,  in  the  end,  bring  out  these  things 
straight.  If  Massachusetts  stands  steady,  and  our  friends  act 
with  prudence,  the  union  of  the  whole  Whig  and  anti-masonic 
strength  is  certain.  Everything  indicates  that  result.  Judge 
McLean  already  talks  of  retiring.  His  nomination  seems  coldly 
received  everywhere.  Unless  Indiana  should  come  out  for  him, 
I  see  no  probability  of  any  other  movement  in  his  favor.  Mr. 
White's  nomination  is  likely  to  be  persisted  in.  Neither  you  nor 
I  have  ever  believed  it  would  be  easy  to  get  Southern  votes  for 
any  Northern  man;  and  I  think  the  prospect  now  is,  that  Mr. 
Van  Buren  will  lose  the  whole  South.  This  schism  is  calculated 
to  give  much  additional  strength  to  our  party.  If  Mr.  W. 
appear  likely  to  take  the  South,  it  will  be  seen  that  Mr.  Van 
Buren  cannot  be  chosen  by  the  people;  and  as  it  will  be  under 
stood  that  Mr.  White's  supporters  are  quite  as  likely  to  come  to 
us,  in  the  end,  as  to  go  to  Van  Buren,  his  course  will  lose  the 
powerful  support  which  it  derives,  or  has  derived  from  an  assured 

1  Nathaniel   B.    Borden,    Representative   in  Congress   from   the  Fall  River 
District,  Mass. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  195 

hope  of  success.  The  effect  of  these  apprehensions  is  already 
visible.  The  recent  attempt  to  shoot  the  President  is  much  to  be 
lamented.  Thousands  will  believe  there  was  a  plot  in  it;  and 
many  more  thousands  will  see  in  it  new  proof,  that  he  is  espe 
cially  favored  and  protected  by  Heaven.  He  keeps  close  as  to 
the  question  between  White  and  Van  Buren.  I  have  omitted  to 
do  what  I  intended,  that  is,  to  say  a  few  words  upon  that  part 
of  your  letter  which  relates  to  myself,  more  directly.  In  a  day  or 
two  I  will  make  another  attempt  to  accomplish  that  purpose. 
Mr.  Taney's  case  is  not  yet  decided.  A  movement  is  contem 
plated  to  annex  Delaware  and  Maryland  to  Judge  Baldwin's  cir 
cuit,  and  make  a  circuit  in  the  West  for  the  judge  now  to  be  ap 
pointed.  If  we  could  get  rid  of  Mr.  Taney,  on  this  ground, 
well  and  good;  if  not,  it  will  be  a  close  vote.  We  shall  have  a 
warm  debate  on  the  Post  Office  Report,  the  Alabama  resolutions, 
and  other  matters ;  but  I  think  my  course  is  to  take  no  prominent 
part  in  any  of  them.  I  may  [say]  something  against  expunging 
the  Journal. 

Yours  truly, 

D.  WEBSTEE. 

(To  Edward  Everett.) 

PRIVATE  March  2d,  1835. 

Dear  Sir, 

There  is  great  complaint  here,  of  the  neglect  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  of  all  important  business.  I  give  this  hint,  so 
that  friends  should  not  concur  in  any  course,  which  shall  occupy 
what  remains  of  the  time  of  the  House,  farther  than  is  absolutely 
necessary  on  the  French  subject.1 

Yours 
^^^  D.  W. 

(To  Edward  Everett.) 

May  31"  1835. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  must  not  omit  to  express  my  thanks  for  the  Resolutions ;  and 
more  especially,  to  signify  my  entire  and  hearty  concurrence  in 
their  tone  and  spirit,  without  reference  to  the  particular  nomina- 

1  Mr.  Everett  was  in  the  House  of  Representatives. 


196  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

tion.  The  Citizens  of  Boston,  I  think,  have  placed  their  feet  on 
solid  grounds  of  principle  and  patriotism,  and  whatever  may 
betide  the  Country,  they  will  have  no  dereliction,  or  backsliding, 
wherewith  to  reproach  themselves. 

I  am  bound  off  for  Washington,  on  Tuesday  morning.  There 
being  two  or  three  things  to  speak  about,  I  intend  calling  at 
your  house  this  evening,  between  six  and  seven  o'clock,  for  a  few 
minutes.  I  desire  this  the  more  especially,  as  I  may  now  hope  to 
see  Mrs.  E.  But  there  are  several  friends  in  town,  and  as  they 
may  call  in,  in  the  P.  M.  it  is  quite  uncertain  whether  I  may  be 
able  to  leave  home ;  so  that  if  you  have  any  engagement  out,  pray 
do  not  keep  yourself  in,  in  expectation  of  my  call. — 

Yours  truly 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(From  Wm.  W.  Stone  et  al.) 

Hon  Daniel  Webster  BOSTON  August  14th  1835 

Dear  Sir 

At  a  preliminary  meeting  of  a  number  of  Gentlemen  opposed 
to  the  late  proceedings  of  the  advocates  for  the  immediate  abo 
lition  of  slavery  at  the  South,  of  which  meeting  the  Hon  Harri 
son  G.  Otis  was  chairman,  it  was  voted,  that  a  public  meeting 
of  those  citizens  of  Boston  who  do  not  approve  of  those  should 
be  called  at  Fanueil  Hall  on  Friday  afternoon  the  21st  instant  at 
4  O'Clock, —  We,  were  appointed  to  make  arrangements  for 
that  meeting,  and  knowing  the  desire  of  the  community  to  hear 
you  on  the  very  important  occasion  we  respectfully  invite  you  to 
be  present,  and  address  the  Citizens. — 
We  have  the  honor  to  be  with  great  respect 

Your  Obt  Servants 

WM.  W.  STONE, 
DAN.  D.  BROADHEAD, 
WM.  GRAY. 

Committee 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Deer.  23  [1835] 
My  Dear  Wife, 

I  have  today  reed  yrs  of  Saturday,  &  while  I  write  this  I 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  197 

presume  you  are  returning  from  Plymo.  I  hope  you  had  a  good 
time,  as  the  weather  was  fine.  In  your  letter  you  speak  of  your 
going  as  being  a  little  uncertain —  but  I  trust  you  went,  &  was 
sorry  to  see  you  undecided  about  it.  You  were  doubtless  ex 
pected,  &  found  yourself,  I  dare  say,  well  treated. 

The  fire  in  N.  York  has  excited  a  great  deal  of  attention  here 
yet  I  do  not  believe  its  effects  are  half  as  serious  as  at  first  sup 
posed.  In  a  month,  it  will  cease  to  be  talked  about.  I  do  not 
hear  that  any  of  our  family  friends  have  suffered  much. 

We  have  nothing  of  interest  going  on  here.  Everybody  is 
looking  for  Mr  Barton's1  arrival  to  bring  us  news  of  our  French 
affair.  I  grow  more  &  more  fearful  of  trouble  in  that  quarter. 
Mr.  Clay  has  lost  his  only  remaining  daughter.  He  is  much 
affected  by  the  intelligence,  &  has  not  been  in  the  Senate  since  it 
was  reed. — 

The  President  has  a  party  tomorrow  Eve' — viz  card  en 
closed. — Mrs  Carroll  seems  to  think  you  ought  to  be  at  Wash 
ington.  Several  persons  inquired  yesterday  for  Julia,  having 
seen  "Miss  Webster's"  card,  about  in  various  places.  I  sup 
pose  it  is  Mrs  Lindslys  sister. 

I  am  pretty  well  arranged,  now,  in  my  lodgings,  &  get  on 
well —  Dr.  Sewall  calls  often,  &  always  inquires  for  Mrs.  Web 
ster.  I  have  not  been  out — have  invited  no  company — &  occupy 
myself  with  common  Congress  matters,  &  with  some  preparation 

for  the  Court — though  in  the  Court^  I  have  not  a 

great  deal  to  do  this  year,  &  wish  I  had  less.  No  Ch.  Jus  is  yet 
nominated  but  it  is  expected  Mr  Taney  will  be  the  man. 

I  hope  Miss  Ogden  was  pleased  with  the  Plymo.  Celebration. 
Did  they  give  her  any  parched  corn  ? — 

Yrs  ever  truly 

D  WEBSTER 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Deer.  28.  1835 
Dear  Caroline, 

I  have  reed  a  nice  long  letter  from  you  this  morning,  written 
the  day  after  your  return  from  Plymo,  &  am  happy  to  learn  that 
you  had  so  agreeable  a  time.  I  hope  Sally  Ogden  will  admit 
that  she  has  had  one  good  New  England  winter  frolic. 

1  Thomas  P.  Barton,  Secretary  of  Legation  in  France. 


198  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

I  hope  none  of  you  took  permanent  colds.  Nothing  has  hap 
pened  here,  of  any  interest,  since  I  wrote  you.  The  President's 
party,  I  forgot  to  mention.  I  was  not  present,  but  understand 
it  was  something  quite  new,  &  went  off  as  you  New  Yorkers  say, 
very  brilliantly —  There  was  dancing,  in  the  East  room,  a 
sumptuous  supper  in  the  dining  room,  &  so  on. 

We  are  expecting  a  Comee.  here  from  NYork,  for  aid.  If 
anything  passes  the  H  of  R.  the  Senate  will  readily  concur,  but 
I  doubt  whether  Mr  Cambreling  &  his  colleagues  will  get  along 
any  thing  of  much  value. 

Mr.  Clay  has  not  been  in  the  Senate,  since  the  intelligence  of 
the  loss  of  his  daughter.  It  appears  to  have  affected  him  very 
much. 

I  enclose  you  a  check  for  $350,  to  pay  Mr  Wells',  &  Mr 
Knights'  bills.  If  it  be  not  enough,  you  must  use  some  of  your 
own  checks,  &  let  me  know.  Why  do  you  send  me  this  bill  for 
the  Observer? — It  is  a  paper,  you  know,  taken  at  your  request — 
If  you  do  not  wish  it  to  be  taken  longer,  I  do  not. — Please  send 
the  bill  to  Mr  Fletcher,  &  ask  him  to  remit  the  5.50,  or  whatever 
else  is  due,  &  stop  the  paper. 

I  am  very  happy  to  learn  by  Mr  Daniel  Le  Roy's  letter  which 
I  enclose  that  your  family  suffered  little  by  the  fire. 

Yrs  ever  truly 

DANIEL  WEBSTER 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

Sunday,  Jan.  10.  '36 
Dear  Caroline 

I  reed,  your  letter  of  the  5th  yesterday,  but  today  we  have  no 
mail  north  of  N.  York.  Judge  Story  arrived  last  Evening,  in 
good  health,  but  bad  spirits.  He  thinks  the  Supreme  Court  is 
gone,  &  I  think  so  too ;  and  almost  everything  is  gone,  or  seems 
rapidly  going. 

We  are  in  a  state  of  some  excitement,  about  the  French  busi 
ness.  The  President  is  warm,  &  warlike,  Mr.  V.  Buren  more 
pacific;  &  on  the  whole,  there  is,  as  we  learn,  a  good  deal  of 
division  in  the  Cabinet.  The  extensive  preparations  made  by 
France  alarm  some  of  our  wise  ones,  who  heretofore  have  thought 
Genl  Jackson  might  do  anything  with  impunity.  We  shall  have 
the  message,  tomorrow,  or  on  Tuesday,  Mr  Barton  is  not  yet 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  199 

here,  but  is  expected  tomorrow.  Mr  Langdon  is  here.  Con 
gress  is  not  at  all  prepared  for  war;  but  nobody  knows  what 
might  be  done  if  Genl.  Jackson  should  sound  a  loud  war  note. 
As  soon  as  we  get  the  message  and  I  can  see  what  is  likely  to 
happen  thereon,  I  shall  write  you  on  the  subject  of  my  visit 
home  There  is  nothing  to  prevent  it,  but  this  French  business. 

The  Commodore's1  Family  are  all  well,  &  send  love.  I  dined 
with  them  yesterday.  Your  inquiry  about  Mrs  Agg  reminded 
me  of  my  duty  &  I  called  yesterday  to  see  her,  but  she  was  out. 
I  have  seen  her  only  at  the  President's,  on  New  Year's  day. 
They  live  with  Mrs  Carlisle,  in  C.  Street. 

I  am  glad,  very  glad,  you  find  so  much  occupation,  in  lectures, 
visits,  parties  &c.  It  is  your  first  real  mixture  with  Boston 
Society.  I  hope  you  will  make  the  most  of  it.  Give  my  love 
to  the  family,  &  let  me  know  what  Dr.  Reynolds  thinks  of  Ed 
wards'  eyes.  H.  Thomas  wrote  me  that  Edward  thought  them 
a  good  deal  better.  — 

Adieu!  for  this  day. 

Yrs  ever 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON,  Sunday  Morning 

Jan  24.  '36 
Dear  Caroline 

I  wrote  to  Fletcher  on  Thursday  —  Yesterday  &  Friday,  I 
was  so  much  occupied  in  Court,  &  with  Court  Business,  I  had  no 
time  to  write. 

You  will  see  that  there  is  a  good  deal  of  heat  here.  Mr.  Ben- 
ton,  &  others  of  the  Senate,  have  attacked  the  proceedings  of  last 
Session  —  I  have  felt  bound  to  defend,  or  help  defend  the  Sen 
ate  —  this  has  led  Mr  Adams  to  attack  us,  in  the  House,  in  the 
most  violent  manner,  &  to  bestow  an  especial  portion  of  his  wrath 
&  bitterness  on  me.  He  has  the  instinct  of  those  animals,  which, 
when  enraged,  turn  upon  their  keepers,  &  mangle  those  who  have 
showed  them  most  kindness.  The  members  of  the  Mass.  Dele 
gation  are  exceedingly  indignant,  &  most  of  them  will  tell  him 
what  they  think  of  him,  before  the  matter  is  over.  He  may  be 
alluded  to,  also,  in  the  Senate,  but  not  by  me.  You  will  see  the 
debates. 


Commodore  Chauncey. 


200  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

The  weather  is  exceedingly  cold  &  raw —  I  feel  its  effects  in 
that  thumb  which  gave  me  so  much  trouble,  some  years  ago.  I 
write  this  morning,  not  without  difficulty.  In  other  respects  I 
am  quite  well. 

I  imagine  Mr.  Southard,  Mr  Clayton  &  Mr  Ewing  may  take 
part,  in  this  Debate  that  is  going  on,  &  say  something  to,  or  abt., 
Mr  Adams  &  his  speech. —  The  House,  I  understand  was  dis 
gracefully  disorderly,  on  friday,  &  when  Mr  Adams  abused  me 
well,  some  of  the  members,  I  believe  principally  those  from  the 
State  of  New  York,  clapped  him- —  &  then  the  galleries  hissed. — 
this,  you  will  see,  must  have  been  all  very  decorous  &  proper. 

For  a  considerable  of  next  week  (I  mean  this  week)  I  must  be 
in  Court.  My  business  there  now  presses  me  rather  hard. 

I  send  you  a  lot  of  invitations,  that  you  may  see  what  is  going 
on.  I  have  been  to  no  parties  I  like  very  much  the  pleasure  of 
staying  at  home,  &  sitting  by  the  fire,  thro'  an  evening,  &  never 
find  it  dull,  tho'  I  am  alone. 

Some  day  this  week,  I  must  make  a  dinner  for  the  Mass.  Dele 
gation —  They  will  much  miss  your  Ladyship,  from  the  head  of 
the  Table. 

It  is  now,  I  think,  four  days,  since  I  had  a  letter  from  you; 
but  the  mails  are  so  irregular,  that  perhaps  the  next  may  bring 
me  three  or  four.  Today,  we  have  no  papers  from  New  York. — 

With  love  to  you  all,  I  am,  Dr  wife — 

Ever  yrs 
^^^  D.  W. 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  friday — Jan.  29.  [1836] 
Dear  Caroline 

There  is  no  doubt  England  has  tendered  her  good  offices,  by 
way  of  mediation,  in  order  to  reconcile  the  differences  between  the 
U.  S.  &  France.  Such,  it  is  understood,  was  the  purpose  of  the 
despatch  reed,  by  Mr  Brodhead,  &  which  has  been  communicated 
to  our  Govt.  The  President  held  a  meeting  of  the  Cabinet  yes 
terday,  but  no  positive  decision  was  had  on  the  subject.  The 
general  opinion,  today,  is  that  the  offer  will  not  be  declined,  & 
that  some  how  or  other  an  adjustment  will  grow  out  of  it.  The 
hope  of  continued  peace,  at  the  present  moment  is  strong. 

Brother  Daniel  LeRoy  arrived  here  [last]  Eve'.  He  came,  I 
believe,  with  little  other  object  than  to  see  how  things  are  going. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  201 

I  find  he  is  very  despairing  about  Mrs  Newbold  l  He  proposes  to 
stay  a  few  days.  I  should  be  glad  to  have  him  here,  but  he  seems 
to  prefer  a  Hotel,  where  he  will  have  an  opportunity  of  seeing 
more  persons,  &  hearing  more  news. — 

Mr  &  Mrs  C.  H.  Warren  arrived  here  two  days  ago.  They 
stay  with  Mr  &  Mrs  Davis  &  at  Mrs  Coyle's —  I  have  endeavored 
in  vain  to  see  Mrs  Warren,  as  yet.  Dr  Wainwright  doth  not  yet 
appear. 

Today,  the  Mass.  Delegation  dined  with  me,  with  some  excep 
tions. —  It  is  my  only  effort  to  raise  a  dinner,  of  any  magni 
tude,  &  I  doubt  how  we  shall  make  out. — 

Mr  Evans  made  a  famous  speech  yesterday.  I  did  not  hear  it, 
but  it  is  universally  praised.  I  understand  he  told  Mr.  A.  that 
he  had  lived  to  become  "the  scorn  &  derision  of  his  enemies,  & 
an  object  of  pity  to  his  friends." 

I  was  in  the  House  this  morning.  Mr  A.  was  not  there,  they 
said  he  was  probably  at  home,  writing  out  his  speech — or  else 
digesting  what  he  heard  yesterday.  He  has  more  to  hear  yet. 

The  weather  is  clear,  &  very  cold —  This  morning  is  the  cold 
est  I  have  felt  this  year — 

Adieu ! 

Ever  yrs     D.  WEBSTER 

It  is  four  days  since  I  have  heard  from  home.  We  do  not  get 
a  mail  as  often  as  any  other  day. 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

11  CLOCK.  A.  M.  TUESDAY,  Feb.  2.  [1836] 
Dear  Caroline 

I  have  just  reed  your  letter  of  Friday,  which  has  altogether  re 
lieved  my  anxiety.  I  hope  you  will  not  delay,  for  so  many  days, 
hereafter,  to  write  to  me.  If  you  are  too  busy,  there  are  Fletcher 
&  Julia,  to  say  nothing  of  Sally  Ogden,  who  may  just  as  well  be 
writing  to  me,  as  sitting  at  the  window  looking  at  the  sleighs. 

My  cold  is  much  better,  this  morning.     I  sent  for  Dr  Sewall, 
last  Eve',  after  writing  to  you,  &  the  Dr.  knew  how  to  deal  with  it. 
I  shall  go  to  the  Senate,  but  not  stay  more  than  an  hour. 

Yrs  truly 

D  WEBSTER 
(over) 

1  Sister  of  Mrs.  Webster  and  Daniel  LeRoy. 


202  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Evening 

Mr.  Buchanan  finished  his  speech  this  forenoon.  It  was  rather 
belligerent;  that  is,  it  followed  the  President's  example,  &  re 
counted  all  the  wrongs  of  France.  Nevertheless,  he  expressed 
great  confidence  that  the  mediation  would  result  in  Peace. 

Mr  Crittenden  made  a  very  good  Speech.  He  is  for  Peace. 
So  that,  on  the  whole,  pacific  sentiments  prevail. 

(To  Edw.  E.  Marshall.) 

Dear  Sir,  WASHINGTON  Febry  6".  1836. 

In  the  year  1833  the  late  Chief  Justice  Marshall  wrote  two 
letters  to  Mr.  Everett,  now  Governor  of  Massachusetts  on  the 
subject  of  Masonry,  and  Masonic  oaths.  Those  letters  express 
opinions,  which  the  Chief  Justice  is  known  to  have  communicated 
to  others,  and  Mr.  Everett  was  desirous  of  publishing  one  or 
both  of  them,  or  so  much  thereof  as  related  to  the  foregoing 
subjects.  But  the  Chief  Justice  desired  the  letters  to  be  con 
sidered  as  confidential,  and  that  no  public  use  should  be  made  of 
them. 

It  has  occurred  to  Mr.  Everett  that  in  consequence  of  the 
lamented  death  of  the  Chief  Justice,  there  probably  exists  no 
longer  any  reason  for  withholding  these  letters  from  publication. 
Yet  he  feels  a  delicacy  in  consenting  to  give  them  to  the  public, 
without  the  permission  of  the  representatives  of  the  Chief  Jus 
tice.  The  fact  of  the  existence  of  such  letters  is  known,  and 
very  solicitous  application  is  continually  made  to  Mr.  Everett 
for  their  publication.  Mr.  Everett  has  recently  written  to  me, 
upon  this  matter,  and  it  is  in  consequence  of  this  letter,  that  I 
write  you  this,  for  the  purpose  of  asking  whether  you  and  your 
brother  see  any  objection  to  the  publication?  I  may  add  my 
own  wish,  that  the  letters  might  be  made  public,  since  the  senti 
ments  they  express  are  precisely  such  as  I  hold  myself.  Copies 
of  the  letters  are  in  my  possession,  and  if  you  should  think  it 
necessary,  in  order  to  guide  your  judgments  in  this  matter  to 
peruse  them,  I  will  transmit  them,  for  that  purpose. 

I  pray  you  to  accept  my  sympathy,  for  the  loss  of  your  great 

and  good  Parent.     Taught  to  respect  him,   from  my   earliest 

manhood,  I  have  for  twenty  years,  witnessed  his  judicial  labors, 

and  studied  his  character,  with  constantly  increasing  admiration. 

With  much  regard  Yours. 

DANL  WEBSTER 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  203 

(To  Edward  Everett.) 

MARCH  12"  1836, 
Dear  Sir, 

I  enclose  you  Mr.  Marshall's  answer  to  my  letter,  and  Mr. 
Leigh's  endorsement,  which  will  speak  for  themselves. 

I  think  Mr.  L.  has  decided  right,  though  I  could  much  have 
wished  for  the  publication  of  the  Chief  justice's  letter.  How 
ever,  the  fact  of  the  letter  will  gradually  get  out,  and  by  and  by, 
the  letter  itself,  perhaps,  may  properly  appear. 

I  suppose  there  can  be  no  objection  to  my  showing  the  letter, 
occasionally,  to  a  friend. 

Yours     D.  W. 


(To  Mrs.  Car  dime  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON,  Tuesday  morng  Feb.  9  [1836] 
Dear  Caroline, 

I  this  morning  have  reed  your  letter  of  the  5th  friday — 
which  shows  that  the  mails  are  regularly  delivd. —  I  am  glad 
to  hear  you  are  all  well.  It  would  give  me  much  pleasure,  I  as 
sure  you,  to  partake  of  some  of  those  little  suppers,  which  appear 
so  good  in  your  letters.  They  are  articles,  of  which  I  have  seen 
no  specimen,  since  I  left  home.  Early  in  March,  I  hope  to  taste 
a  potato,  in  Summer  Street. 

My  cold  is  getting  better,  so  that  I  go  [to]  the  Senate,  in  fair 
weather,  but  I  am  obliged  to  be  very  careful.  I  have  not  been  to 
an  evening  party,  this  winter — &  only  once  to  dine,  viz  at  Mr 
Van  Buren's,  on  Saturday.  It  was  a  dinner,  I  presume,  mainly 
intended  for  the  Judges.  He  lives  in  much  the  same  manner  as 
when  Secretary  of  State;  perhaps  not  quite  so  well.  I  wished 
to  go  last  Eve'  to  Mrs.  Flander  White's  last  Soiree,  but  dared  not 
venture  out.  The  President  has  another  great  party  on  Thurs 
day — 

Mrs.  Cass,  as  you  will  see  has  her  third  rout,  the  18th.  They 
say  Mrs  Cass  must  be  preparing  to  make  her  husband  a  foreign 
minister. 

Mr  &  Mrs  Warren  are  yet  here.  They  leave  on  Saturday. 
I  should  not  be  surprised  if  Charles  &  I  should  give  them  &  Mr 
&  Mrs  Davis  a  little  dinner,  in  my  study,  on  Thursday  or  friday. 

Mrs  &  Miss  Chauncy  are  well,  and  always  send  their  love.     I 


204  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

have  not  seen  Mrs  Lindsly  for  a  month.     Dr.  Sewall  calls  some 
times  but  not  very  often. 

I  am  about  writing  to  Edward.  It  is  now  so  cold,  &  it  may 
be  so  long  before  winter  breaks  up,  I  am  indifferent  about  his 
going  to  Hanover  till  I  come  home,  if  I  should  be  able  to  come, 
as  I  expect,  early  in  March.  I  see  nothing  to  prevent  me,  now, 
as  no  change  is  likely  to  take  place,  for  some  time  in  our  French 
affairs. 

We  must  soon  hear  from  Mrs  Newbold — 

Truly  Yrs 

D  WEBSTER 

(From  Thomas  G.  Pratt.1) 

HOUSE  OF  DELEGATES  ANNAPOLIS  Feb  24th.  1836 
Hon.  Daniel  Webster 

Sir; 

In  a  debate  which  occurred  in  the  House  of  Delegates  today, 
your  speech  and  the  speech  of  Mr  Binney  delivered  in  Baltimore 
shortly  after  the  removal  of  the  Deposits  from  the  Bank  of  the 
U.  States,  were  assigned  as  the  remote  causes  of  the  recent  riots  in 
that  city.  You  were  represented  by  Mr  McLean  one  of  the  Dele 
gates  from  the  City  of  Baltimore,  as  having  on  that  occasion, 
"exhorted  the  people  of  Baltimore,  to  redress  their  grievances, 
peaceably  if  they  could,  forcibly  if  they  must".  As  no  report  of 
your  speech  has  been  made  &  Mr  McLean  having  avowed  himself 
responsible  for  the  correctness  of  the  language  imputed  to  you ; 
you  will  gratify  your  friends  here,  by  stating  whether  he  is  cor 
rect  in  his  statement  and  if  recollected,  what  was  the  language 
used  by  you  upon  that  occasion.  The  same  charge  was  made 
against  Mr  Binney,  to  whom  I  have  addressed  a  communication 
similar  to  this—  yery  ReSpectfully 

THOS.  G.  PRATT. 


gir  WASHINGTON  Feb.  27.  1836 


(To  Thos.  G.  Pratt.) 

WASHING' 
I  have  reed  your  letter  of  the  24th.     Nothing  could  have  sur- 

1  Mr.  Pratt  was  at  this  time  in  the  Maryland  Senate.  Later  he  was  Gov 
ernor  of  that  State  and  Senator  in  Congress.  See  Webster's  reply,  February 
27,  1836. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  205 

prised  me  more  than  the  representation  which  you  say  was  made 
in  the  House  of  Delegates  of  my  remarks,  at  Baltimore,  after  the 
removal  of  the  Deposits. 

I  uttered  no  such  sentiment  as  is  imputed  to  me,  either  in  the 
words  said  to  have  been  used  by  me,  or  any  other  words ;  nor  any 
equivalent  sentiment,  nor  any  sentiment  at  all  resembling  it. 
There  is  not  the  slightest  ground,  in  anything  said  or  insinuated 
by  me,  on  that  occasion,  for  this  gross  misrepresentation.  I  can 
also  speak  to  the  same  effect,  &  with  equal  positiveness  of  Mr 
Binney's  remarks,  for  I  was  near  him,  &  heard  every  word  he 
said. 

I  am,  Sir,  respectfully,  Your  ob.  Servant 

[D.   WEBSTEE.]1 

(To  H.  Hunt.) 

PRIVATE  AND   CONFIDENTIAL,. 

Sir  WASHINGTON  Feb.  29.  1836 

I  reed  your  letter,  as  Secretary  of  the  Association  of  Native 
American  citizens  &c,  some  days  ago,  &  have  no  objection  [of]  to 
the  interchange  of  opinions,  on  the  subject  to  which  it  refers. 

I  am  not  prepared,  however,  to  give  an  immediate  &  formal 
answer  to  your  letter,  as  some  of  your  questions  are  of  great 
importance,  &  deserve  to  be  well  considered.  In  truth,  in  the 
part  of  the  country  in  which  I  live,  aliens  are  so  few,  that  no 
great  attention  has  been  excited  by  their  naturalization.  I  have 
been  made  acquainted  however,  with  the  shocking  abuses  which 
have  been  committed  under  the  naturalization  laws  in  New  York ; 
abuses,  which  in  my  opinion  imperatively  demand  correction, 
cither  by  new  laws,  or  new  modes  of  administration. 

I  expect  to  be  in  New  York,  in  ten  or  twelve  days,  &  should  be 
glad  of  an  opportunity  of  seeing  you. 

Yours  with  regard 
DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

Dear  Caroline  MAR-  6'  1836  Sunday  Morning. 

This  is  a  very  fine  morning,  which  I  hope  you  are  also  enjoy 
ing. —  It  is  warm,  &  summer  like,  and  fills  me  full  of  the  hopes 

1  This  is  copied  from  the  original  draft  of  the  letter  sent. 


206  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

of  home.  I  shall  wait  only  to  hear  that  the  Boat  has  run  once.— 
intending  to  go  the  second  trip. —  My  cold  has  melted  off,  &  I 
am  quite  well. — 

Everything  is  very  dull  here.  Mr.  Tyler  has  resigned,  and 
Mr  Leigh1  says  he  shall  resign  next  fall. 

All  the  news  I  have  heard  this  month  is  that  Mrs.  Lindsley 
tells  me  that  our  friend  Mr  Posts  is  inclined  to  make  love  to 
Harriet  Webster — &  that  Geril  M'Comb2  has  written  a  play ; — 
which  was  performed  on  friday  night — called  Pontiac —  I  will 
tell  Charles  to  send  it  to  you. 

I  am  going  out  today  with  Mr  Agg  to  dine  at  his  cottage — I 
shall  be  glad  to  get  a  breath  of  air. 

I  incline  to  think  I  shall  bring  Charles  along,  but  am  not  cer 
tain — 

I  must  stay  a  day  or  two  in  N.  Y.  as  well  as  in  Philadelphia, 
either  going  or  returning,  hoping  to  have  a  little  business  in  each 
place. 

I  send  you  a  copy  of  Mr  Clayton's  Speech.  It  is  pretty  severe. 
Mr.  Robbin's  was  an  excellent  Speech,  which  I  suppose  will  also 
be  printed  in  pamphlet  form — &  I  shall  send  it — 

I  hear  much  of  Sally's  two  rival  beaux? —  Which  does  she 
mean  to  smile  upon?  Give  her  my  love;  though  I  fancy  I  am 
too  far  off  to  be  much  remembered  at  present  - 

Ever  Yrs 

D  WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON,  Mar.  14.  '36 
My  Dear  Son, 

I  have  yours  of  the  10th.  The  difficulty  in  getting  home  is 
not  in  the  Sound,  but  in  the  more  Southern  waters.  No  Boat 
runs  yet  from  Baltimore — both  the  Chesapeake  Bay  &  the  Dela 
ware  river  are  covered  with  thick-ribbed  ice.  The  weather,  how 
ever,  is  warm  today,  &  seems  to  indicate  rain ;  so  that  I  hope  to 
be  able  to  sail,  in  a  few  days. 

It  gives  me  great  delight  to  hear,  that  you  have  learned  how  to 
sit  still,  &  read  a  Book.  If  you  have  really  accomplished  that, 
you  have  certainly  made  your  fortune. 

I  am  sorry  there  is  so  much  fault  found  with  Govr.  Everett. 

1  Benjamin  W.  Leigh,  of  Virginia.  *  General  Alexander  Macomb. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  207 

I  am  sure  he  means  well,  &  acts  always  in  good  faith  towards  his 
friends.  It  is  strange  any  rumours  should  exist  of  coolness  be 
tween  him  &  myself —  There  is  not  the  slightest  foundation  for 
them. 

I  regret  to  hear  of  Caroline's  illness.  She  must  be  careful  of 
herself.  Give  her  my  love,  &  say  to  her  that  I  hope  to  find  her 
well  next  week. 

I  wrote  yr  mother  yesterday,  &  all  the  news,  since  occurring, 
is,  that  Wm.  LeRoy,  the  midshipman,  was  here  yesterday,  on  his 
way  from  Norfolk  to  N  York — 

He  is  in  fine  health,  &  a  fine  looking  young  man. 
Yrs  always,  affectionately 

DANL,  WEBSTER 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

SENATE,  Friday  Morning  April  29.  '36 
My  Dear  Caroline, 

I  reed  your  letter  of  Monday  Eve  this  morning.  Fletcher  has 
not  arrived,  but  I  shall  look  for  him  this  Evening,  or  tomorrow. 
We  have  had  a  week  of  mild  growing  weather — a  remarkable 
mixture  of  moisture  &  warmth. — 

Today  we  hope  to  finish  the  land  bill,  if  Mr  Benton  should  not 
wear  us  all  out,  by  an  endless  speech — which  he  threatens  to  do. 
If  we  finish  the  Bill,  I  think  we  shall  adjourn  to  Tuesday,  to  give 
time  for  the  officers  of  the  Senate  to  take  up  the  carpet,  clean  the 
chamber  &c.  for  warm  weather. 

I  have  some  thoughts  of  running  down  the  river,  25  miles,  to  a 
place  of  Genl  Mason's  where  his  son  John  lives — a  great  shad 
fishery,  &  return  on  Monday.  It  now  looks,  however,  like  rain ; 
&  if  that  should  come,  I  shall  stay  at  home. 

I  imagine  you  will  find  it  necessary  to  establish  your  head 
quarters  in  N.  York  at  Mrs  Edgars,  especially  as  Mrs  Dan'l. 
Le  Roy  appears  in  bad  health.  It  will  be  agreeable  for  you  to 
be  with  your  father.  I  think  you  will  find  it  pleasant  [to]  come 
to  N.  York  sometime  next  week,  or  the  early  part  of  the  week 
after —  You  will  of  course  let  me  know  when  to  write  you  at 
N.  York- 
Commodore  Chauncy  had  a  party  to  dine  yesterday —  I  did 
not  make  one —  It  is  much  pleasanter  to  have  the  afternoon  to 
walk  about,  that  is,  all  that  is  left  of  it  after  a  short  session.  My 


208  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

health  is  at  present  very  good — but  I  wish  I  had  Sorrel  here. 
I  hate  to  ride  a  hack  horse,  &  cannot  afford  the  expense  of  buy 
ing  one.  I  think  I  may  hire  one,  under  Tweedy's  advice,  for  the 
session. — 

I  shall  of  course  write  to  you  as  at  Boston,  till  I  hear  to  the 
contrary — 

Adieu! — love  to  Julia — how  can  you  get  on,  with  so  small 
a  household —  I  should  think  you  would  do  well  to  break  up, 
as  soon  as  you  can  conveniently — 

Yrs  ever  truly 

D  WEBSTER 


(To  James  Watson  Webb.1) 

WASHINGTON  May  6,  1836. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

My  son  is  quite  obliged  to  you,  for  giving  him  a  letter  to  your 
brother.2 

As  to  the  subject  of  your  two  letters,  My  Dear  Sir,  all  I  can 
say  is,  that  I  pray  you  to  follow  the  course,  which  you  think 
duty  &  honor  point  out.  I  have  certainly  no  desire  that  any 
effort  should  be  made  for  me,  under  circumstances  which  leave 
no  hope  that  good  would  be  produced  by  such  effort. 

I  estimate  highly  your  assurances  of  continued  confidence  & 
attachment,  &  shall  never  forget  the  regard  &  kindness  which  you 
have  manifested,  so  long  &  so  readily.  But  in  the  present  state 
of  things,  I  pray  you  to  feel  fully  at  liberty  to  act  for  the  good 
of  the  Country,  and  the  cause,  without  reference  to  any  expecta 
tion,  which  you  may  suppose  I  have  heretofore  formed,  &  to  bo 
assured,  that  in  so  doing  you  will  meet  my  entire  approbation. 
You  probably  saw  my  letter  to  the  Whigs  of  the  Massachusetts 
Legislature.  It  spoke  my  undisguised  sentiments.  I  should 
have  withdrawn  from  the  canvass  altogether,  but  for  the  state  of 
affairs  in  Massachusetts,  &  the  opinions  of  friends  there. 

I  could  very  much  desire  to  pass  an  hour  with  you,  on  this  fa 
some  connected  subjects.  Are  you  not  to  be  this  way? 

[DANL  WEBSTER] 

1  New  York  journalist;  editor  of  the  Courier  and  Enquirer.     He  was  one  of 
the  most  enterprising  newspaper  men  of  his  day.     He  had  also  a  most  credit 
able  military  career. 

2  Probably  Henry  L.  Webb,  of  Illinois. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  209 

(From  Samuel  Houston.) 

COLUMBIA  Texas  20th  Nov  1836 
Dear  Sir, 

I  take  pleasure  in  presenting  Genl  Santa  Anna,  to  your 
friendly  &  distinguished  attention.  He  will  visit  the  Capitol  of 
the  U.  States,  under  peculiar  circumstances,  and  tho'  we  have 
been  antagonists  in  war,  as  he  visits  my  native  land,  it  will  be 
matter  of  singular  gratification  for  me  to  know,  that  those  whom 
I  had  the  honor  to  act  with,  in  exalted  station,  have  received  and 
treated  General  Santa  Anna,  with  the  respect,  and  kindness  due 
to  his  distinguished,  Genius,  rank  and  character. 

Whatever  kindness  you  may  find  it  in  your  power  to  bestow, 
upon  the  distinguished  guest  of  the  U.  States,  will  reflect  honor, 
upon  Texas,  and  place  myself,  with  others  who  are  struggling 
for  Liberty,  under  lasting  obligations. 

It  will  afford  me  felicity  to  receive  your  Commands. 

I  am  with  high  regard  Your  friend  &  obt  Servt. 

SAM'L,  HOUSTON. 


(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

DETROIT  [Michigan]  Feby  24th.  1837. 
My  dear  Father 

*  *  *  I  regret  that  you  will  lose  the  bridge  case — perhaps 
you  may  be  mistaken —  I  cannot  but  hope  so,  more  especially 
as  it  may  be,  as  you  say  your  last  case.  You  don't  know  what 
strange  emotions  I  felt  at  learning  that  you  really  mean  to  resign 
to  your  seat  in  Congress,1  although  I  was  prepared  for  it  by  your 
conversation  with  me  just  before  I  left,  yet  the  knowledge  that  it 
was  decided  on,  gave  us  a  shock.  Caro.  could  not  refrain  from 
tears —  "She  was  glad  of  it,  yet  it  will  be  so  strange  not  to 
have  him  there — what  will  become  of  us  all !  "  I  felt  the  same 
too,  but  I  sincerely  rejoice  at  it —  I  rejoice  to  learn  that  you 
have  withdrawn  from  that  body,  now  so  fallen,  of  which  in  the 
days  of  its  highest  splendor  &  renown  "pars  maxima  fuisti" 
with  all  honour  to  yourself  &  that  with  full  capacity  to  enjoy  & 
improve  it,  you  retire  to  leisure  which  you  have  a  thousandfold 
earned  and  for  many  reasons  need  and  in  the  enjoyment  of  which 

1  See  Webster's  "Works,"  vol.  i,  p.  341. 


210  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

you  will  be  blessed  by  the  kindest  wishes  &  regards  of  all  honest 
men. —     "Famam  bonam,  certamque  domum  reportas." 

Mother  wrote  me  a  day  or  two  before  you,  of  your  intention. 
She  will  be  very  happy  at  the  decision —  We  all  rejoice  on  your 
account,  while  all  regret  it  on  their  own.  *  *  * 

[D.  F.  WEBSTER] 

(To  Edward  Everett.) 

WASHINGTON  March  4"  1837. 
My  Dear  Sir — 

I  do  not  think  Mr.  Davis  has  any  wish  to  be  a  Judge. 
I  would  not,  certainly,  embarrass  you,  by  too  warm  a  recom 
mendation  of  Mr.  Hoar ;  and  feel  the  force  of  the  local  considera 
tions,  suggested  by  Mr.  Curtis.  Mr.  Wells,  I  believe,  would 
make  an  excellent  judge.  You  must,  of  course,  collect  the  gen 
eral  sentiment  of  friends,  and  to  a  great  degree  respect  it.  I 
regret  these  local  feelings;  but  they  do  exist,  and  have  much 
influence. 

The  Inauguration  went  off",  I  thought  rather  coldly. 

Yours  truly 

D.  WEBSTER. 

(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

•»*•     j       T.  it.  DETROIT  [Michigan]  Apr.  5,  1837. 

My  dear  Father, 

It  is  a  long  time  since  we  heard  from  you,  except  through  the 
papers,  indeed,  I  ought  to  be  content  with  that.  We  have  read 
of  your  reception  in  New  York1 —  I  must  let  "expressive  silence 
muse"  my  thoughts  of  it. 

I  am  constantly  asked  whether  or  no  you  mean  to  resign  &  I 
answer  not  at  present.2  I  hope  you  have  not  changed  your  ulti 
mate  purpose.  *  *  * 

The  people  are  all  very  anxious  to  see  you  out  here.3  It 
would  be  prudent  to  let  me  know  if  you  can  when  you  will  be 

1  See  "Works  of  Daniel  Webster,"  vol.  i,  p.  339. 

2  See  letter  of  Fletcher  Webster  to  Daniel  Webster,  Feb.  24,  1837— note. 

8  Webster  made  a  trip  through  the  West  in  the  summer  of  1837.  In  his 
correspondence  are  letters  from  Western  legislatures — Kentucky,  Ohio,  etc. — 
giving  him  urgent  invitations  to  accept  their  hospitality.  Louisville,  Russell- 
ville,  Michigan  City,  Detroit,  Toledo,  Erie,  Pa.,  and  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  sent 
him  flattering  letters  to  the  same  effect. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  211 

here,  that  I  may  make  arrangements   for  lodgings,   for  there 
won't  be  room  to  turn  round  from  May  to  November.     We  mean 
to  give  you  a  good  reception.     Our  City  authorities  are,  alas !  all 
Tory,  but  that  will  not  have  the  slightest  influence.     *     *     * 
Your  most  affectionate  son 

DAN'L  F.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Benjamin  D.  Silliman.1) 

WASHINGTON  Jan.  29,  1838. 
My  dear  Sir 

I  reed  your  letter  this  morning,  for  which  I  am  much  obliged 
to  you. 

I  do  not  know  whether  I  can  find  here  a  copy  of  my  speech, 
in  1830,  on  Foote's  Resolutions.  If  I  can  I  will  send  it  to  you. 

I  think  you  would  be  very  safe  in  adopting,  in  your  House,  an 
Anti  Texas  Report.  As  to  Slavery,  I  think  it  very  safe  to  adopt 
a  Resolution,  condemning  Mr.  Patton's  Resolution.  Whether  it 
will  be  best  to  go  farther,  you  who  are  on  the  spot,  can  best  de 
cide.  My  own  opinion  is,  that  the  anti-slavery  feeling  is  grow 
ing  stronger  &  stronger  every  day;  &  while  we  must  be  careful 
to  countenance  nothing,  which  violates  the  Constitution,  or  in 
vades  the  rights  of  others  it  is  our  policy,  in  my  opinion  most 
clearly  not  to  yield  the  substantial  truth,  for  the  sake  of  con 
ciliating  those  whom  we  never  can  conciliate,  at  the  expense  of 
the  loss  of  the  friendship  &  support  of  those  great  masses  of 
good  men,  who  are  interested  in  the  anti-slavery  cause. 

I  send  you  enclosed  a  copy  of  a  letter  lately  addressed  by  me 
to  Mr.  Peck  of  the  H.  of  R.  It  states  shortly  the  opinions,  which 
I  hold,  &  am  ready  to  express,  on  the  general  Slavery  questions. 
I  refer  you,  also,  to  some  remarks  of  mine,  published  in  the  Intel 
ligencer,  upon  Mr.  Clay's  substitute  for  Mr.  Calhoun's  5th  Reso 
lution. 

We  begin  the  proceeding  on  the  Sub  Treasury  Bill  to-morrow. 
It  will  probably  pass  this  House,  without  amendment,  by  2  or  3 
votes.  Its  fate  in  the  other  House  is  greatly  more  doubtful. 
The  decision  on  the  Mississippi  Election  is  expected  to  day  or 
tomorrow.  The  Sub  Treasury  Bill  may,  perhaps,  be  a  good 
[deal]  dependent  on  this  decision. 

1  Mr.  Silliman  was  a  New  York  lawyer,  at  this  time  a  member  of  the  State 
Legislature.     Later  he  rose  to  great  prominence  as  a  New  York  politician. 


LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

I  will  look  round  for  a  copy  of  my  speech  of  1830,  &  write  you 
again  in  a  day  or  two. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL,  WEBSTER 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

JULY  4,  1838  Wednesday  Mor'g. 
Dear  Caroline 

I  reed  yrs  of  Friday  Eve',  last  night,  I  was  glad  to  hear  you 
were  safe  home.  We  are  here  yet,  quarrelling  about  these  ever 
lasting  questions,  and  I  see  no  end,  but  the  end  of  the  session. 
Mr.  Curtis  did  not  come  to  dinner  yesterday  till  10  clock,  altho 
we  had  invited  the  Commodore1  &  his  son,  &  two  or  three  other 
friends  to  dine  at  5,  At  ten,  Mr.  C,  Mr.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Jenison, 
&  Mr.  Biddle  came  home  to  dinner. 

The  weather  is  intolerably  warm.  I  never  knew  such  a  suc 
cession  of  hot  days — there  is  no  going  abroad  a  step,  in  the  sun. 

I  dare  not  say  a  word  about  the  time  of  getting  home,  because 
you  say  I  am  so  apt  to  disappoint  you.  I  shall  be  sure  to  leave 
Washington  as  soon  as  I  can,  &  to  hasten  home  as  fast  as  I  can — 
but  I  must  stay  some  days  in  N.  York — how  many,  I  do  not 
know. 

But  few  members  have  left  yet.  I  look  for  Col.  Perkins  who 
is  away  to-day.  He  comes  here,  &  then  goes  to  Wheeling — 
Nothing  further  from  Fletcher — but  hope  to  hear  today. 

I  hope  you  &  Julia  are  safe  &  cool,  down  at  Marshfield. 

Yrs  ever  lov'ly 

D.  WEBSTER. 

I  have  a  letter  from  Mr.  White — he  thinks  he  shall  see  me,  here, 
or  at  N.  York — but  I  do  not  depend  on  it. 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  July  6,  1838. 
Dear  Caroline. 

I  had  some  idea  of  getting  away  today,  but  my  colleague 
utterly  forbad  it,  on  acct.  of  a  Harbor  Bill,  pending  in  the  Sen 
ate. 

1  Commodore  Chauncey. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  213 

The  weather  has  changed,  at  last,  &  today  the  wind  is  north 
ward,  &  cool.  I  feel  much  better  for  it.  I  think  my  health  im 
proves  daily.  If  it  were  not  so  late,  &  if  I  were  not  so  anxious 
to  get  home,  I  would  go  to  the  Warrenton  Sulphur  Springs,  for  a 
week.  But  as  it  is,  &  having  indispensable  business  in  N.  Y.  I 
must  go  northward. 

Col.  P  returned  hither  last  evening.  He  passed  a  week  with 
Mr.  Page's  party  at  the  Hot  Springs.  By  yesterday's  mail, 
too  I  reed  the  enclosed  letter  from  Mrs.  P. 

Nothing  new  here,  of  any  interest,  except  that  Mr.  Grundy1  is 
appointed  Atty.  Genl.,  in  place  of  Mr.  Butler  —  to  go  into  office 
Sep.  1 

Mr.  Curtis  continues  to  improve,  but  is  obliged  to  work  a  little 
too  hard. 

I  have  heard  nothing  of  yr.  horses  —  if  they  have  not  arrived, 
I  suppose  you  have  looked  up  some  other  pair  for  the  present. 

Yrs  alway,  truly 


(From  Nicholas  Biddle.) 

PmiA  Sepr.  6,  1838 
My  dear  Sir 

I  stated  to  you  last  year  my  views  in  regard  to  Texas,  and  you 
then  thought  that  if  the  plan  of  annexation  to  the  U.  S.  could  be 
abandoned,  every  consideration  of  feeling  &  interest  would  con 
spire  to  make  us  desire  its  prosperity.  That  question  is  now 
settled.  Mr  Jones  the  new  minister  arrived  two  days  ago  in 
Phil*  and  he  is  instructed  to  withdraw  the  proposal  of  Union. 
This  troublesome  part  of  the  question  being  thus  disposed  of,  I 
am  much  inclined  to  think  that  if  their  loan  of  five  millions  were 
taken  in  the  United  States  it  would  be  far  better  than  if  they 
were  obliged  to  seek  it  in  England.  I  do  not  however  wish  to 
mix  myself  with  the  political  contests  of  the  day  ;  nor  to  interfere 
in  matters  which  have  been  the  subjects  of  party  warfare  and  I 
should  like  to  have  the  benefit  of  the  opinions  of  judicious  friends 
before  doing  anything  final  in  respect  to  it.  Will  you  then  say, 
whatever  you  feel  at  liberty  to  say  on  the  questions,  Whether  it 
would  not  be  greatly  for  the  interest  of  our  common  country  that 
Texas  should  continue  independent  of  all  foreign  nations  —  that 

1  Felix  Grundy,  of  Tennessee. 


214  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

she  should  be  protected  by  this  country  &  not  be  permitted  if  pos 
sible  to  owe  her  prosperity  to  any  other  aid  than  ours.  Say  too 
whether  your  opinion  is  that  Texas  can  maintain  its  independence 
or  whether  in  the  last  extremity  this  country  would  permit  her  to 
be  conquered  or  reconquered,  and  being  free  whether  you  think  a 
loan  to  her  would  be  perfectly  safe.  You  will  readily  under 
stand  by  the  strain  of  these  remarks  that  I  am  predisposed  to 
serve  Texas  because  I  believe  I  should  benefit  our  country  by  it — 
but  before  taking  any  decisive  step  I  should  wish  to  have  your 
judgment  because  I  know  that  your  opinion  will  be  an  impartial 
&  a  patriotic  one.  If  any  circumstance  public  or  private  indis 
poses  you  to  answer  I  request  that  you  will  not  answer.  But  if 
you  incline  to  speak— speak — for  I  think  the  occasion  worthy  of 
you  and  so  speak  that  if  when  I  have  decided  I  should  want  the 
benefit  of  your  judgment  to  sanction  my  course  I  may  have  it  & 
use  it  publicly  or  privately.  I  will  only  add  that  what  you  say 
I  wish  you  to  say  quickly.1 

With  great  regard  Yrs 

N.  BIDDLE 

(To  Henry  Cowperthwaite.2) 

D        g.  N.  Y.     Sep.  27.  1838  Thursday  morning 

Parlour  No.  14  is  rather  dreary  this  morning,  inside  &  out. 
It  has  ceased  to  rain,  but  the  fog  is  about  as  thick  as  cream.  And 
yet  the  Stonington  Boat  was  in  at  7  'clock  this  morning,  to  my 
utter  surprise. 

I  felt  concerned  for  you  yesterday,  as  the  day  was  so  very 
bad,  for  a  gentleman  with  a  cold,  &  an  inflamed  throat.  I  hope 
you  kept  dry,  &  reached  home  safe. 

The  "New  Concern"  opens  today.3  I  was  out,  to  meet  a  con 
siderable  number  of  Gentlemen  last  Eve',  &  this  was  the  general 
topic.  Some  said  the  individual  Deposits,  today,  would  be  very 
great ;  others  feared  that  the  Institution  would  be  so  annoying  to 
the  powers  at  Albany,  that  they  would  yet  seek  to  embarrass  it,  al 
though  it  was  not  easy  to  see  how  they  could  do  so.  All  agreed 
it  was  an  important  operation,  promising  to  be  useful,  &  likely  to 
produce  a  sensation,  right  &  left. 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Mr.  C.  P.  Greenough. 

5  This  letter  is  in  the  possession  of  the  Pennsylvania  Historical  Society. 

3  See  Schouler's  "  History  of  the  United  States,"  vol.  iv,  p.  292. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  215 

I  shall  not  get  away  today,  on  account  of  the  weather — &  if  I 
hear  anything  worth  telling  in  Wall  Street,  upon  the  go  off  of 
the  new  Bank  of  the  U.  S.  in  N.  Y.  will  write  you  a  line. 

I  am  acting  on  the  presumption  (I  agree  I  am  presumptuous) 
that  when  you  go  into  the  Marble  House  this  morning,  you  will 
cause  a  trifling  error  to  be  corrected,  in  Mr.  Andrews  account. 

God  bless  you — 

D.  WEBSTER 

(Memorandum.1 ) 

MAR.  10.  [1839] 

I  happened  to  hear,  near  the  close  of  the  Session,  that  Mr. 
Poinsett  had  expressed,  in  presence  of  the  Pres't.  an  opinion 
favorable  to  sending  me  on  the  Special  mission  to  England. 

I  heard  it  intimated,  also,  ab't  the  same  time,  that  the  Presi 
dent  might  think  my  notions  too  much  inclined  to  a  war  aspect. 
I  therefore  called  on  Mr.  P. — told  him  what  I  had  heard,  & 
said  that  I  wished  to  say  a  few  words  to  him,  expressive  of  my 
opinion  of  the  course  the  minister  ought  to  pursue  merely  for 
the  purpose  of  justifying  his  favorable  opinion.  I  read  to  him 
this  memorandum.  He  expressed  himself  as  pleased  with  the 
suggestion,  in  general,  and  asked  me  for  a  copy;  which  I  sent 
him  on  the  9  Mar. 

^^^  D.  W. 

(A  Scheme  for  the  Settlement  of  the  Northeastern  Boundary.2) 

[APR.  1839] 

1.  That    the    negotiation    should    be    opened,    &    conducted 
throughout,  in  the  most  friendly  spirits,  treating  all  the  argu 
ments  &  suggestions  of  the  Br.  negotiators  with  entire  respect. 

2.  But  that  an  immediate  and  final  settlement  of  the  question 
should  be  urgently  proposed,  upon  considerations  and  motives, 
which  address  themselves  equally  to  both  parties. 

3.  That  informal  &  friendly  interviews  should  be  sought,  with 
the  Br :  Negr.  &  the  members  of  Her.  M's  Cabinet ;  which  inter- 

1  Found  among  Webster's  papers  and  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New 
York. 

2  A  scheme  submitted  by  Webster  to  Poinsett  in  1839.     See  "Curtis'  Life  of 
Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  2.     It  had  been  suggested  that  Webster  negotiate  this 
treaty  in  England. 


216  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

views  should  be  carefully  used,  to  accomplish  the  following  pur 
poses. 

1.  To  satisfy  the  English  Agents  &  the  English  Govt.  of  the 
intrinsic  weakness  of  their  case,  upon  the  orig'l  question,  under 
the  Treaty  of  1783. 

£.  To  satisfy  them  as  far  as  possible,  that  they  overate  the 
importance  of  this  Territory  to  England.  To  suggest,  that 
England  cannot  feel  anxious  for  it,  merely  as  so  much  land,  since 
in  the  Provinces  of  New  Brunswick  land  now  is,  &  for  many  years 
to  come  must  be,  out  of  all  proportion  to  population;  and  that 
as  affording  a  better  communication  between  Halifax  &  Canada, 
it  is  to  be  considered  that  no  great  communication,  by  land,  be 
tween  those  points  can  exist,  under  any  circumstances ;  or  at  least, 
not  for  half  a  century ;  that  England  can  seldom  have  occasion  to 
move  troops,  on  that  route ;  that  if  she  sometimes  have  such  an 
occasion,  there  will  be  no  objection  to  it,  in  time  of  peace,  al 
though  the  U.  S.  should  own  the  land ;  and  that,  in  time  of  war, 
we  should  prevent  such  a  movement,  if  we  could,  whether  She,  or 
we,  owned  the  territory.  Perhaps,  in  this  connexion,  a  right  of 
passage,  might  be  thought  of,  as  fit  to  be  made  a  Treaty  Stipula 
tion.  I  imagine  however,  that  it  is  not  merely  a  communication 
from  Province  to  Province  that  England  desires,  so  much  as  it  is 
a  general  strength' g  of  her  frontiers,  by  widen' g  its  breadth, 
East  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  at  this  point,  and  giving  compactness 
&  continuity  to  her  possessions. 

4.  To  take  an  early  opportunity,  in  the  formal  correspondence, 
of  presenting  a  clear  &  concise,  view  of  the  merits  of  the  original 
question  would  not  be  amiss,  if  the  course  of  correspondence 
should  seem  to  make  a  place  for  it. 

5.  To  bring  England  to  take  her  ground ;  either,  that  she  as 
serts  a  line,  conformable,  as  she  alleges,  to  the  Treaty,  as  she  did 
before  the  Dutch  arbitration;  or,  that  she  insists,  that  the  de 
scription  in  the  Treaty  is  so  indefinite,  that  the  boundary  cannot 
be  found,  by  any  attempt  to  pursue  its  requisitions. 

6.  If  she  shall  take  the  first  course,  &  set  up  such  a  line  as 
heretofore,  then  how  utterly  impossible  it  is  to  reconcile  that  line 
to  the  plain  &  clear  demands  of  the  Treaty. 

7.  If  she  adopt  the  latter  branch  of  the  Alternative,  and  in 
sist  that  the  Treaty  line  cannot  be  found,  controvert  this,  by  the 
arguments,  appropriate  to  the  case  &  among  other  things,  that 
ridges,  or  heights  of  land,  are  not  of  infrequent  use,  in  fixing 
lines,  on  this  Continent;  that  the  English  Govt.  has,  in  other 


t  THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  217 

cases,  prescribed  such  boundaries ;  that  the  U.  S.  have  done  the 
same  thing,  in  many  treaties,  without  practical  inconvenience; 
&  then  as  an  important  matter  of  fact  [then]  urge  the  actual 
result  of  the  late  survey  under  the  authority  of  Maine. 

8.  But,  however  the  argument  may  stand,  it  is  probable  that 
England  will  not,  gratuitously,  yield  her  pretensions;  &  some 
thing  must  be  yielded  by  us,  since  the  subject  has  actually  be 
come  matter  of  negotiation.     A  conventional  line,  therefore,  is  to 
be  regarded  as  a  leading  &  most  promising,  of  adjustments. 
With  a  view  to  this,  before  he  leaves  the  country,  should  have  an 
interview  with  the  Govr.  of  Maine,  &  her  Delegation  in  Congress. 
He  &  they  should  examine  the  map  carefully,  &  consider  the  whole 
subject  maturely,  &  they  should  be  called  on  to  say  what  conven 
tional  line  Maine  would  approve.     This  interview  might  be  had, 
without  form,  or  announcement,  but  it  would  take  time,  &  should 
be  done  as  soon  as  convenient. 

If  conventional  line  should  be  agreed  on,  in  London,  it  should 
be  one  of  the  conditions  of  the  Convention,  that  the  Prest.'s  rati 
fication  should  be  postponed  here,  till  Maine  had  given  her  con 
sent;  &  that  her  Majesty's  ratification  should  be  postponed  till 
ratification  should  be  made  in  U.  S. 

9.  To  the  suggestion  that  this  Territory  cannot  be  (which 
suggestion  should  only  be  made  in  informal  conversation)   of 
much  importance  to  Great  Britain,  her  negotiators  would  doubt 
less  reply,  that,  if  so,  neither  could  it  be  of  much  importance  to 
the  U.  S. —     This  would  furnish  a  suitable  opportunity  to  ex 
plain  the  nature  of  our  political  Institutions,  the  limited  author 
ity  of  the  Genl  Govt,  the  natural  tenacity  with  which  a  State 
clings  to  what  it  considers  its  rights  of  soil  &c ;  &  to  suggest  that 
for  these  &  similar  reasons,  the  desire  for  peace,  which  is  really 
felt  by  the  Cabinet  of  W.  ought  not  to  be  measured  precisely  by 
what  it  feels  itself  authorized  to  propose,  &c  &c. 

10.  In  the  informal  conversation  which  may  take  place,  sug 
gest  &  urge  strongly  the  great  expense,  &  perhaps  the  serious 
difficulty,  to  both  Government,  of  preserving  quiet,  along  the 
whole  line  of  frontier,  thro'  another  Winter,  if  this  controversy 
be  not  settled,  or  some  progress  made  in  its  adjustment. 

11.  If  a  Conventional  line  cannot  be  agreed  on,  propose  a 
joint  commission  of  survey.  &c.  of  two  Comms.  on  a  side,  who  if 
they  can   agree,   shall   ascertain   the   Treaty   line,   &   mark   it, 
definitely.     But  this  to  be  without  an  umpirage. 

12.  If  this  be  not  agreed,  propose,  that  each  party  shall,  by 


218  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

itself,  appoint  a  Commissioner  of  Survey,  to  ascertain  the  fact, 
whether  the  treaty  line  can  be  ascertained,  or  not ;  that  these  Com 
missioners  shall  act  separately ;  that  they  shall  perform  the  duty, 
as  early  as  possible,  that  each  Commission  report  to  its  own  Gov 
ernment,  &  copies  to  be  interchanged,  the  reports  to  be  made  by 

next,  &  the  negotiation,  mean  while,  adjourned,  & 

transferred  to  Washington.  I  suppose  however,  that  if  this 
course  were  agreed  to,  the  survey  could  not  be  accomplished,  the 
ensuing  summer;  as  the  British  ministry  will  probably  be  very 
much  engaged  until  the  close  of  the  session  of  Parliament,  which 
will  probably  not  terminate  before  August;  &  it  may  [be]  doubt 
ful  whether,  earlier  than  that,  any  thing  could  be  agreed  on. 

If  nothing  else  can  be  done,  another  reference,  or  a  joint  Com 
mission  with  an  umpirage,  is  to  be  thought  of.  This  however, 
to  be  the  last  resort,  unless  U.  S.  Govt.  be  already  committed  on 
the  point. 

13.  Finally,  that  if  an  agreement  cannot  be  arrived  at,  in  some 
of  these  modes,  or  in  some  other  which  may  be  suggested,  the 
negotiation  to  be  broken  off,  with  an  expression  of  deep  regret, 
&  an  intimation  that  the  Govt.  of  the  U.  S.  fully  believing  in 
the  easy  practical  ascertainment  of  the  Treaty  Bound'ry,  will 
cause  a  careful  &  accurate  survey  to  be  made,  by  a  Commission  of 
high  character,  appointed  by  itself,  &  acting  with  authority  to 
explore  the  country,  &  following  the  terms  of  the  treaty  ascer 
tain  the  Boundry  under  oath ;  that  in  the  spirit  of  amity,  it  will 
communicate  the  result  of  this  survey  to  the  British  Govt,  ex 
pressing,  at  the  same  time,  its  own  sense,  of  what  the  case,  as  it 
shall  then  be  presented,  shall  demand. — 


(From  Lewis  Cass.1 ) 

PARIS  23d  June,  1839. 
My  Dear  Sir — 

I  perceive  by  the  papers  you  are  in  England,  and  I  suppose 
you  will  take  a  good  look  at  your  fatherland  before  you  extend 
your  journey  further.  But  I  trust  you  intend  to  visit  France, 

1  Lewis  Cass  was  then  the  American  Minister  at  Paris,  and  this  is  his  letter 
to  Webster  in  London.  The  letter  was  taken  from  a  newspaper  clipping  in 
the  possession  of  C.  E.  Bliss,  of  Bangor,  Me.  The  editor  has,  however,  seen 
the  original  in  the  collection  of  C.  P.  Greenough,  of  Boston. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  219 

and  I  write  to  say  that  I  shall  be  happy  to  see  you  here  and  con 
tribute  to  make  your  residence  agreeable.  There  is  much  to 
interest  you  in  Paris,  and  I  will  play  guide  for  you.  I  am  sure 
you  will  not  regret  the  little  time  which  a  brief  tour  through 
France  will  cost  you.  Mr.  Fish,  who  has  promised  to  send  you 
this  letter,  is  an  American  clergyman.  I  am  happy  to  introduce 
him  to  you,  for  he  has  high  qualities,  moral  and  mental,  and  is 
the  most  eloquent  man  I  ever  heard  in  the  pulpit.  Mrs.  Cass 
joins  me  in  the  tender  of  respectful  regards  to  Mr.  Webster,  and 
with  the  hope  that  we  shall  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  him  in 
Paris. 

With  sincere  regards  I  am,  dear  sir,  truly  yours. 

LEW  CASS.1 


(From  Charles  Sumner.) 

ROME,  June  24,  1839. 

Allow  me  to  give  you  joy  on  this  occasion  and  to  say  how 
happy  I  am  as  an  American  to  know  that  you  are  in  England. 
It  has  happened  to  me  to  see  English  society  quite  widely  and  to 
enjoy  in  no  moderate  measure  that  hospitality  which  it  under 
stands  so  well.  I  can  truly  say  that  your  distinguished  name 
has  gone  before  you,  and  that  you  will  find  large  numbers  of  the 
best  people  who  will  be  anxious  to  make  your  acquaintance.2 
Lord  Lansdowne  and  Holland  inquire  of  me  about  you  with  great 
interest.  Lord  Fitzwilliam  has  the  first  volume  of  your  speeches 
in  his  library  and  he  told  me  with  what  pleasure  he  had  read  your 
discourse  at  Plymouth.  *  *  *  Renewing  my  salutations 
and  wishing  you  great  jey  in  Europe,  I  am,  my  dear  sir,  Very 
faithfully  yours, 

CHARLES  SUMNEB,. 

1  See   Daniel   Webster   to   S.   Jaudon,    dated  "1839,"    among    "Personal 
Finance"  letters. 

2  Daniel  Webster  to  Edw.  Curtis,  Liverpool,  June  3,  1839;  Daniel  Webster 
to  I.  P.  Davis,  London,  June  24,  1839;  Daniel  Webster  to  Hiram  Ketchum, 
London,  July  23,  1839;  Memorandum,  London,  July  30,  1839;  Daniel  Webster 
to  Ticknor,  Lowther  Castle,  Aug.  21,  1839;  Daniel  Webster  to  Mrs.  Lindsley, 
Scotland,  Sept.  6,  1839.     The  above  letters,  describing  the  visit  to  England, 
may  be  found  in  "  Private  Correspondence  of  Daniel  Webster,"  vol.  ii,  pp.  46, 
50,  58,  60,  63,  67. 


220  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Judge  Wilkinson* ) 

LONDON,  July  4,  1839. 
My  dear  Sir : 

I  have  had  the  pleasure  since  I  came  to  England  to  make  the 
acquaintance  of  Mr.  Sandback,  of  the  House  of  Sandback,  Tinne 
&  Co.  of  Liverpool.     These  Gentlemen  are  connected  with  the 
Colony  of  Demarara  and  are  desirous  of  knowing  if  free  black 
labor  could  probably  be  obtained  in  the  U.  S.  and  be  employed  in 
that  Colony.     I  have  ventured  to  refer  Mr.  Sand(b)ack  to  you. 
He  will  write  you  at  length  upon  the  subject,  and  I  need  only 
add  that  he  is  a  gentleman  of  character  and  reputation. 
I  am,  Dear  Sir,  With  much  regard  yours 

DANL  WEBSTER. 


(Memorandum.2) 

[LONDON.]  Wednesday,  July  10.  [1839] 

We  all  breakfasted  at  Mr.  Lockhart's. 

Present,  beside  ourselves,  Mrs.  Rogers  &  the  two  Miss  Alex 
ander's.  Mrs.  Millman  &  her  sister.  Lord  Ashley,  Lord  Mahon, 
Sir  Henry  Ellis  &  Rev.  Mr.  Millman,  Prebend  of  Westminster. 

2.  Dined  at  Lord  Brougham's  with  Lord  Wharncliff  Lord 
Stuart  De  Rothay.  Lord  Nagert.  (etc)  Lord  Chief  Justice  Tin- 
dall.  Sir  Arthur  Paget.  Mr.  Leader,  M.  P.  F.  B.  Kerr,  Law  Com 
missioner.  Basil  Montagu.  The  Atty.  Genl.  Baron  Dashe.  Mr. 
Eden.  Mr.  Shafts. 

In  the  Even'g,  we  all  went  to  a  concert  at  Prince  Esterhazy's — 
where  were  assembled  the  general  society  of  London. 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  the  Hon.  Geo.  F.  Hoar.     The  letter  is  written  to 
the  agent  of  the  American  Colonization  Society,  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

2  In  Webster's  handwriting.     Among  his  papers  there  are  several  spasmodic 
efforts  to  keep  a  diary  of  his  experiences  abroad.     The  original  of  this  is  the 
property  of  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York.     During  his  visit  Webster  made 
the  acquaintance  of  Coleridge,  Wordsworth,  H.    C.  Robinson,  Duer,  Sir  Chas. 
Fellows,  Count  Montalembert  and  many  other  distinguished   persons.      See 
Curtis'  Life  of  Webster,  vol.  ii,  pp.  8,  89,  125.     There  are  among  Mr.  Green  - 
ough's  papers  letters  from  Thos.  Hodgkin.  Wm.  Vaughn,  W.  F.  Webster,  J. 
Devereaux,  J.  Alexander.  A.  Stevenson  and  John  Miller,   eminent   English- 
men,  who  wrote  him  invitations,  etc.,  during  this  visit. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  221 

(To  Nathaniel  (?)  Coffin.1) 

MARSHFIELD  Saturday  morn'g  [1840?] 
Dr  Sir 

I  was  called  from  my  office  suddenly,  yesterday  before  I  had  an 
opportunity  of  saying  one  or  two  things  to  you. 

I  hope  you  are  all  impressed  with  the  importance  of  preparing 
Resolutions,  for  Worcester  with  care. 

It  is  a  crisis ;  &  it  calls  loud  for  both  decision  &  prudence.  Can 
you  send  me  a  copy  of  Mr  John  Van  Buren's  speech,  at  F.  Hall. 

Yrs     D.  WEBSTER 

(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

SALISBURY  [Illinois]  Mar.  16th,  1840. 
My  dear  Father 

*  *  *  2  I  have  made  a  short  trip  among  the  Tuckers — 
Harrison  goes  pretty  well, — but  the  ignorant  &  obstinate  Penn- 
sylvanians  with  whom  the  Country  abounds  call  the  Whigs  Fed 
erals  &  join  Harrison  with  them;  and  it  is  difficult  to  teach  them 
their  error  in  the  latter  respect,  and  impossible  to  correct  their 
dogheaded  prejudices  in  the  other —  Still  I  think  he  will  carry 
the  state.  We  have  a  meeting  tonight  in  Peru  &  I  am  to  make 
an  address.  *  *  * 2 

Your  affectionate  son, 

D.  F.  WEBSTER 

(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

MAY  24,  [1840]. 
Dr  Sir 

The  salmon  arrived  safe,  &  was  good,  but  it  did  not  get  here 
till  Saturday,  instead  of  Wednesday  or  Thursday.  These  trans 
port  cars  cannot  be  trusted.  If  I  try  again,  the  box  must  be 
put  into  the  passenger  train,  under  the  care  of  somebody,  who 
can  b'g  it  right  on.  When  salmon  gets  down  to  25  d's,  if  Mr. 
Appleton  could  get  me  one  quite  fresh,  especially  a  Merrimac 
River  one,  &  could  sent  it  with  despatch — I  should  like  it — all 
which  you  may  say  to  him. 

1  This  letter  belongs  to  the  Pennsylvania  Hist.  Soc. 
*  Minor  family  matters  omitted. 


LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

We  shall  probably  pass  the  Bankrupt  Bill  thro  the  Senate — 
voluntary  only — &  without  including  the  Banks —  Look  out 
for  my  little  speech1  in  the  Nat. -Int.  of  Wednesday. 

Yrs.     D.  WEBSTER 

Mrs.  Webster  sends  her  love. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

My  Dear  Son  WASHINGTON  May  31,  1840. 

I  have  reed  your  letter  of  the  18th  of  this  month,  &  also  Caro 
line's,  enclosi'g  one  to  her  father.  I  am  glad  to  see  that  the 
Whigs  are  stirring,  in  your  quarter.  Your  Senators,  I  believe 
are  confident  that  the  vote  of  the  state  will  be  given  to  Mr.  Van 
Buren,  but  Mr.  Stuart  thinks  otherwise.  Our  intelligence  is  en 
couraging,  from  all  quarters,  &  I  have  no  doubt,  or  very  little,  at 
present,  that  Genl.  Harrison  will  be  elected. 

You  seem  to  be  hesitating  about  comi'g  East.  No  doubt,  it 
is  a  subject  demandi'g  due  considerations.  You  seem  also  to 
think  that  you  prefer  Peru  to  any  place  East,  except  N  York  or 
Washington.  I  believe  you  can  get  along  in  N.  York,  but  there 
is  not  a  very  extensive  field  of  local  practice,  in  Washington.  It 
is,  however,  a  good  spot  for  practice  in  the  Supreme  Court,  &  1 
believe  money  is  occasionally  made  by  attention  to  claims  pend'g 
before  Congress.  But  for  political  objects,  neither  N.  Y.  or 
Washington  is  so  good  as  Boston,  or  Lowell.  In  either  of  these 
last,  you  would  go  immediately  into  the  State  Legislature,  &  have 
a  chance  to  show  yourself.  And  in  either  of  them,  you  would  by 
diligence  &  hard  labor  get  along.  Middlesex  is  not  full  of  talent, 
&  I  should  esteem  Lowell  quite  a  good  place,  for  a  promising  & 
resolute  young  man. 

Perhaps  you  will  not  find  yourself  ready  or  able  to  make  up 
your  mind,  definitely,  until  I  see  you.  Much  ought  to  depend 
on  what  you  think  of  the  healthfulness  of  Peru.  My  property 
in  the  west  will  want  attention  from  somebody,  &  since  Ray's 
death  I  have  thought  of  no  way  but  of  putt'g  it  with  your  man 
agement.  At  any  rate,  I  must  see  you,  in  the  course  of  the  sea 
son,  &  we  must  settle  upon  someth'g.  If  you  could  send  your 
family  East,  at  the  same  or  as  little  expense  as  you  can  send 

1  Refers,  no  doubt,  to  the  speech  in  the  Senate,  May  18.  1810,  on  the  proposed 
amendment  to  the  bill  establishing  a  uniform  system  of  bankruptcy.  See 
Works  of  Daniel  Webster,  vol.  v,  p.  3. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  223 

them,  &  support  them,  at  the  North,  we  will  find  a  corner  for 
them  at  Marshfield  till  autumn.  I  do  not  know  the  arrangement 
of  your  courts,  &  therefore  cannot  say  when  you  yourself  can 
best  leave  home.  Many  things  depend  on  the  result  of  the  en 
suing  election.  If  that  should  go  against  us,  I  should  know 
pretty  well  what  to  do  myself,  &  what  to  recommend  you  to  do. 
If  it  should  go  for  us,  different  questions  would  come.  I  hope 
you  will  think  of  all  these  things,  &  write  to  me  often. 

Yours  affectionately 

DANL,  WEBSTER 

Is  there  any  other  place  in  the  West,  where  you  think  you  can 
do  better  than  in  Peru? 


(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

My  dear  Father,  PEBU>  [m-]  June  30th>  184°- 

*  *  *  I  made  a  pretty  good  speech  at  Rocksport  and  a 
very  good  one,  for  me,  at  St.  Louis.  *  *  * 

P.  S.  What  can  I  say,  my  dear  Father,  to  your  letter  of 
June  13th,  in  which  you  speak  of  the  letter  reed  by  Mr.  Clay? 
The  applause  was  given  to  the  son  not  the  individual  or  his 
speaking —  So  it  was  in  Missouri ;  whenever  I  appeared  to  speak 
they  cheered  your  name.  I  did  my  best  but  it  would  be  too  com 
plimentary  to  say  of  me 

"Sequiturque  patrem  non  passibus  acquis."  it  was  a  "non 
sequitur"  at  all.  D.  F.  W. 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

WILMINGTON  Thursday  mor'g  Oct.  1,  [1840]  8  o'clock. 
Dear  Caroline 

I  arrived  here  last  night,  and  as  I  intend  leav'g  for  Baltimore 
this  P.  M.  shall  have  no  moment  but  this  to  write  you  a  line. 
Mr.  Bayard  &  family  reed  me  with  all  kindness.  F.  is  with  me, 
at  least  as  far  as  W. —  My  cold  is  a  good  deal  better,  tho'  I  feel 
sore  from  my  effort  in  speaking  in  N.  Y.1 —  I  shall  have  little 
to  say  here  today,  &  as  the  weather  is  fine  hope  I  shall  not  suffer. 

Yrs     D.  WEBSTER. 

I  expect  to  find  letters  tomorrow  mor'g  at  Washington. 

1  Refers  probably  to  the  speech  in  Wall  Street,  Sept.  28,  1840.  See  Works 
of  Daniel  Webster,  vol.  ii,  p.  58. 


LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 
(To  Geo.  W.  Nesmith.1) 

FBANKMN  Oct.  25  [1840]  Monday— 
My  dear  Sir. 

It  is  with  unfeigned  disappointment  &  grief,  that  I  find  myself 
unable  to  attend  your  meeting  today.  The  state  of  my  health 
absolutely  confines  me  to  my  room.2 

I  was  not  only  willing,  but  anxious,  to  close  my  efforts  in  the 
great  contest  now  going  on  by  an  Address  to  the  citizens  of  my 
native  town  &  of  the  towns  in  its  vicinity.  But  Providence  has 
ordered  it  otherwise. 

I  confess,  my  dear  Sir,  I  feel  an  interest  in  the  result  of  the 
election  in  New  Hampshire,  far  beyond  the  importance  of  her 
electoral  votes.  Those  votes,  indeed,  cannot  affect  the  result. 
The  question  is  already  substantially  &  fully  settled.  Genl.  Har 
rison  will  be  elected  by  a  majority  never  witnessed  before,  in  any 
contested  election  for  the  Presidency.  I  have  lately  passed 
through  many  of  the  Atlantic  States;  I  have  information  from 
other  states,  as  correct,  perhaps,  as  that  of  any  other  gentle 
man. —  And  my  opinion  is,  that,  if  New  Hampshire  chuses  to 
stand  out  and  refuse  her  vote  to  Gen.  Harrison,  among  all  the  old 
Thirteen  States,  that  accomplished  the  Revolution,  she  will  find 
but  one  state  by  her  side ;  and  that  is  the  state  of  South  Carolina. 
Some  believe  that  Pennsylvania  may  be  an  exception  to  this  re 
mark  ;  I  do  not  think  so.  But,  if  it  should  turn  out  to  be  the  case, 
it  cannot  possibly  affect  the  result.  And,  then,  look  to  the  West, 
to  the  majorities  in  Indiana  in  Kentucky,  &  now  the  overwhelm 
ing  majority  in  Ohio.  No  intelligent  and  candid  man  can  doubt 
or  deny,  that  the  whole  country  is  going,  as  by  one  consent,  for 
Genl.  Harrison.  It  is  not,  therefore,  for  the  cause,  but  for  the 
State  itself,  that  I  feel  so  anxious  for  the  result  of  the  approach 
ing  election  in  New  Hampshire.  Genl.  Harrison,  &  all  his 
friends,  have  been  treated,  in  this  state,  by  the  Administration 
Press,  and  administration  orators,  with  more  calumny,  slander,  & 
wilful  &  wicked  falsehood,  than  in  any  other  part  of  the  Coun 
try.  The  whole  country  sees  this, — and  cries  out,  "foul  Shame 
upon  such  miserable  detractors ! "  But  suppose  all  this  should 
succeed,  what  would  be  the  consequences?  It  would  only  be  to 
place  New  Hampshire  in  an  attitude  of  angry,  bitter  personal 

1  Of  Salisbury,  N.  H. 

8  See  the  letter  of  Daniel  Webster  to  Mrs.  Webster,  Oct.  26,  1840,  where 
this  is  further  explained. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN 

opposition  to  the  new  President.  It  would  only  be,  on  this  ac 
count,  to  expose  herself,  further,  to  the  disapprobation  &  re 
proach  of  the  Country.  It  was  my  intention,  on  this  &  on  other 
topics  to  address  my  fellow  citizens  today.  I  had  hoped  that 
some  of  the  honest  farmers  of  the  vicinity,  who  have  hitherto 
supported  the  measures  of  the  Administration,  would  do  me  the 
honor  to  attend.  And,  if  any  such  should  be  present,  when  this 
letter  shall  be  read,  I  pray  them  to  pause,  to  reflect  &  to  con 
sider;  I  would  ask  them,  what  desirable  object,  if  they  could 
secure  Mr  Van  Buren's  reelection,  they  propose  to  themselves! 
But  then,  that  is  impossible.  He  cannot  be  reelected.  And, 
therefore,  I  would  ask  them,  with  still  greater  fervor  &  earnest 
ness,  what  possible  advantage  they  propose  to  the  State  by  plac 
ing  it  in  opposition  to  the  New  Administration ! 

My  dear  Sir,  I  am  wearied  even  with  the  effort  of  dictating  this 
short  letter.  My  best  wishes  will  be  with  you;  and  with  those 
eminent  townsmen  of  yours,  who  are  to  address  you  today.  I 
am  distressed  in  not  being  able  to  hear  them,  and  to  join  them,  in 
as  fervent  an  exhortation  to  the  people  who  may  be  assembled, 
as  it  might  be  in  my  power  to  make.  May  Heaven  prosper  our 
State ;  and  enable  her  citizens,  one  and  all,  to  see  their  own  best 
interests. 

Yours  truly 

DANIEL  WEBSTEE 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

CLAREMONT,  [N.  H.]  (8  O'clock.)  Oct.  22,  '40. 
Dear  Caroline. 

I  came  here  yesterday,  in  the  rain,  &  found  the  town  overflow 
ing  with  people.  There  was  a  large  meeting  in  the  Eve' ;  but  it 
was  in  the  church.  I  remain  pretty  well;  quite  as  much  so,  as 
when  I  left  home.  This  mor'g  I  go  to  Hanover  by  way  of 
Windsor,  &  to  Oxford  this  Eve'g.1 

I  am  now  at  Mr.  Brighams,  where  I  have  rec'd  the  kindest  re 
ception  ;  &  am  off  in  5  minutes. 

Yrs  truly 

D.  WEBSTER. 

1  Webster  was  making  a  campaign  tour  in  the  interest  of  Harrison.     See  his 
letters  to  Mrs.  Webster,  dated  Oct.  26,  Oct.  2T  and  Oct.  28,  1840. 


226  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(THE  NEXT  SENATE.1) 

[Dec.  3.  1840.] 

We  have  seen  in  several  of  the  Papers  calculations  of  the 
strength  of  the  respective  parties,  in  the  next  Senate.  None  of 
these  agree  exactly  with  our  own  estimate.  To  us  it  appears 
likely  that  parties  will  stand,  in  that  body  after  the  third  of 
March  thus : 


Whigs 

Maine    ..............  1 

Mass  ................  2 

R.  1  .................  2 

Vermont  .............  2 

Con't  ...............  2 

N.  York  .............  1 

N.  Jersey  ............  2 

Delaware  ............  2 

Maryland    ...........  2 

Virginia  .............  2 

N.  Carolina  .....  .....  2 

Georgia  .............  1 

Louisiana  ............  1 

Mississippi  ...........  1 

Tennessee  ............  1 

Kentucky  ............  2 

Indiana   .............  2 

Michigan  ............  2 

South  Carolina  .......  1 


Tories 

Maine   1 

N.  Hamp 2 

N.  Y 1 

Pennsylvania 2 

Georgia 1 

Alabama    2 

Louisiana 1 

Arkansas    2 

Missouri 2 

Illinois   2 

South  Carolina 1 

Ohio 2 

Mississippi 1 

Tennessee 1 

21 


thus  giv'g  a  majority  of  10  —  to  the  Whigs. 

We  believe  the  Legislature  of  Tennessee  does  not  assemble  till 
Deer,  of  next  year;  so  that  after  the  3rd  of  March  —  next,  one 
seat  of  that  State  may  be  vacant,  till  the  ensu'g  Session  of  the 
Legislature. 

Mr.  Williams  of  Maine,  Mr.  Wright  of  New  York,  Messrs. 
Buchanan  &  Sturgeon  of  Penna  ;  Mr  Lumpkin  of  Georgia,  Mr. 
Mouton  of  Louisiana,  Mr.  Walker  of  Mississippi,  Mr.  Allen  & 


1  This  paper,  in  Webster's  own  hand,  was  not  dated,  but  from  internal  evi 
dence  is  doubtless  as  given.     See  Miles'  Register,  vol.  lix,  p.  217. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN 

Mr.  Tappan  of  Ohio1  &,  very  possibly,  two  members  from  Illi 
nois,  will  be  Tory  Senators  sitt'g  for  Whig  States.  And  it  is 
possible,  indeed  that  the  two  Alabama  Gentlemen  may  be  in  the 
same  predicament.  How  they  will  deport  themselves,  under  these 
circumstances,  remain.  They  are,  we  believe  all  of  them,  great 
sticklers  for  the  right  of  instruction.  To  some  of  them,  we 
doubt  not,  the  benefit  of  inclination  will  be  communicated,  in  full 
measure. 

We  think  of  no  Whig  Senator  who  will  be  found  opposed  in 
sentiment,  to  the  State  he  represents,  unless  perhaps  Mr.  Preston2 
may  come  within  this  predicament.  How  this  may  be,  we  shall 
see,  when  we  know  how  S.  Carolina  disposed  of  her  electoral  vote, 
the  day  before  yesterday.  Her  other  Senator,  Mr.  Calhoun,  has 
been  at  great  pains,  at  divers  times,  to  "define  his  position."  On 
this  occasion,  we  take  it  for  granted,  he  will  assist  the  State  to 
define  hers as  to  his  own  position,  the  worthy  Gentle 
man  may  give  himself  no  further  trouble.  That  needs  no  defini 
tion  by  him,  now.  His  own  acts,  &  events,  have  defined  it  quite 
clearly.  Noth'g  can  be  said  of  it,  but  that  it  is  absolutely 
ludicrous.  We  should  think  it  probable  a  general  smile  would 
pervade  the  Senate  &  the  galleries,  when  he  shall  walk  in,  to  take 
his  seat.  Never  was  there  an  instance,  in  which  political  crook 
edness  met  with  a  more  sudden  &  awful  retribution. 


(To  Theophilus  Parsons.2) 

WASHINGTON  Jan.  28.  1841. 
My  Dear  Sir 

There  can  be  no  objection  to  any  temperate,  tho'  firm,  ex 
pression  of  opinion,  by  our  Legislature,  on  this  Boundary  ques 
tion.3  Yet,  it  behooves  us  to  consider  what  the  present  state  of 
the  subject  is. 

By  the  treaty  of  Ghent,  it  was  admitted  &  acknowledged,  that 
the  question  of  the  N.  E.  Boundary,  was  a  question,  on  which 

1  Reuel  Williams,  Silas  Wright,  James  Buchanan,  Daniel  Sturgeon,  Wilson 
Lumpkins,  Alex.  Mouton,  Robt.  J.  Walker,  William  Allen,  Benjamin  Tappan, 
Wm.  C.  Preston. 

2  A  Boston  member  of  the  Massachusetts  House  of  Representatives.     Web 
ster  had  been   asked  (Dec.   1,   1840)   to  become   Secretary  of  State   under 
Harrison. 

3  Such  a  resolve  was  approved  by  the  Governor,  March  13,  1841.     See  Massa 
chusetts  Acts  and  Resolves,  1839-49,  p.  420. 


228  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

the  two  Governments  might  not  agree ;  &  it  was  stipulated,  in  the 
treaty,  that  in  that  event,  the  question  should  be  made  matter  of 
arbitration,  by  a  friendly  Power. —  an  arbitration  was  had — 
the  arbitration  decided — but  his  decision  satisfied  neither  party, 
&  both  rejected  it.  The  parties,  then,  as  it  seemed,  were  referred 
back  to  the  stipulation  in  the  treaty,  &  were  to  try  another  arbi 
tration.  A  negotiation,  preparatory  to  such  other  arbitration, 
is  now  in  progress  between  the  two  Governments,  but  has  not,  as 
yet,  terminated  in  a  Convention.  This  is  the  actual  state  of 
thi'gs. 

It  might  have  been  better  to  have  avoided  the  necessity  of  this 
second  arbitration,  &  to  have  proposed  a  line  by  compromise. 
In  my  opinion,  that  might  well  have  been  thought  of.  But  no 
such  attempt  was  made,  on  either  side.  The  negotiation  for  ex 
planation,  arbitration,  &c  must  go  on,  unless  something  shall 
occur  to  break  it  off  till  a  convention  is  concluded. 

The  real  ground  of  complaint  is  the  dilatoriness  of  the  pro 
ceedings,  &  the  consequent  postponement  of  the  final  adjustment. 
On  this  point,  a  Resolution,  in  proper  terms,  but  with  a  firm  tone, 
might  be  useful,  &  certainly  would  be  proper. 

I  do  not  see,  therefore,  on  the  whole,  that  the  proposed  Reso 
lutions  can  do  more,  than, 

1st.  To  express  a  strong  sense  of  the  right  of  our  side  of  the 
case;  &  2d 

2.  To  complain  of  delay,  &  urge  the  high  importance  of 
hasten'g  the  negotiation  to  its  close. 

I  have  not  yet  seen  the  Governor's  message,  but  you  will  per 
ceive,  by  what  I  have  written,  that  I  concur  in  the  views  which 
you  express.  We  must  avoid  alarm' g  the  country  with  the  fear 
of  rupture,  at  the  same  time  that  we  assert  our  rights  finally, 
express  proper  confidence  in  our  own  Govt. — &  urge  the  impor 
tance  of  an  early  settlement  of  the  dispute — 

Yrs  with  great  regard, 

[D.  WEBSTER]1 

(From  Chas.  Francis  Adams.) 

BOSTON,  January  26,  1841 
Dear  Sir: 
A  few  days  since  Governor  Davis  when  transmitting  to  the 

1  This  copy  is  taken  from  the  original  draft  of  the  letter. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  229 

Legislature  the  resolutions  of  the  States  of  Maine  and  Indiana 
upon  the  question  of  the  boundary,  took  occasion  to  comment 
upon  that  subject  in  such  a  manner  as  to  lead  many  members 
to  suppose  that  some  very  formal  reply  was  proper  and  ought 
to  be  made. 

The  Message  was  in  the  first  instance  referred  to  the  Joint 
Standing  Committee  on  the  public  lands  of  which  Mr.  Kinsman 
and  I  are  members,  but  yesterday  it  was  taken  from  them  on  the 
ground  that  a  larger  and  a  special  Committee  was  more  suitable 
to  the  importance  of  the  case,  upon  which  Mr.  Parsons  and  three 
others  in  the  Senate  with  myself  and  a  proportionate  number  of 
the  House  are  placed.  And  Mr.  Parsons  insists  upon  making 
me  responsible  for  a  report. 

Perhaps  it  is  as  well  to  say  that  in  the  whole  business  my  name 
has  appeared  without  the  slightest  agency  direct  or  indirect  of 
my  own.  But  if  it  should  so  happen  that  I  must  be  responsible 
for  the  action  proposed  to  the  Legislature,  it  is  very  desirable 
to  me  that  I  should  be  informed  of  the  opinions  of  those  who 
have  heretofore  guided  the  policy  of  the  State  and  who  are  for 
the  future  to  guide  that  of  the  Nation.  It  is  generally  under 
stood  that  the  foreign  affairs  are  to  be  in  your  hands  under  the 
next  Administration.  Now  it  is  not  my  wish  to  do  any  act 
which  should  have  the  slightest  effect  to  embarrass  you  in  your 
future  management  of  the  Negotiation.  Neither  is  it  my  desire 
to  assume  on  the  part  of  the  State  any  extreme  position  beyond 
what  may  be  contained  in  stating  the  general  principle  involved. 
In  such  cases,  I  am  well  aware  of  the  importance  of  proceeding 
with  caution  and  deliberation.  And  it  is  for  this  reason  alone 
that  I  have  ventured  to  intrude  upon  your  attention. 

Should  you  have  any  suggestions  to  make  either  as  to  the 
nature  and  extent  of  the  report  itself  or  as  to  the  character  of 
the  resolutions  to  be  proposed,  it  would  give  me  pleasure  to  re 
ceive  them — and  even  if  I  should  not  be  charged  with  the  duty, 
which  is  not  yet  certain  although  probable,  (the  Committee  not 
having  been  assembled  as  yet)  I  will  take  care  that  the  person 
who  does  it  shall  have  the  benefit  of  them  without  loss  of  time. 

I  will  only  add,  that  I  have  also  written  to  my  father  on  this 
subject, 

I  am  Sir,  With  respect,  Yours,  etc,  etc, 

(CHARLES  F.  ADAMS) 


230  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  C.  F.  Adams.) 

WASHINGTON,  Jan.  30,  1841 
My  dear  Sir: 

I  have  rec'd  your  letter  of  the  26th,  &  am  happy  to  find  that 
the  important  &  delicate  business  of  the  Boundary  falls  into  the 
hands  of  an  able  &  discreet  Committee.  In  answer  to  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Parsons,  I  wrote  him  yesterday,  stating  my  general 
views  on  the  subject,  &  as  he  is  with  you  on  the  Committee  he 
will  doubtless  communicate  the  letter  to  you. 

I  cannot  say  that  I  think  the  business  is  in  a  very  promising 
train.  The  two  Governments  have  agreed  to  enter  into  a  negoti 
ation,  as  you  know,  for  a  joint  Commission,  but  this  negotiation, 
so  far  as  I  can  learn,  makes  very  slow  progress.  It  must,  never 
theless,  go  on,  as  a  manner  of  settlement  already  agreed  to,  & 
all  due  pains  should  be  taken  to  hasten  it. 

As  suggested  in  my  letter  to  Mr.  Parsons,  I  see  little  more  to 
be  done  by  the  Legislature  at  present,  than  to  make  a  firm  & 
temperate  expression  of  its  settled  opinion  in  favor  of  the  right 
of  our  side,  &  rather  a  warm  &  urgent  remonstrance  against  all 
unnecessary  delay  in  bringing  this  dispute  to  a  close. 

I  do  not  look  for  any  further  communication  on  the  subject 
from  the  President  at  this  session. 

When  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Parsons,  I  had  not  seen  Gov.  Davis's 
message.  I  now  find,  that  he  has  referred  to  the  report  of  the 
British  Commissioners,  a  paper,  very  bad  in  its  spirit,  &  shallow 
&  miserable  in  its  reasoning.  There  can  be  no  harm,  probably, 
in  your  giving  that,  in  a  report,  such  a  Review  as  it  deserves; 
but  I  recommend  that  the  direct  proceedings  of  the  Legislature, 
by  way  of  Resolution,  be  confined  to  the  two  points  above  men 
tioned. 

I  am,  Dear  Sir,1  With  much  true  regard,  Yours 

DAN'L  WEBSTER 

(To  John  Davis.) 

WASHINGTON,  Feb  10.  1841 
Sir: 

Events  being  likely  to  take  place,  which  will  necessarily  cause 
my  retirement  from  the  Senate,  I  have  thought  it  proper  that  I 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Charles  Francis  Adams. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  231 

should  anticipate  their  actual  occurrence,  for  the  purpose  of  en 
abling  the  Legislature  to  fill  the  place,  should  such  be  its  pleas 
ure,  during  its  present  session.1  *  *  * 


(From  John  Tyler.) 

TUESDAY.  [1841] 
Dear  Sir — 

*  *  *  I  can  no  longer  tolerate  the  Intelligencer  as  the 
official  paper.  Besides  assaulting  me  perpetually,  directly  and 
indirectly,  it  refuses  all  defensive  articles,  as  appears  by  the 
Madisonian  of  Saturday.  There  is  a  point  beyond  which  one's 
patience  cannot  endure.2  Most  truly  yours, 

J.  TYLEE. 


(To  Wm.  H.  Seward.) 

Private. 

DEPARTMENT  OF  STATE,  WASHINGTON,  March  17th  1841. 
My  dear  Sir: 

The  President  has  learned,  not  directly,  but  by  means  of  a  let 
ter  from  a  friend,  that  you  had  expressed  a  disposition  to  direct 
a  nolle  prosequi  in  the  case  of  the  Indictment  against  McLeod,3 
on  being  informed,  by  this  Government,  that  the  British  Govern 
ment  had  officially  avowed  the  attack  on  the  Caroline  as  an  act 
done  by  its  own  authority. 

The  President  directs  me  to  express  his  thanks  for  the  prompti 
tude  with  which  you  appear  disposed  to  perform  an  act,  which  he 
supposes  proper  for  the  occasion,  and  which  is  calculated  to  re 
lieve  this  Government  from  embarrassments  and  the  Country 
from  some  dangers  of  collision  with  a  foreign  power. 

1  The  remainder  of  this  merely  formal  letter  to  John  Davis,  the  Governor  of 
Massachusetts,  may  be  found  in  the  Washington  newspaper,  the  Madisonian, 
vol.  iv.  No.  63,  Feb.  23,  1841.     Webster  entered  on  his  duties  as  Secretary  of 
State  March  4,  1841. 

2  This  letter  was  taken  from  a  newspaper  clipping  in  the  possession  of  C.  E. 
Bliss,  of  Bangor,  Me.     The  editor  has,  however,  seen  the  original  in  the  collec- 
lection  of  C.  P.  Greenough.     Webster  was  then  Secretary  of  State. 

3  See  Schouler's  History  of  the  United  States,  vol.  iv,  p.  397.     In  a  letter  of 
Seward's  to  Webster,  dated  March  22,  1841,  Seward  positively  denied  the  least 
intention  to  enter  a  nolle  prosequi  in  the  McLeod  case. 


LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

You  will  have  seen  Mr.  Crittenden,  whom  I  take  this  occasion 
to  commend  to  your  kindest  regard. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Very  truly,  Yours 

DANL  WEBSTER1 

(From  Washington  Irving.) 

TARRYTOWN,  April  2d,  1841. 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  trust  you  will  excuse  the  liberty  I  take  in  speaking  a  word 
in  favor  of  a  gentleman  at  present  employed  in  your  department. 
Mr.  George  Washington  Montgomery.  His  father  was  once 
American  consul  at  Barcelona  and  he  himself  passed  much  of  his 
youth  in  Spain.  I  became  acquainted  with  him  in  Madrid  when 
he  rendered  me  essential  services  when  I  was  preparing  the  life 
of  Columbus.  I  found  him  a  fellow  of  most  upright,  honorable 
and  reliable  character;  a  good  scholar,  and  well  acquainted  with 
the  modern  languages.  He  writes  Spanish  correctly  and  ele 
gantly  and  has  published  works  in  that  language  which  have 
gained  him  a  reputation  in  Spain.  Mr.  Forsyth  who  knew  his 
merits  and  was  acquainted  with  his  family,  gave  him  various 
employ;  and  at  one  time  sent  him  on  a  confidential  mission  to 
Guatemala;  of  which  expedition,  on  his  return  he  published  a 
very  interesting  account.  *  *  * 

Ever  my  dear  Sir  Very  respectfully  &  faithfully  yours 

WASHINGTON  IRVING 

(To  John  Tyler.) 
Private. 

[ABOUT  JULY  1841]. 
To  the  President. 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  think  I  have  learned,  pretty  fully,  the  real  object  &  plan  of 
open  action,  of  these  "Hunter's  Lodges,"  "Patriotic  Societies," 
&c  which  are  in  existence  all  along  the  Northern  frontier,  from 
Maine  to  Wisconsin. 

1.  They  are  in  constant  correspondence  with  the  disaffected 
in  Canada ;  &  these  disaffected  persons  come  over  the  line, 
&  harrangue  them,  in  their  secret  meetings. 

1  This  letter  has  been  printed.     See  Daniel  Webster's  Works,  vol.  v,  p.  134; 
also  Daniel  Webster's  Diplomatic  and  Official  Papers,  p.  285. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  233 

2.  They  do  not  expect  to  be  able  to  invade  Canada,  with  any 

hope  of  success,  unless  War  breaks  out  between  Canada 
4*  the  United  States;  but  they  desire  that  event,  above  all 
things,  &  to  br'g  it  about  will  naturally  join  in  any  vio 
lence,  or  outbreak,  if  they  think  they  can  do  so,  with  im 
punity.  They  may  even  attempt  violence  upon  McLeod, 
should  he  be  discharged  by  the  Courts,  or  on  his  way 
from  the  Prison  to  the  place  where  the  Court  shall  be 
sitt'g. 

The  aggregate  of  the  members  of  all  these  clubs  is  probably 
not  less  than  ten  thousand.  Cleveland  is  rather  their  Head 
quarters. 

3.  If  war  breaks  out,  these  persons  do  not  propose  to  join  the 
forces  of  the  United  States,  but  to  unite  themselves  to  the  dis 
affected  in  Canada,  declare  the  Provinces  free,  &  set  up  another 
Government. 

I  am  told  that  Regimental  officers  are  already  designated,  for 
the  command  of  these  volunteers. 

That  such  as  above  described  is  the  real  state  of  thi'gs,  there 
can  be  no  doubt. 

It  is  evidently  full  of  danger,  &  I  am  quite  surprised  at  the 
apparent  ignorance,  or  supineness  of  the  Govt.  of  N.  Y.,  who 
represent,  evidently,  that  there  is  no  danger  of  any  violence — 

Our  duty,  is,  I  think,  in  the  first  place,  to  have  officers  all  along 
the  frontier,  in  whom  we  have  confidence,  &  to  let  them  under 
stand  that  there  is  danger. 

In  the  next  place,  it  becomes  us  to  take  all  possible  care  that 
no  personal  violence  be  used  on  McLeod.  If  a  mob  should  kill 
him,  war  w'd  be  inevitable,  in  ten  days.  Of  this  there  is  no 
doubt. — 

I  regret  that  the  Atty  Genl.  did  not  go  on,  &  confer  with 
McLeod's  counsel,  notwithstand'g  the  postponement  of  the  trial. 
They  appear  to  me  to  be  men  of  no  great  force,  &  who  place 
their  main  reliance  on  b'g  able  to  prove  an  alibi  for  their  clients. 
But  such  a  defence  does  not  meet  the  exigency  of  the  case,  nor 
fulfil  the  duty  of  this  Govt. 

I  must  pray  your  early  consideration  of  this  subject,  &  shall 
be  glad  of  an  opportunity  for  consideration,  &  for  tak'g  your 
direction — 

[D.  WEBSTER 's]1 

1  This  is  taken  from  the  original  draft  of  the  letter  in  Daniel  Webster's  hand. 


234  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Joshua  A.  Spencer.} 
Private. 

WASHINGTON,  July  15,  1841. 
My  Dear  Sir: 

I  have  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  12th 
instant. 

Officially,  I  have  of  course  no  advice  to  give,  on  the  subject  of 
further  proceedings  in  McLeod's  case.  But  my  private  opinion 
is  clear,  that  the  true  course  is  to  go  to  trial,  the  earliest  possible 
opportunity. 

Yours  with  regard, 

DANL  WEBSTER. 


(From  John  Tyler.) 

[JULY  20,  1841?] 
Private  files. 

I  send  you  my  Dear  Sir,  a  draft  of  such  a  message  as  I  am  in 
clined  to  send  to  the  Senate — 

Read  it — weigh  it — and  tell  me  your  views  concerning  it  freely 
fully  and  candidly — 

The  cabinet  without  reference  to  the  Envoy,  think  it  a  capital 
move,  and  for  myself  my  highest  aspiration  is  to  be  the  maker, 
under  Providence,  of  a  lasting,  &  permanent  peace — who  can  do 
this  great  work  but  yourself — 

Most  truly  Yrs 

J.  TYLER 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

WEDNESDAY  EVE'  Aug.  4.  [1841]  8  O.clock  P.  M. 
Dear  Caroline 

I  was  not  well  when  I  left  you,  this  mor'g,  &  had  a  hot  time  up. 
But  after  I  arrived,  &  got  cool,  &  dressed,  I  felt  better,  &  am 
now  pretty  well.  On  my  arrival,  I  went  immediately  to  the 
President's,  &  staid  till  3  o  clock — 

It  looks  lovely  enough,  here.  We  are  having  a  fine  shower,  & 
nobody  in  the  House  but  Fletcher  &  myself.  I  learned  no  news 
this  mor'g — not  a  word  said  about  the  Bank. —  The  H.  of  R. 
is  still  in  session,  debatg  that  subject.  In  the  Senate,  nothg 
done  but  to  consider  the  Fortification  Bill.  The  late  sitting  of 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  235 

the  House  intimates  a   disposition  to  press  the  Bank   subject 
through,  this  week. —     nothg  is  yet  heard  of  the  Delaware — 

I  have  met  with  Dr.  Lindsley.  He  says  the  City  is  very 
healthy ;  that  Capitol  Hill  is  a  healthy  place,  for  this  season ;  but 
that  if  I  cou'd  go  into  the  Country,  three  or  four  miles,  so  as  to 
come  in  &  go  out  eve'y  day,  it  would  be  better.  If  I  feel  un 
well,  I  shall  follow  his  advice. 

I  pray  you  to  see  Mr.  &  Mrs  Bates,  &  to  give  them  my  kindest 
regards.  I  have  sent  Despatches  to  Mr.  Stevenson  to  go  by 
Mr.  Bates. — 

We  miss  you  very  much — &  miss  Grace  also,  who  I  hope  is  a 
good  girl — &  we  send  her  six  kisses — not  to  say  that  we  miss 
Ann —  George  is  trying  to  find  out  about  my  things — &  to  be 
familiar  with  the  bureau — 

Nobody  has  come  in  this  Eve' — as  it  rains  hard;  and  as  the 
House  is  still  sitt'g.  I  have  been  look'g  over  the  English  papers, 
reed  today — &  Fletcher  is  engaged  with  his  French —  If  this 
reaches  you  before  Miss  Seaton  leaves  you,  pray  give  her  my 
remembrance  &  regards —  If  it  ceases  to  rain,  F.  will  go  up  to 
see  her  mother — 

Yrs  affectionately  always 

D.  WEBSTER — 

I  have  no  private  letters  of  any  consequence  from  England — 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

MONDAY  MOR'G  Aug.  16.  1841. 
Dear  Caroline 

A  week  has  run  away,  without  my  writ'g  to  you.  It  has  been 
an  anxious  week,  on  acct.  of  the  Bank  Bill ;  but  the  question  is 
settled,  &  a  Veto  will  be  sent  in  today.  I  hardly  know  what  may 
the  consequences,  but  the  general  feeli'g  is  not  so  much  irritated 
as  it  was  a  week  ago.  They  may  perhaps  try  another  Bill,  with 
modifications.  Some  of  Mr.  Clay's  friends  are  particularly 
angry,  &  this  makes  it  doubtful  whether  any  thing  will  be  done. 
It  is  feared,  also,  that  the  fate  of  this  measure  may  have  a  bad 
influence  on  the  fortunes  of  the  Bankrupt  Bill,  &  other  measures. 
On  the  whole,  we  have  an  anxious  &  unhappy  time,  &  I  am  some 
times  heart  sick.  I  hope  Congress  will  get  away  in  a  fortnight. 


5236  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

I  send  you  the  Intelligencer  of  this  mor'g,  that  you  may  read 
the  account  of  our  trip  to  Annapolis.  The  President  did  not  go, 
as  the  Senate  did  not  adjourn  over,  &  he  was  much  engaged. 
There  were  very  few  ladies — Mrs.  Crittenden,  Mrs.  Clark,  Miss 
White,  Miss  Yeatman,  &c 

Yesterday  mor'g  I  rode  out  to  Mrs.  Aggs,  as  the  day  was  cool 
and  agreeable.  I  generally  ride  to  the  office,  in  the  mor'g  & 
sometimes  walk  home  when  it  is  not  too  hot.  My  health  is  good, 
except  that  my  rheumatic  shoulder  troubles  me  a  good  deal. 

I  have  thought  it  best  to  invite  the  Whig  members  to  a  man 
party,  tomorrow,  in  order  to  keep  them  in  good  temper.  Charles 
is  to  buy  some  hams,  &  bread,  & — no  ices,  &  no  fruits,  &  set  them 
on  the  table  down  stairs — where  people  may  help  themselves. 

The  House  gets  along,  pretty  well.  Of  course  the  painting 
inside  is  not  yet  finished,  as  it  takes  time  for  the  paint  to  dry. 

I  notice  what  you  say  about  papering  the  rooms —  You  may 
have  it  arranged  as  you  please.  I  will  write  tomorrow,  say'g 
what  day  Mr.  Stubbs  will  be  in  N.  Y.  about  the  carpets.  He 
has  been  sick  &  is  now  out  again. 

Fletcher  may  find  it  necessary  to  go  to  N.  Y.  on  account  of  Mr. 
White's  death — but  he  has  not  yet  made  up  his  mind,  not  having 
heard  from  Mr.  Paige. 

It  is  likely  that  Capt.  Clements  will  break  up  here,  the  first  of 
next  month.  When  I  shall  go,  if  I  cannot  go  North  by  that  time, 
I  know  not.  If  Mr.  Whitewell  takes  the  house,  as  is  expected,  I 
presume  your  thi'gs  can  all  remain  where  they  are. 

I  will  try  to  write  you  again  tomorrow. 

Yrs  ever 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

THURSDAY  3£  o'clock  [Aug.  19  1841] 
Dr  Wife 

Fletcher  has  written  you  a  word,  to  say  that  Mr.  Stubbs  would 
be  at  Astor  House,  next  Wednesday  morn'g.  I  am  well  but  most 
dreadfully  hard  worked.  The  Bankrupt  Bill  is  signed — an 
other  attempt  will  probaby  be  made  for  a  Bank.  The  Whigs 
appear  to  be  in  great  spirits. 

My  party  went  off  well — almost  all  were  there. 

Yrs  D.  W. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  237 

(To  John  Tyler.1) 

11  O'CLOCK,  August  20th,  [1841] 
My  Dear  Sir : 

I  am  promised  a  copy  of  the  paper  (the  bill)  by  twelve  o'clock, 
or  a  few  minutes  after,  and  have  left  a  messenger  to  bring  it 
immediately  to  me.  It  is  uncertain  whether  anything  will  be  done 
to-day,  but  I  understand  there  is  a  strong  desire  for  immediate 
action.  The  alterations  which  I  suggested  were  assented  to  at 
once,  so  far  as  the  gentleman  himself  was  concerned  to  whom  the 
suggestions  were  made.  I  have  done  or  said  nothing  as  from 
you  by  your  authority,  or  implicating  you  in  the  slightest  degree. 
If  any  measure  pass,  you  will  be  perfectly  free  to  exercise  your 
constitutional  power  wholly  uncommitted,  except  so  far  as  may 
be  gathered  from  your  public  and  official  acts. 

I  am,  most  truly  and  faithfully,  yours, 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 

(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

3  O'CLOCK 
Sept  10.  [1841] 

Do  the  Whigs  of  Mass  think  I  ought  to  quit — or  ought  to 
stay  ?  2 

^^^  Yrs     D.  W. 

(Editorial  on  writing  letters  to  the  president.3) 

SEPT.  25.  1841 

It  is  plain  enough  that  the  ex-Secretaries4  take  the  President 
at  great  disadvantage. 

They  write  him  letters  which  they  know  he  cannot  answer, 
because  the  President  of  the  U.  S.  cannot  enter  into  such  a  corre 
spondence. 

1  Copied  from  the  printed  letter  in  "  Letters  and  Times  of  the  Tylers,"  voL  ii, 
p.  85. 

8  In  Tyler's  cabinet. 

3  This  editorial  appeared  in  the  administration  paper,  the  Madisonian,  No. 
471,  Sept.  25,  1841,  and  the  original,  in  Webster's  handwriting,  is  among 
Webster's  papers.  The  inference  naturally  is  that  he  wrote  it.  In  other  cases 
he  speaks  in  his  letters  of  having  written  editorials. 

*  In  the  original  this  is  "retiring  Members." 


238  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

They  use  weapons,  therefore,  which  they  know  he  cannot  use. 

In  the  next  place  they  undertake  to  state  Cabinet  conversations, 
which  he  regards  as  confidential,  and  to  which  he  cannot  refer, 
without  violating  his  own  sense  of  propriety  and  dignity. 

Having  thus  placed  the  President  in  a  position  in  which  he 
cannot  defend  himself,  they  make  war  upon  him;  and  this,  we 
suppose,  will  be  called  high-mindedness  and  "chivalry !  " 


(The  ex-members'  publications  abbreviated.1) 

SEPT.  25  1841 

We  should  more  readily  incline  to  suppose  there  might  be  some 
reason  for  the  retirement  of  the  four  members  of  the  late  Cabinet, 
if  they  could  agree  on  such  reason  among  themselves.  But,  un 
happily,  they  entirely  differ,  each  has  a  ground  of  his  own,  &  no 
sooner  does  one  come  forth  to  show  his  cause  than  another  follows 
with  a  different  showing. 

Mr.  Ewing,  who  leads  off,  rejects  the  Veto,  as  ground  of  resig 
nation,  &  goes  out  on  "personal  indignity." — 

Mr.  Crittenden  follows,  &  having  no  complaint  to  make  of  per 
sonal  indignity,  he  goes  out  on  the  Veto — 

Then  comes  Mr.  Badger,  who  does  not  go  out,  on  the  Bank 
question,  but  because  the  case  is  one  of  "a  measure,  embraced,  & 
then  repudiated — efforts  promoted,  &  then  disowned — service 
rendered,  and  then  treated  with  scorn  and  neglect " — 

That  is  to  say,  Mr.  Badger  resigned  because  the  President 
trifled  with  his  Cabinet. 

But  now  hear  Mr.  Bell — 

"Nor  was  it  because  the  President  thought  proper  to  trifle  with 
or  mislead  his  Cabinet,  as  there  is  but  too  much  reason  to  believe 
he  intended  to  do,  in  the  affair  of  the  late  Fiscal  Bank  that  I 
resigned  my  place. — 

There  were  other  &  pre-existing  causes,  for  such  a  course,  &c." 

What  these  "other  &  pre-existing  causes"  are,  or  were,  Mr. 
Bell  does  not  inform  us.  In  regard  to  these,  the  world  is  yet  to 
be  enlightened. 

Placed  in  the  shortest  form  each  Gentleman,  with  his  cause  of 
resignation,  stands  thus — 

1  In  the  Madisonian,  No.  471,  Sept.  25,  1841,  appeared  this  editorial,  entitled 
"The  Ex-Members'  Publications  Abbreviated."  Among  Webster's  private 
papers  the  original  manuscript,  in  Webster's  hand,  was  found. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  239 

Mr.  Ewing personal  indignity 

Mr.  Crittenden Veto 

Mr.  Badger trifling  with  the  Cabinet. 

Mr. other  &  preexisting  causes. 

Or  the  matter  may  be  fairly  represented,  by  stating  each  one 
of  the  several  alledged  causes,  &  seeing  who  concurred  in  it — 

In  that  view,  the  case  thus — 

"Personal  Indignity" — 
Assigned  by  Mr.  Ewing ;  not  alledged  by  any  body  else. 

"Veto" — assigned  by  Mr.  Crittenden,  expressly  renounced  by 
the  rest 

"Trifling  with  the  Cabinet" — the  substance  of  Mr.  Badger's 
ground ;  expressly  repudiated  by  Mr.  Bell,  &  alledged  by  nobody 
else — 

"Other  &  pre  existing  causes" ;  alledged  by  Mr.  Bell,  alluded  to 
by  nobody  else,  &  of  which  the  world  is  yet  in  utter  ignorance. 

We  cannot  suppose  that  these  Gentlemen  could  have  a  weak 
affectation,  each  to  give  a  separate  reason  for  himself ;  and  since 
they  so  entirely  differ  among  themselves,  we  think  the  inference 
fair,  that  there  was  no  plain,  substantial  cause,  for  breaking  up 
the  Cabinet,  such  as  the  public  mind  can  readily  understand  & 
justify —  Time  will  show  what  opinion  the  Country  may  come 
to ;  but  of  one  thing  we  feel  entirely  confident,  &  that  is,  that 
when  the  passions  of  the  moment  shall  have  passed  away,  the 
revealing  of  Cabinet  secrets  for  the  purpose  of  attacking  the 
President,  is  a  proceeding  which  will  meet  with  general  con 
demnation. 

(From  John  Tyler.) 

My  Dear  Sir;  WASHINGTON  Oct.  11.  1841 

I  have  pleasure  in  saying  that  the  Cabinet  is  now  full.  Mr 
Spencer  Mr  Wickliffe  and  Judge  Upshur  will  be  here  early  this 
week —  Each  man  will  go  steadily  to  work  for  the  country — 
and  its  interests  will  alone  be  looked  to —  I  congratulate  you  in 
an  especial  manner  upon  having  such  co-workers.  I  would  have 
each  member  to  look  upon  every  other,  in  the  light  of  a  friend 
and  brother —  By  encouraging  such  a  spirit  I  shall  best  con 
sult  my  own  fame,  and  advance  the  public  good —  My  informa 
tion  from  all  parts  of  the  country  is  encouraging,  and  altho'  we 
are  to  have  a  furious  fire  during  the  coming  winter,  yet  we  shall 


240  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

I  doubt  not,  speedily  recover  from  its  effects —  Our  cause  is 
too  plainly  before  us  to  be  mistaken —  We  must  look  to  the 
whole  country  and  to  the  whole  people — 

The  letters  from  Stevenson  and  Hughes  are  full  of  interest — 
The  swearing  in  the  Mc.  Le^d  case  is  hard  against  him — but  Mr 
Spencer's  opening  speech  inspires  me  with  confidence —  That 
gotten  over  and  you  will  have  the  honour  of  a  final  adjustment 
of  all  other  difficulties —  I  shall  truly  rejoice  in  all  that  shall 
advance  your  fame —  I  gave  you  a  hint  as  to  the  possibility 
of  acquiring  Texas  by  treaty —  I  verily  believe  it  could  be 
done —  Could  the  North  be  reconciled  to  it  would  any  thing 
throw  so  bright  a  lustre  around  us?  It  seems  to  me  that  the 
great  interests  of  the  north  would  be  incalculably  advanced  by 
such  an  acquisition —  How  deeply  interested  is  the  shiping 
interest?  Slavery — I  know  that  is  the  objection — and  it  would 
be  well  founded  if  it  did  not  already  exist — among  us — but  my 
belief  is  that  a  rigid  enforcement  of  the  laws  against  the  slave 
trade,  would  make  in  time  as  many  free  States,  south,  as  the 
acquisition  of  Texas  would  add  of  slave  states, — and  then  the 
future,  (distant  it  might  be),  would  present  wonderful  results. 

I  shall  leave  here  in  as  few  days  as  I  can  for  my  quiet  home, 
to  meditate  in  peace  over  a  scheme  of  finance —  In  whatsoever 
you  do  upon  that  subject,  remember  always  my  difficulty  which, 
Ewing  Bell  &  Co.  to  the  contrary,  have  given  me  from  the  first 
more  pain  than  either  of  them  can  have  felt —  The  day  for 
attempt  at  compromise  has  pass'd  however,  and  we  must  take 
good  care  to  trim  well  our  sails  for  the  voyage  which  lies  before 
us —  The  more  simple  the  agency  to  be  employd  the  better — 
We  have  no  surplus  nor  are  we  likely  to  have  for  some  years — 
and  may  be  regarded  as  living  "from  hand  to  mouth" 

I  pray  you  to  accept  the  sincere  assurance  of  my  confidence 
and  warm  regard 

JOHN  TYLER 

P.  S.  Since  writing  the  above  the  proceedings  at  the  Syracuse 
convention  have  reached  me —  What  a  low  and  contemptible 
farce —  You  were  right  to  remain  in  the  Cabinet,  quoth  Fil- 
more  fy  Co — and  yet  these  very  men  united  in  forcing  Granger 
to  retire. 

I  learn  by  a  private  letter  that  in  secret  session  Mr.  Clay  was 
proposed  for  the  succession  and  supported  by  Filmore1 — 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Mr.  C.  P.  Greenough. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  241 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 
Private. 

MARSHFIELD,  Octr.  25,  1841. 
My  Dear  Son 

I  have  reason  to  think  that  some  very  meddlesome  people,  in 
Portsmouth,  N.  Hamp.  are  interferi'g  with  the  Navy  Agent,  at 
that  place  in  regard  to  his  selection  of  a  Bank,  for  the  deposit 
of  the  public  funds,  entrusted  to  him. 

I  will  be  obliged  to  you  to  say  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy 
that  Genl.  Upham,  the  Navy  Agent,  is  entirely  trust-worthy,  & 
discreet ;  &  that  I  should  regret  that  any  change,  in  the  arrange 
ments  made  by  him,  should  be  thought  advisable,  at  least,  before 
I  shall  have  an  opportunity  of  seei'g  the  Secretary. 

Yrs. 
DAN'L  WEBSTEE 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

PHILADELPHIA  Saturday,  [Nov.  13,  1841]. 
My  Dear  Son, 

I  arrived  in  this  City  yesterday  P.  M.  &  was  obliged  to  stay 
over  today, — I  now  fear  I  am  in  unexpected  difficulty,  as  I  can 
not  learn  of  any  train  of  cars,  or  boat,  likely  to  leave  tomorrow, 
till  midnight.  I  do  not  feel  well  enough  to  make  a  night  pas 
sage;  so  that  it  is  uncertain  whether  I  can  reach  Washington 
earlier  than  Monday  night — if  possible,  I  should  prefer  goi'g 
directly  to  our  own  house —  Let  Charles  meet  me,  at  the  cars — 

Yrs     D.  W. 

(To  John  Tyler.) 

Nov.  25,  1841. 

My  dear  Sir, 

I  rec'd  your  note  last  evening  by  Mr.  Blackford.1  Mr.  Semple2 
has  signified  his  wish  to  return  to  the  U.  States.  Mr.  Blackford, 
therefore,  can  be  nominated  to  fill  his  place,  if  you  so  incline. 

You  think  I  propose  "hard  conditions"  as  connected  with  this 
appointment.  Of  course,  my  dear  Sir,  I  only  intended  to  call 
your  attention  to  the  true  state  of  the  case. 

1  William  M.  Blackford,  of  Virginia.     He  was  appointed. 

8  James  Semple,  Charge  d' Affaires  to  the  Republic  of  Colombia. 


242  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

In  addition  to  the  five  Charges,  already  appointed  from  the 
South,  Mr.  Hilliard1  expects  to  go  to  Brussells  making  six  &  Mr. 
Blackford's  appointment  will  make  seven. 

You  know  that  these  appointments  are  eagerly  sought  &  that 
there  are  pressing  Candidates  from  many  states,  especially  the 
two  good  states  of  Vermont  &  Connecticut  for  neither  of  which 
have  we  done  anything. 

I  suppose  Mr.  Blackford  must  be  provided  for,  but  if  so,  other 
offices  I  think,  should  be  distributed  in  other  places.  As  to  Con 
suls  we  must  remember  that  out  of  the  three  most  desirable  consul 
ships  a  citizen  of  Georgia  holds  one — (Havannah)  a  citizen  of 
Virginia  another  (Hanse)  :  &  I  do  think  it  w'd  give  dissatisfac 
tion  to  appoint  Mr.  Haggerty  to  the  third.  It  would  give  of 
fense  to  many  who  did  what  he  did  not — give  time,  pains  & 
trouble  to  effect  the  Revolution  of  1840.  I  really  think  it  much 
better  for  the  administration  to  have  Mr.  Schuyler  where  he  is 
than  to  recall  him  &  appoint  Mr.  Haggerty  in  his  place.  These 
things  are  stated  for  your  reflection ;  &,  as  you  say  "we  can  talk 
about  them"  hereafter 

Yrs  faithfully 

DAN'L,  WEBSTER 


(The  Message.2) 

[Dec.  1841] 

Should  a  quorum  be  found  in  attendance  in  both  Houses  of 
Congress  on  Monday,  the  Message,  according  to  usage  will  be 
transmitted  on  Tuesday. 

Of  course  we  know  nothing  of  what  the  Message  will  contain ; 
but  we  know  that  the  Chief  Magistrate  is  actuated  by  a  sincere 
desire  to  do  his  duty,  &  that  it  must  therefore  be  his  desire,  & 
his  object,  to  recommend  such  measures  to  Congress,  as  the  good 
of  the  Country  requires.  That  the  message,  whatever  it  may  be, 
will  be  fiercely  &  coarsely  attacked,  there  is  no  doubt.  So  reck 
less  has  a  portion  of  the  Press  become,  that  nothing  else  can  be 
expected.  Indeed  the  more  merit  the  Message  may  have,  the 
more  sure  it  will  be  to  meet  assault  and  condemnation,  in  certain 
quarters.  In  proportion  as  it  is  likely  to  be  acceptable  to  the 

1  H.  W.  Hilliard,  of  Alabama. 

8  An  editorial  evidently  written  by  Webster  for  the  administration  organ. 
The  manuscript  is  in  Webster's  hand. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  243 

Country,  in  that  same  proportion  will  party  dog  it,  from  the 
Metropolis  to  every  point  on  the  frontier.  All  this  we  are  pre 
pared  to  see.  But  it  is  our  purpose,  in  this  article  to  address 
ourselves  to  that  portion  of  the  Public  Press,  which  is  really  free 
&  independent ;  and  God  be  thanked  that  there  is  such  a  portion 
of  the  Public  Press,  &  that  it  is  increasing,  every  day. 

We  appeal  to  this  part  of  the  Press  to  give  the  message  a  full 
insertion,  a  candid  reading,  &  fair  commentaries.  But  above 
all,  that  they  publish  it,  that  they  circulate  it,  &  that  the  People 
may  have  an  opportunity  to  read  &  judge  of  it,  unprejudiced  and 
unprepossessed  by  condemnation  of  it,  in  advance. 

But  it  is  our  higher  purpose,  on  this  occasion,  to  appeal  to  the 
People  themselves,  to  the  great  community  of  American  Freemen, 
to  judge  the  conduct  of  the  Government,  established  by  them 
selves,  with  fairness  &  candor.  It  is  their  interests  which  are  at 
stake ;  it  is  their  country,  which  is  to  be  benefitted  by  a  good,  or 
injured  by  a  bad  administration  of  public  affairs.  They  are 
competent  to  judge,  &  to  form  just  opinions.  We  intreat  them 
to  judge  for  themselves.  It  is  often  said,  that  the  Present  Chief 
Magistrate  is  a  President  without  a  party.  If  this  be  so,  it  would 
seem  more  reasonable  that  all  should  judge  of  his  acts,  free  from 
the  malign  influences  of  party  spirit.  Let  him  be  judged  by  his 
conduct. 

It  is  usual  that  reports  from  the  Departments  having  the  prin 
cipal  expenditure  of  the  public  money,  that  is  to  say,  the  Depart 
ments  of  War,  the  Navy,  &  the  Post  Office,  accompany  the  Presi 
dent's  Annual  Message.  These  reports  give  an  account  of  the 
administration  of  the  respective  Departments,  for  the  past  year. 
We  invite  the  attention  of  the  People  to  these  reports.  Let  not 
their  length,  if  they  should  be  long,  deter  any  one  from  going 
through  them,  who  wishes  to  be  truly  informed  of  the  progress 
&  present  state  of  public  affairs.  They  may  not  be  so  vivacious 
&  racy,  as  speeches  in  Congress,  or  the  commentaries  of  the  Press. 
But  being  founded  on  facts,  &  official  documents,  they  may  be 
quite  as  useful  in  enabling  the  people  to  form  a  just  opinion  of 
the  administration  of  the  Govt.  It  sometimes  happens,  that  the 
commentary  is  read,  without  a  previous  perusal  of  the  texts;  & 
there  are  but  too  many  Newspaper  Editors,  who  are  disingenuous 
enough  to  write  &  publish  harsh  &  violent  denunciations  of  public 
papers,  without  publishing  the  papers  themselves; — a  degrada 
tion,  we  believe,  to  which  party  has  not  fallen,  in  any  quarter  of 
the  civilized  world,  except  in  the  United  States.  Here  again  we 


24  i  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

appeal  to  the  Independent  Press;  the  Daily  Press,  the  Penny 
Press,  the  Magazines,  to  every  Editor  conducting  any  journal 
which  professes  to  treat  of  public  affairs,  that  they  give  the 
Country,  the  People  a  fair  (chance). 

We  would  fain  address  a  similar  request  to  those  members  of 
Congress,  who  feel  duty  to  the  Country  to  be  a  higher  obliga 
tion  than  attachment  to  Party.  We  know  there  are  many  such, 
and  the  hour  is  come,  as  we  think,  for  reflection  &  sober  thought, 
with  them  all.  Recent  occurrences  must  have  convinced  every 
thinking  man,  that  the  public  mind  is  not  in  a  temper  to  second 
mere  heated  party  efforts.  There  is  a  vast  number  of  the  People, 
of  all  parties,  who  doubt,  whether  party  success,  to  which  ever 
party  it  should  fall,  would  afford  assurance  of  relief  to  the  suf 
fering  interests  of  society.  They  think  that  mere  party  power, 
exerted  angrily  on  one  side,  &  opposed  angrily  on  the  other,  can 
never  achieve  that  relief.  They  think,  that  the  business  of  the 
Country,  the  industry  of  the  Country,  the  currency  of  the 
Country,  &  the  public  faith  &  general  honor  &  reputation  of  the 
Country,  can  never  be  restored,  but  by  the  common  efforts  &  co 
operation  of  sober  &  patriotic  men  of  all  parties. 

Every  man  must  see,  in  the  circle  around  him,  that  this  is  a 
growing  sentiment,  among  those,  r/ho  have  no  interest,  separate 
from  the  general  interest  of  the  Community. — 

The  administration  can  have  no  object  but  to  advance  this  gen 
eral  interest.  It  desires  &  seeks  to  advance  it.  Without  too 
much  retrospect  on  the  past,  or  anticipation  of  the  future,  it 
proposes  to  consider  things  as  they  are,  &  apply  the  best  prac 
ticable  remedy.  Let  its  recommendations  be  considered  fairly  & 
candidly.  If  found  erroneous,  let  superior  wisdom  correct  them ; 
but  let  neither  the  personal  objects  of  individuals,  the  selfishness 
&  recklessness  of  party,  or  the  fierceness  of  animosities  arising 
from  the  past,  deprive  the  People  of  the  benefits  of  good  Govern 
ment  &  useful  administration. — 

If  this  great  Country,  so  rich  in  resources,  so  young  &  vigor 
ous,  so  full  of  all  the  means  of  prosperity  &  happiness,  be  suf 
fered  to  continue  in  its  present  depressed  &  ruinous  condition, 
for  want  of  wise  &  provident  legislation,  a  heavy  responsibility 
must  rest  some  where.  The  President,  we  doubt  not,  is  resolved, 
that  this  responsibility  shall  not  fall  on  him.  At  the  head  of  a 
Republican  Administration,  seeking  to  conduct  the  Government 
on  the  true  principles  of  Liberty,  justice,  prudence  &  Frugality, 
&  anxious  to  do  everything  in  his  power  to  remove  the  causes 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  245 

which,  at  the  present  moment,  operate  so  injuriously  upon  all  the 
great  interests  of  the  Country,  he  will  not  have  it  to  be  said  that 
he  has  shrunk  from  any  thing,  which  the  crisis  demands. 


(A  message  prepared  for  President  Tyler  on  the  Tariff*) 

[Dec.  1841  ?] 

The  reductions  of  the  duties  on  imports,  provided  for  by  the 
act  of  Mar.  2,  1833,  will  all  have  taken  place  after  the  30th  day 
of  June  next.  From  that  day,  no  duty  will  exist  on  any  imported 
article  exceeding  20  per  centum,  ad  valorem,  and  the  act  declares 
that  all  such  duties  shall  thereafterwards  be  paid  in  ready 
money,  and  shall  be  assessed  upon  the  value  thereof  at  the  port 
where  the  same  shall  be  entered,  under  such  regulations  as  may  be 
prescribed  by  law.  The  laws  at  present  in  force,  laying  ad 
valorem  duties,  make  the  cost  in  the  foreign  market  the  basis,  on 
which  such  duties  are  to  be  calculated,  making  certain  additions, 
however,  to  the  amount  of  that  cost.  The  legal  effect  of  the  Act 
of  Mar.  2,  1833,  is  to  repeal  all  these  laws ;  so  that  unless  Con 
gress  [shall]  at  its  present  session  shall  prescribe  regulations  for 
assessing  the  duties  upon  a  valuation  at  the  port  of  entry,  or 
pass  some  law  modifying  the  last  mentioned  act,  no  ad  valorem 
duties  can  be  further  collected. 

It  is  obvious,  also,  that  the  act  of  Mar.  1833  contemplates  no 
other  than  ad  valorem  duties,  in  any  case,  whatever;  because 
whether  a  specific  duty,  that  is  to  say,  a  duty  of  so  much  per  ton, 
or  per  cent,  or  per  yard  in  which  the  amount  could  not  always 
be  known ;  since  it  would  depend  on  the  cost  of  the  article,  whether 
a  specific  duty  exceeded  the  rate  of  20  per  cent  ad  valorem,  & 
the  fluctuations  of  price  might  carry  a  specific  duty  beyond  the 
limit  of  20  per  cent  tomorrow,  although  the  same  duty  was  within 
the  limit  today. 

The  act  is  peremptory,  in  two  entire  provisions;  1st,  that 
after  June  30th  all  ad  valorem  duties  shall  be  reduced  to  20  per 
cent;  and,  second,  that  the  duties  shall  be  assessed  on  a  home 
valuation,  &  it  is  not  to  be  disguised  that  these  two  provisions  bear 
to  each  other  the  nature  of  equivalents,  or  mutual  considerations. 

It  would  not  be  contended,  as  the  under-signed  supposes,  that 

1  This  paper  is  in  Webster's  handwriting,  and  is  indorsed  in  the  words  of  the 
heading  and  dated  1842.  The  date,  however,  is  probably  wrong.  Tyler  treated 
this  subject  in  his  message  December  7,  1841. 


246  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

the  Act  of  1833  stands  more  free  from  the  legal  effect  &  opera 
tion  of  subsequent  acts  of  Congress  than  any  other  law ;  yet  that 
there  are  very  grave  reasons,  doubtless,  why  any  modification  of 
it  which  is  esteemed  necessary,  should  take  place  by  general  con 
sent.  It  was  proper  at  a  time  of  considerable  agitation,  &  con 
flict  of  opinion,  &  was  the  result  of  a  spirit  of  conciliation  & 
compromise.  If  experience,  or  a  change  of  circumstances,  shew 
the  necessity  of  modifications,  those  modifications  should  be  at 
tempted  in  the  full  exercise  of  the  same  spirit.  The  maintenance 
of  harmony  &  good  will,  &  the  general  acquiescence  &  satisfaction 
of  the  people  ought  to  be  regarded  as  objects  of  great  impor 
tance,  in  the  imposition  of  all  taxes.  The  undersigned  feels  him 
self  bound  frankly  to  declare  his  opinion  to  Congress,  that  sooner 
or  later,  the  interests  of  all  parts  of  the  Country  will  be  found 
to  require  some  modifications  of  the  act  of  1833. 

In  support  of  this  opinion,  the  undersigned  suggests,  in  the 
first  place  the  great,  if  not  the  insurmountable  difficulties  of  estab 
lishing  a  home  valuation  at  any  port,  without  running  the  risk  of 
producing  such  diversity,  in  the  estimates  of  value,  as  shall  not 
only  lead  to  great  practical  inconvenience,  but  interfere,  also,  in 
effect,  with  the  constitutional  provisions,  that  duties  &  imposts 
shall  be  equal  in  all  the  States. 

In  the  second  place,  the  undersigned  cannot  think  it  will  ever 
be  regarded  as  a  wise  policy,  by  any  part  of  the  Country,  to 
augment  the  amount  of  revenue,  if  public  exigencies  should  re 
quire  such  augmentation,  by  raising  duties  on  all  articles,  includ 
ing  those  of  absolute  necessity,  to  the  full  extent  of  twenty  per 
cent,  pressing  that  limit,  at  the  same  time,  as  an  absolute  barrier 
against  higher  duties  on  all  articles,  even  those  of  the  merest 
luxury. 

In  the  third  place,  the  undersigned  feels  the  strongest  convic 
tion,  that  looking  to  the  security  of  the  revenues,  &  the  prevention 
of  frauds,  &  especially  on  the  supposition,  which  he  believes  to  be 
well  founded,  of  the  impracticability  of  a  home  valuation,  every 
reason  of  propriety  and  prudence  requires  that  duties  should  be 
made  specific,  wherever  from  the  nature  of  the  subject  they  can 
be  so  framed.  If  in  political  economy,  any  thing  is  to  be  re 
garded  as  settled,  either  by  the  judgment  of  the  best  writers,  of 
the  practice  of  enlightened  commercial  nations,  it  is  the  useful 
ness  &  importance  of  specification,  &  discrimination,  in  the  impo 
sition  of  duties  of  customs. 

Finally,  the  undersigned  will  not  conceal  his  opinion  of  the 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  247 

probable  effect  of  the  future  operation  of  the  act  of  1833  upon 
the  manufactures  &  general  industry  of  the  Country,  particularly 
if  no  home  valuation  be  established,  &  no  equivalent  found  for  the 
benefits  intended  by  that  provision. 

The  undersigned  fully  acknowledges  that  all  duties  &  taxes  are 
to  be  laid  with  primary  reference  to  revenue,  &  the  wants  of  the 
Government;  he  fully  admits,  too,  that  no  more  revenue  should 
ever  be  raised  than  such  as  is  necessary  for  the  economical  admin 
istration  of  the  Govt ;  but  within  those  limits,  and  as  incidental  to 
the  raising  of  such  revenue  as  is  absolutely  necessary,  the  under 
signed  entertains  the  fullest  conviction,  that  such  discrimination 
may  be  made,  &  specific  duties  imposed  in  such  manner,  as  that 
while  no  parties  of  the  country  will  suffer  loss  or  inconvenience, 
a  most  beneficial  degree  of  protection  may  be  extended  to  the 
labor  &  industry  of  the  Country.  To  produce  this  result,  the 
undersigned  thinks  it  only  necessary  to  lay  &  collect  duties  in  the 
usual  &  approved  mode ;  to  specify,  where  specification  is  practi 
cable;  to  discriminate,  where  discrimination  may  be  useful,  &  to 
reject  arbitrary  limits,  &  the  idea  of  a  forced  &  unnatural  uni 
formity — 

In  expressing  the  opinions  which  the  undersigned  has  thus  the 
honor  of  submitting  to  Congress,  in  his  first  official  communica 
tion  to  the  two  Houses,  he  has  proceeded  under  the  influence  of 
the  fuller  conviction  &  feeling  that  the  whole  Country,  is  one 
Country ;  that  the  interests  of  its  several  parts,  are  not  essentially 
adverse, — a  truth,  most  triumphantly  established,  by  the  fact  of 
the  unparalleled  growth  &  prosperity  of  all  these  parts,  under 
the  care  &  protection  of  one  Government ;  that  of  all  nations  upon 
earth,  the  United  States  are,  in  their  variety  of  soil,  climate,  pro 
duction  &  polity,  most  suited  to  benefit  one  another,  not  only  by 
free  internal  intercourse  between  each  part,  but  also  by  the  es 
tablishment  of  uniform  external  relations;  &  that  therefore  a 
policy  which  shall  embrace  the  interests  of  all  parts  is  the  only 
true  policy  for  the  Government. 

Slight  local  inconveniences  may  here  &  there  be  felt,  under  any 
system;  but,  in  general,  a  comprehensive  &  well  adapted  policy 
will  not  fail  to  promote  the  interests  of  all.  It  is  true,  that  such 
is  the  extent  of  our  territory,  &  such  the  variety  in  our  products, 
natural  &  manufactured  that  what  would  be  wide-spread  foreign 
commerce,  on  the  Continent  of  Europe,  becomes  domestic  with  us, 
all  carried  on,  under  one  general  system,  which  gives,  at  the  same 
time,  uniformity  to  internal  &  external  intercourse.  And  the 


248  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

fortunate  &  happy  experience  of  half  a  century  teaches  us,  that 
this  system  is  practicable,  notwithstanding  its  extent,  &  that  there 
is  no  serious  opposition  between  the  interests  of  the  various  por 
tions  of  the  Country. 

The  opinions  which  the  undersigned  has  expressed,  relative  to 
the  operation  of  the  law  of  Mar.  1833  &  to  what  is  required  for 
the  protection  of  the  industry  of  the  country  are  his  own  opinions. 
He  has  felt  it  his  duty  to  lay  them  before  Congress,  frankly, 
under  the  responsibility  of  his  official  station,  &  the  duty  expressly 
enjoined  upon  him  by  law;  &  he  cheerfully  submits  them  to  its 
consideration,  since  to  Congress  belongs  the  power  of  making 
such  new  laws,  or  so  modifying  those  which  may  exist,  as  the 
public  good  shall  seem  in  its  wisdom  to  require. — 


(From  Thurlow  Weed.) 

PRIVATE. 

ALBANY,  Dec.  18, 1841. 
Dear  Sir, 

The  President  has  triumphed  not  only  over  his  enemies  but  over 
himself.  It  is  a  great  Message.  Now  God  grant  to  Congress  the 
wisdom  to  act  in  the  spirit  of  your  Letter  in  the  National  Intelli 
gencer  of  Agust,  [six]  and  all  will  be  well. 

If  Greeley,  who  is  "all  honest  and  true"  (we  can  sing  again!) 
takes  hold  of  the  Madisonian,  he  will  reflect  whatever  is  useful 
and  salutary  from  the  President,  the  Cabinet  and  the  Congress, 
to  the  People.1 

Very  truly  yours, 

THURLOW  WEED. 

(To  Edward  Kent.2) 

PRIVATE. 

WASHINGTON  Deer.  21st.  '41. 
Dear  Sir 

I  have  this  mor'g  reed  your  private  letter  of  the  15th  inst. 
Its  contents  are  important. 

I  may  say  to  you  the  negotiations  for  a  Convention  to  settle 
the  Boundary  Question  can  hardly  be  said  to  have  made  any 
positive  progress,  since  last  year. 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Mr.  C.  P.  Greenough. 
9  The  Governor  of  Maine. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  249 

Mr.  Forsythe's  counter  project,  deliv'd  in  Aug.  1840,  reed  no 
answer  until  just  before  Ld. Palmerston  went  out  of  office, in  Aug. 
1841.  It  was  then  amen'd,  &  this  answer  has  reviewed  the  sub 
ject,  &  other  correspondence  will  ere  long  take  place  between  the 
parties.  The  interest  of  both  parties  undoubtedly  requires  a  com 
promise,  &  I  have  no  doubt  that  the  position  which  Maine  has  as 
sumed  is  the  only  obstacle  to  br'g'g  such  compromise  about.  The 
English  Govt.  cannot  treat  with  us  about  a  compromise,  unless  we 
say  we  have  authority  to  consummate  what  we  agree  to;  &  al 
though  I  entertain  not  the  slightest  doubt  of  the  just  authority  of 
this  Govt.  to  settle  this  question  by  compromise,  as  well  as  in  any 
other  way,  yet  in  the  present  position  of  affairs,  I  suppose  it  will 
not  be  prudent  to  stir,  in  the  direction  of  compromise  without  the 
consent  of  Maine.  I  am  very  glad  to  learn  that  it  is  probable 
that  your  land  agent  will  give  some  accurate  idea  of  the  value  of 
the  land  North  of  the  St.  Johns. 

Suppose  England  should  be  will'g  to  pay  for  the  land  north 
of  the  River,  &  leave  the  question  of  its  navigation  to  be  settled 
hereafter ;  or  suppose  she  should  be  will'g  to  let  our  line  run  from 
the  monument  to  the  mouth  of  the  Eel  River ;  &  then  up  the  St. 
Johns,  &  so  through  the  Lakes  ? 

I  should  be  very  glad  of  your  thought,  on  these  and  on  all 
other  points ;  but  incline  for  the  present  to  think  with  you,  that 
perhaps  the  easiest  mode  of  gett'g  the  parties  together  for  a  com 
promise  may  be  the  creation  of  a  commission. 

I  hope  this  may  be  done  this  session  of  Congress. 

Yr  truly 

[D.   WEBSTER]1 

(The  Exchequer.2) 

[Jan.  1842] 

There  appear  to  be  clear  proofs  of  a  growing  disposition  in  the 
public  mind  to  give  the  Exchequer,  a  chance,  &  a  trial.  Many 
persons  approve  it,  altogether,  &  among  them  some  of  acknowl 
edged  ability  &  experience ;  &  many  others,  feeling  that  some 
thing  ought  to  be  done,  see  no  prospect  of  success  in  any  other 
attempt. 

But  this  dispassionate  tone  &  tendency  of  public  sentiment 

1  Taken  from  the  original  unsigned  draft  of  the  letter. 

2  An  editorial  existing  in  manuscript  in  Webster's  hand. 


250  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

is  not  allowed  to  take  its  free  course.  Efforts  are  repeated,  in  a 
certain  portion  of  the  Press,  to  prejudice  the  public  judgment, 
by  renewed  railing  against  "John  Tyler." 

We  find  the  following  paragraphs  in  the  New  York  American 
of  Friday  last. 

(Excerpt  sealed  here.)  [A  virulent  attack  on  the  Exchequer 
#  J.  Tyler] 

So  barefaced  a  proposition  to  place  great  measures  of  Nation 
al  Legislation  on  mere  party  grounds  has  seldom  been  avowed, 
even  if  such  a  motive  has  sometimes  had  unacknowledged  influ 
ence,  on  the  conduct  of  individuals. 

"John  Tyler" — to  use  the  respectful  appellation  of  the  Amer 
ican, — is  President  of  the  United  States.  He  was  chosen  to  the 
second  office,  by  the  People,  &  came  to  the  first,  in  the  Constitu 
tional  mode  of  succession. 

But  the  American  considers  John  Tyler  as  not  of  his  party, 
nor  of  the  party  of  Whigs.  He  has  no  confidence  in  him,  &  pre 
sumes  they  have  none;  and  therefore  he  calls  on  them  not  to 
concur  in  passing  such  a  law,  as,  so  far  as  appears,  he  would  be 
willing  they  should  pass,  if  its  provisions  were  to  be  carried  into 
effect  by  one  of  their  own  party.  This  is  the  very  ultraism,  of 
party  spirit.  It  is  an  open  &  broad  avowal  of  that  preference  of 
party,  &  party  objects,  over  Constitutional  provisions,  &  the 
will  of  the  People  regularly  declared,  which  has  undermined  free 
Institutions  in  other  cases,  &  is  very  likely,  at  some  day  to  under 
mine  them  in  others. 

It  is  noth'g  to  the  Editor  of  the  American  that  "John  Tyler" 
is  President,  by  the  election  of  the  People,  &  the  provisions  of  the 
Constitution.  It  is  nothing  that  the  Constitution  has  conferred 
on  him  the  same  power  as  on  other  Presidents,  &  to  be  exercised 
under  the  same  responsibilities.  It  is  enough  for  him  to  know, 
that  a  measure,  necessary  to  the  public  interests,  might  place  the 
nomination  of  a  dozen  individuals  to  office,  in  the  hands  of  John 
Tyler.  On  this  account  he  opposes  the  measure,  &  is  willing  to 
leave  the  public  interests  to  shift  for  themselves.  If  a  favorite 
of  his  party  could  have  the  appointment,  he  would  be  for  the 
measure.  If  his  favorite  candidate  was  President,  he  would  not 
hesitate.  But  this  not  being  the  case,  he  admonishes  the  Whigs 
in  Congress,  not  to  trust  to  the  Constitutional  organization  of 
the  Government,  not  to  leave  other  Departments  of  the  Govern 
ment,  to  their  own  Constitutional  responsibility,  &  the  exerche 
of  their  own  Constitutional  powers ;  but  they,  the  Whigs,  having 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  251 

a  majority  in  Congress,  should  interfere  with  the  arrangements 
of  the  Constitution,  &  refuse  to  the  Executive  the  exercise  of 
powers,  which,  if  he  were  of  their  party,  they  would  gladly  con 
fide  to  him.  Now  what  is  this,  but  placing  party  considerations 
above  the  Constitution?  What  is  it,  but  advising  one  branch  of 
the  Govt.  to  distrust,  &  resist,  the  ordinary  exercise  of  its  powers 
by  another  Branch? 

There  is  as  much  evidence  that  the  President  enjoys  the  con 
fidence  of  the  People,  as  that  the  members  of  Congress  enjoy  it. 
He  is  President,  holding  his  place  in  pursuance  of  Constitutional 
provisions;  they  are  members  of  Congress,  by  provisions  of  the 
same  authority.  But  because  he  happens,  as  may  happen,  not 
to  have  their  confidence,  the  confidence  of  the  People  shall  go  for 
nothing,  &  they  will  not  trust  him,  with  the  exercise  of  the  powers 
properly  belonging  to  his  office. 

These  are  the  ideas  of  the  proper  duty  of  Departments,  in  a 
goverment,  organized  upon  the  plan  of  a  distinct  division  of 
power,  among  its  several  branches,  which  the  Editor  of  the  Amer 
ican  entertains,  &  which  he  takes  pains  to  urge  upon  his  friends 
in  Congress. 

For  the  same  reason,  there  should  be  no  courts ;  because  "John 
Tyler,"  President  tho'  he  be,  should  not  be  trusted  to  nominate 
Judges.  There  should  be  no  army,  &  no  navy,  because  he  could 
be  trusted  with  the  nomination  of  their  officers —  There  should 
be  no  appropriations  for  the  foreign  service  abroad;  for  how 
can  the  Whigs  of  Congress  trust  "John  Tyler"  to  nominate 
foreign  ministers? — 

It  has  been  supposed,  that  by  the  provisions  of  the  Constitu 
tion  of  the  United  States,  the  Govt.  might  go  on,  even  if  the 
various  Departments  should  not  harmonize,  in  regard  to  all  polit 
ical  questions. —  It  has  gone  on,  more  than  once,  amidst  great 
differences  of  political  opinion,  between  different  branches. 
Until  now,  party  purposes  have  been  kept  within  some  limit;  & 
members  of  one  Branch  have  not  been  publicly  admonished,  & 
urged,  by  the  public  press,  to  pursue  party  ends,  not  only  to  the 
greatest  prejudice  of  the  public  interests — to  the  rejection  of 
measures  admitted  to  be  for  the  public  good,  but  to  the  obstruc 
tion  &  resistance  of  powers  properly  belonging  to  other  Depart 
ments  ;  in  other  words,  to  the  general  derangement  of  the  Govern 
ment,  under  its  Constitutional  organization. — 

So  much  for  the  theory,  or  principle  of  the  objections  set  up 
by  the  Editor  of  the  American  to  the  Exchequer. — 


252  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Now  it  appears  to  us,  that  there  would  have  been  a  great  deal 
more,  both  of  good  sense  &  patriotism,  if  the  Editor  of  the  Amer 
ican  had  addressed  his  friends  to  the  following  effect. 

"Whigs  of  Congress,  do  your  duty !  If  the  President  shall 
violate  his,  you  will  not  be  answerable.  You  constitute  the  Legis 
lative  power ;  see  that  that  power  is  properly  exercised.  See  that 
all  useful  laws  are  passed.  He  holds  the  Executive  power ;  if  he 
shall  abuse  it,  on  his  head  be  the  responsibility,  &  on  him  fall 
the  condemnation.  If  you  think  the  Plan  of  an  Exchequer  to  be 
such,  as  that,  if  properly  carried  into  operation,  it  would  relieve 
the  Country,  adopt  it,  adopt  it,  at  once.  Adopt  it,  without  hes 
itation.  Prove  your  own  supreme  devotion  to  the  public  good. 
Clear  yourselves  of  consequences.  A  crisis,  an  ordeal,  is  at  this 
moment,  before  you.  The  Country  looks,  earnestly,  &  anxiously, 
to  see  how  you  will  bear  yourselves  in  it.  Follow  your  duty,  your 
own  duty,  your  peculiar  duty,  your  constitutional  duty;  &  if  a 
flame  should  be  kindled,  seven  times  hotter  than  that  of  Nebuchad 
nezzar's  furnace,  still,  so  acting,  you  will  go  through  it,  &  who 
ever  else  may  be  scorched  or  consumed,  as  for  you,  the  smell  of 
fire  will  not  be  on  your  garments." — 


(From  Lord  Ashburton.) 

PRIVATE. 

THE  GRANGE  2nd  Jan'y  1842. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

You  will  hear  by  this  opportunity,  and  probably  not  without 
some  surprise  that  I  have  undertaken  to  cross  the  Atlantic  at  this 
stormy  season  of  the  year  as  a  special  messenger  of  peace  &  I 
would  not  make  my  sudden  appearance  at  Washington  in  this  my 
new  character  of  a  diplomatist,  without  sending  you  a  few  lines  to 
say  that  I  am  coming —  My  advanced  period  of  life,  not  unac 
companied  by  some  of  its  infirmities,  has  for  some  time  imposed 
upon  me  the  duty  of  retirement,  and  I  felt  myself  justified  in 
declining  to  form  part  of  an  administration  just  formed  by  my 
political  friends  with  whom  I  have  been  in  habits  of  confidence 
and  intimacy  on  public  matters.  Under  these  circumstances,  it 
is  not  without  some  reluctance,  that  I  have  suffered  myself  to  be 
persuaded  that  I  am  a  person  likely  to  be  of  service  in  the  impor 
tant  task  of  setting  the  difference  which  seems  to  stand  in  the 
way  of  that  which  all  men  of  sense  and  honesty  have  most  at 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  253 

heart,  a  good  and  cordial  state  of  peace  and  good  will  between  our 
great  countries —  In  short  I  am  making  preparations  for  my 
early  departure. 

A  Frigate  is  preparing  for  me  at  Portsmouth  I  hope  to  start 
before  the  month  is  out,  and  by  the  end  of  February  or  early 
in  March  to  make  my  appearance  at  your  seat  of  Government. 

I  confine  myself  for  the  present  simply  to  the  communication 
of  this  fact.  I  hardly  need  add  that  I  should  not  have  yielded 
to  the  pressing  solicitations  of  my  friends  but  for  the  very  strong 
impressions  of  the  importance  of  the  service,  and  that  the  confi 
dence  and  full  powers  of  my  government  afforded  the  best  chance 
of  performing  it,  meeting  as  I  am  sure  I  shall  with  a  correspond 
ing  disposition  with  the  existing  enlightened  Government  of 
America. — 

The  principal  aim  and  object  of  that  part  of  my  life  devoted 
to  public  objects  during  the  35  years  that  I  have  had  a  seat  in 
one  or  the  other  House  of  Parliament  has  been  to  impress  on 
others  the  necessity  of,  and  to  promote  my-self,  peace  and  har 
mony  between  our  countries;  and  although  the  prevailing  good 
sense  of  both  prevented  my  entertaining  any  serious  apprehen 
sions  on  the  subject.  I  am  one  of  those  who  have  always  watched 
with  anxiety  at  all  times  any  threatening  circumstances,  any 
clouds  which  however  small  may  through  the  neglect  of  some  or 
the  malevolence  of  others  end  in  a  storm  the  disastrous  conse 
quences  of  which  defy  exaggeration — 

I  shall  be  most  happy,  my  dear  Sir,  to  cooperate  with  you  in 
this  good  work —  since  my  appointment  was  made  the  Presi 
dent's  speech  has  reached  us,  and  although  it  gives  us  a  longer 
catalogue  of  differences  than  I  could  wish,  I  flatter  myself  that 
many  if  not  all  will  vanish  on  a  candid  explanation  and  discus 
sion,  and  I  am  strongly  confirmed  in  that  hope  by  the  plain  and 
cordial  expressions  by  which  they  are  accompanied.  The  mate 
rial  interest  of  the  two  countries  call  loudly  for  peace  and  friend 
ship,  but  what  to  my  mind  is  of  infinitely  greater  importance  I 
believe  the  moral  improvement  and  the  progressive  civilization  of 
the  world  depend  upon  it. — 

But  I  will  not  begin  my  first  attempt  at  Diplomacy  with  over 
abundant  professions  of  which  I  hope  I  shall  shortly  prove  the 
sincerity.  Lady  Ashburton1  will  not  be  able  to  accompany  me. 

1  Alexander  Baring    (Lord  Ashburton)  married  the   daughter  of  William 
Bingham,  of  Philadelphia. 


254  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

She  would  much  wish  once  more  to  visit  her  native  country  but  her 
health  and  domestic  duties  make  this  impossible. 

I  am,  my  dear  Sir,  with  great  truth  Yours  sincerely  ever 

ASHBURTON. 


(From  Lady  Ashburton.1 ) 

BATH  HOUSE  Jan.  12  [1842] 
My  Dear  Mr.  Webster 

I  take  great  credit  to  myself  for  the  discretion  which  has  hith 
erto  checked  my  impulse  to  write  to  you,  at  the  risk  of  appearing 
unmindful  of  the  very  gratifying  proofs  of  your  recollection,  I 
have  received  on  various  occasions ;  for  in  truth  I  had  little  to  tell 
you  beyond  the  gossip  of  London  society  at  a  moment  when  I 
knew  your  time  and  attention  were  absorbed  by  the  most  impor 
tant  affairs.  I  cannot  however  now  resist  troubling  you  with  a 
few  lines  to  say  how  fully  we  concur  in  your  description  of  Mr. 
Everett,  who  is  in  every  respect  calculated  to  sustain  the  high 
opinion  now  entertained  of  American  Statesmen,  &  to  inculcate 
the  regard  of  all  those  who  have  the  advantage  of  knowing  him — 
I  should  have  made  his  acquaintance  as  a  country  woman,  but  I 
can  now  boldly  urge  my  claim  to  his  consideration  as  an  acknowl 
edged  friend  of  yours — a  privilege  I  am  so  apt  to  boast  of,  that 
it  is  gratifying  to  my  vanity  to  have  it  confirmed  by  you —  Mr. 
Everett's  brief  visit  to  the  Grange  was  not  made  under  the  most 
cheering  circumstances,  for  my  heroic  patriotism  has  been  sadly 
depressed  by  the  prospect  of  a  long  suspension  of  our  domestic 
happiness,  to  say  nothing  of  the  great  anxiety  we  all  suffer  about 
Lord  Ashburton's  health,  which  I  fear  will  be  sorely  tried  in  a 
tedious  voyage  at  this  inclement  season —  These  honors  were 
thrust  upon  him  as  the  person  most  zealous  in  the  cause  of  Amer 
ica,  &  most  sanguine  as  to  the  possibility  of  settling  the  long 
pending  differences  between  the  two  countries.  God  grant  that 
his  best  hopes  may  be  realized  &  that  I  may  see  him  return  with  a 
treaty  of  peace  in  his  pocket —  It  will  go  far  to  compensate  us 
both  for  the  sacrifices  we  are  about  to  make.  At  all  events  pray 
treat  him  kindly,  &  meet  his  advances  with  the  same  friendly  feel 
ings  he  carries  towards  you,  for  to  borrow  your  own  significant 
phrase  "if  you  dont  like  him,  we  can  send  you  nothing  better." 

He  will  embark  in  the  warship  about  the  25  of  this  month,  & 

1  The  daughter  of  William  Bingham,  of  Philadelphia. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  255 

I  hope  he  will  have  no  difficulty  in  finding  a  suitable  House  at 
Washington —  Mr.  Bates  has  promised  to  write  to  secure  one — 
Had  the  season  been  more  propitious  I  should  much  have  liked  to 
accompany  him,  &  to  have  seen  the  vast  improvements  which  have 
taken  place  in  my  native  country  during  an  absence  of  forty 
years —  Adieu  my  dear  Mr.  Webster  &  pray  believe  me  to  be 
your  truly  obliged 

A.  H.  ASHBURTON 


(To  John  Wilson.1) 

WASHINGTON  Feb.  9,  1842 
Dear  Sir 

I  have  rec'd  your  letter  of  the  29th  of  January.  While  I 
very  much  lament  that  you  do  not  approve  of  recent  steps,  taken 
here,  in  regard  to  the  important  subjects  of  currency  &  finance,  I 
have  no  right  to  complain,  nor  would  I  desire  you  to  withhold 
your  opinions,  however  they  may  differ  from  mine.  The  state 
of  the  Country  is  known  to  us  all ;  we  all  know  the  failure,  thus 
far,  of  all  attempts  at  relief ;  and  yet,  for  one,  I  have  not  thought 
it  a  part  of  duty  to  give  up  hope,  or  relax  all  effort.  I  certainly 
concurred  in  the  President's  recommendations  of  the  plan  now 
before  Congress;  &  this  you  think  inconsistent  with  former 
opinions  of  mine.  On  this  part  of  your  letter,  I  will  say  a  word 
or  two.  Genl  Jackson's  proposition,  so  far  as  it  was  stated  by 
him,  was  for  a  Bank,  founded  on  the  credit  &  revenues  of  the 
Govt,  &  to  carry  on  the  Common  business  of  a  Bank ;  that  is  to 
say,  it  was  to  be  a  Bank  of  Loans  &  Discounts. 

Now  the  plan  suggested  by  the  President  proposed  no  loans — 
no  discounts,  in  the  way  of  common  Bank  operations.  It  seeks 
to  help  the  country,  by  furnishing  exchange,  as  far  as  its  means, 
&  a  due  regard  to  safety,  will  allow. — and  beyond  this,  it  refrains 
from  all  loans  or  advances  to  individuals.  This  distinction  ap 
pears  to  me  to  be  broad  &  clear. 

I  cannot  help  hoping,  on  the  whole,  that  you  will  come  to  the 
conclusion  that  the  plan  before  Congress  is  the  most  likely  to  be 
useful  to  the  Country,  of  any  thing  that  can  now  be  suggested.2 

Yrs  respectfully 

DANL  WEBSTER. 

1  Addressed  to  General  Wilson. 

*  This  letter  was  written  in  reply  to  a  long  letter  reproving  Webster  for  in 
consistency  in  matters  of  national  finance. 


256  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  Reuel  Williams.1) 

PRIVATE  AND  CONFIDENTIAL. 

WASHINGTON  Feb.  2, 1842 
Dear  Sir, 

Recalling  the  conversation  which  passed  in  the  Department 
between  Mr.  Evans  and  yourself,  &  me,  &  also  the  short  interview 
which  I  had  with  you  at  the  Presidents,  I  now  beg  leave  to  address 
you,  on  the  important  subject  of  those  conversations. 

Lord  Ashburton  may  be  expected  in  this  country  by  the  first 
of  March,  fully  empowered  &  instructed  to  discuss  and  settle 
definitely  every  subject  in  controversy  between  the  United  States 
&  England.  At  the  head  of  this  list  stands  the  dispute  cover 
ing  our  North  Eastern  Boundary,  &  I  suppose  this  will  be  entered 
upon,  immediately  upon  his  arrival. 

You  are  aware  that  a  negotiation  had  been  going  on  between 
Mr.  Forsyth  and  Mr.  Fox,  for  many  months,  before  the  late 
change  of  administration.  In  the  progress  of  this  negotation, 
the  parties  had  arrived  at  an  agreement  for  a  joint  commission, 
with  an  ultimate  reference  to  arbitrators,  appointed  by  the  Sover 
eigns,  or  Heads,  of  other  Governments,  in  case  necessity  for  such 
arbitration  should  arise.  On  several  matters  of  detail  the  parties 
differed,  &  appear  to  have  been  interchanging  their  respective 
views  &  opinions,  projects  &  counter  projects,  without  coming 
to  a  full  (final)  agreement  down  to  Aug  1840.  Various  causes, 
not  now  necessary  to  be  explained,  have  [arrested  the  progress 
of  the  negotiations  at  that  time]  prevented  any  further  consider 
able  progress,  since  that  period.  (&  no  efficient  progress  has  since 
been  made  in  it. ) 

It  seems  to  be  [have  been]  understood  on  both  sides,  that  one 
arbitration  having  failed,  it  is  [was]  the  duty  of  the  two  parties 
to  proceed  to  institute  another,  according  to  the  spirit  of  the 
Treaty  of  Ghent,  &  other  Treaties,  and  (I  suppose,  that)  unless 
some  new  course  be  adopted  the  pending  negotiation  will  be  im 
mediately  pressed  to  its  conclusion. 

But  I  think  it  highly  probable  that  Lord  Ashburton  will  come 
prepared  to  agree  to  a  conventional  line  of  boundary,  on  such 
terms,  &  conditions,  &  under  such  compensation,  as  may  be 
thought  just  and  equitable.  It  is  the  conviction  of  the  high 
probability  of  this,  (although  we  have  no  authentic  information 

1  R.  Williams  was  a  prominent  lawyer  of  Maine,  and  was  a  Senator  from 
that  State  from  1837  to  1843. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  257 

to  that  effect)  that  leads  the  President  to  desire  that  the  attention 
of  the  Government  of  Maine  should  be  immediately  &  seriously 
turned  to  this  subject,  with  a  view  of  learning  whether  it  might 
not  be  useful  for  that  Govt.  to  make  itself,  to  a  certain  extent, 
and  in  a  certain  form,  party  to  the  discussions  &  conclusions, 
which  may  be  had  between  the  Govt.  of  the  United  States 
&  that  of  England.  The  Treaty  for  a  conventional  line,  if  one 
should  be  agreed  upon,  must  of  course  be  between  the  United 
States  &  England,  &  could  be  submitted  for  ratification  only  to 
the  Senate  of  the  United  States.  But  agents  or  commissioners 
of  Maine  might  represent  her  interests  &  wishes,  in  the  nego 
tiation,  with  an  understanding  that  no  exchange  of  Territory, 
or  other  proceedings  to  make  a  new  line  by  agreement,  would 
be  adopted  without  their  express  assent.  Their  commissioners 
would  of  course  correspond  with  their  own  Government,  and  as 
they  would  be  possessed  of  the  fullest  local  information,  &  well 
acquainted  with  the  interests,  sentiments,  &  wishes  of  the  People 
of  Maine,  an  arrangement  entered  into  with  their  consent,  if 
happily  such  an  arrangement  could  be  made,  would  be  likely  to 
give  satisfaction. 

I  pray  you  to  have  the  goodness  to  confer  on  this  subject  with 
Gov.  Fairfield,  &  other  Gentlemen,  &  learn  their  opinions.  You 
will  see  that  time  presses,  as  I  suppose  the  Legislature  of  Maine 
will  adjourn  in  a  month. 

It  was  deemed  of  so  much  importance  that  this  subject  should 
be  brought  under  consideration  in  Maine,  that,  with  the  Presi 
dent's  approbation,  I  have  concluded  to  write  to  some  Gentleman 
of  High  character  in  Maine,  inviting  his  attendance  here  im 
mediately,  to  confer  upon  the  means  proper  to  be  adopted,  & 
should  probably  have  addressed  myself  to  Chief  Justice  Weston. 
But  as  you  are  now  on  the  spot,  it  has  been  thought  better  to 
communicate  with  you,  in  the  first  instance.  If  you  &  other 
Gentlemen  should  be  of  omnion  that  it  w'd  be  useful  that  a  suit 
able  person  should  come  here,  at  once,  to  confer  with  the  Presi 
dent,  &  this  Department,  more  freely  &  fully  than  may  be  done 
by  correspondence,  we  should  be  very  glad  to  see  him ;  &  though 
I  have  great  respect  for  Judge  Weston,  founded  on  long  ac 
quaintance,  yet  if  his  engagements  will  not  allow  him  to  visit  us, 
any  other  Gentleman  will  be  agreeable  whom  Gov.  Fairfield  & 
yourself  may  select. 

It  is  our  purpose,  to  put  the  question  in  the  fairest  manner  to 
Maine,  whether  she  will  consent  to  be  satisfied  with  a  conventional 


258  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

line,  &  all  the  other  terms  &  conditions,  which  commissioners  of 
her  own  appointment  shall  have  approved.  And  it  is  but  candid 
to  say,  that  for  many  reasons,  some  of  which  are  obvious  to  all, 
no  negotiations  for  such  a  line  will  be  opened,  or  entered  upon, 
without  an  express  previous  consent  on  the  part  of  Maine,  to 
acquiesce  in  any  line,  with  all  its  terms,  conditions,  &  compensa 
tions,  which  shall  have  been  thus  previously  approved.  I  hope 
the  Government  of  Maine  will  think  favorably  of  what  I  have 
now  suggested;  since  it  is  my  opinion,  that  in  all  probability, 
five  or  six  years  will  elapse  before  the  line  of  the  Treaty  of  1783 
can  be  ascertained,  by  proceedings  under  a  convention  for  a  joint- 
commission  and  an  ultimate  arbitration.  It  will  be  our  duty, 
however,  to  press  the  conclusion  of  such  convention  as  soon  as 
possible,  unless  the  Government  of  Maine  should  think  it 
incompatible  with  the  honor  &  interest  of  the  State  to  concur  in 
measures  for  an  earlier  settlement  of  the  whole  question. 

Allow  me  to  hope  for  an  early  acknowledgment  of  the  result 
of  this  communication. 

[DANIEL  WEBSTER]1 

(From  Heuel  Williams.) 

PRIVATE  AND   CONFIDENTIAL. 

-P.        „.  AUGUSTA  Feb  12  1842 

Dear  Sir 

Since  writing  to  you  some  days  ago  I  have  endeavored  to  ascer 
tain  what  may  be  expected  from  the  Legislature  of  Maine  in 
reference  to  the  boundary  question. 

The  point  of  honor,  and  consistency  on  the  part  of  the  Legisla 
ture,  are  in  the  way  of  arriving  at  what  might  be  satisfactory  to 
both  Countries. 

Maine  is  confident  of  the  justice  &  validity  of  her  claim  as 
advanced  and  insisted  upon  by  her,  &  has  no  wish  to  change  the 
Treaty  line.  Still  I  believe  she  would  release  to  Great  Britain 
such  portion  of  the  territory  in  controversy  as  the  convenience  of 
the  latter  may  require,  on  an  offer  of  other  territory  in  exchange, 
or  other  suitable  equivalent.  In  her  view,  Great  Britain  has 
interposed  an  unwarrantable  claim  to  a  portion  of  her  territory, 
&  has  taken  &  now  holds  part  of  it  by  military  force. 

To  open  a  way  to  a  friendy  adjustment  of  the  question,  it 

1  This   copy  was  taken  from  the  original  draft  of  the  letter  in  Webster's 
hand. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  259 

would  seem  that  Great  Britain  should  first  withdraw  all  military 
occupation  of  the  territory  in  controversy  &  then  a  proposition 
from  her  for  an  exchange  of  territory  and  equivalents  would  be 
met  &  carried  out  by  Maine  in  a  friendly  spirit. 

Aware  of  the  difficulties  urged  by  the  Government  of  Great 
Britain  as  standing  in  the  way  of  her  proposing  a  conventional 
line  &  equivalents  to  a  party  not  authorized  to  agree  to  &  estab 
lish  such  a  line,  the  members  of  the  Legislature,  as  well  as  the 
Governor  of  Maine,  as  far  as  I  can  ascertain,  would  agree  to  any 
course  which  can  be  honorably  adopted  to  afford  the  parties  an 
opportunity  of  understanding  the  obj  ects  and  views  of  each  other, 
&  of  arriving  at  a  settlement  of  the  long  pending  question  of 
boundary,  if  possible,  without  resort  to  arbitration,  indicated  by 
the  last,  as  well  as  the  present  administration,  as  the  only  remain 
ing  course  to  be  adopted. 

If  the  information  proposed  by  the  general  Government  would 
enable  you  to  propose  to  the  Governor  of  Maine,  or  the  Legisla 
ture,  a  specific  line  of  boundary ;  yielding  to  Maine  territory, 
privileges  of  navigation  or  other  benefits  equivalent  to  the  terri 
tory  which  might  be  yielded  to  Great  Britain,  in  lieu  of  the  line 
described  in  the  Treaty  of  1783,  it  would  be  well  received,  &  acted 
upon  by  the  Legislature  as  the  General  Government  might  justly 
expect  from  one  of  its  members. 

If  that  cannot  be  done,  then  I  think  an  appeal  to  Maine,  as 
indicated  in  your  letter,  would  receive  grave  consideration  &  be 
acted  upon  with  a  strong  desire  to  adopt  the  measure,  if  it  shall 
be  deemed  consistent  with  the  honor  and  just  pretensions  of  the 
State. 

Suggestions  are  made  by  some  that  alltho'  Great  Britain  has 
heretofore  proposed  to  treat  for  a  conventional  line  it  is  not 
known  that  Lord  Ashburton  will  be  so  instructed,  and  that  Maine 
should  authorize  Commissioners  to  consider  &  agree  upon  a  con 
ventional  line  &  its  terms,  &  then  learn  that  no  such  line  or  terms 
were  to  be  proposed  by  England,  Maine  would  then  be  placed 
where  no  American  could  wish  to  see  her  placed. 

While  I  have  thus  given  you  the  views  of  the  dominant  party  in 
Maine,  as  fairly  &  fully  as  I  can,  it  should  not  be  forgotten  that 
much  will  depend  upon  the  course  of  the  Whigs.  Neither  party, 
as  such,  will  be  inclined  to  encounter  the  united  efforts  of  the 
other  upon  this  great  question.  If  the  Whigs  shall,  as  I  think 
they  will,  sustain  a  reasonable  proposition  from  the  general  gov 
ernment  for  authority  to  settle  the  question  upon  just  grounds 


260  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

&  with  proper  limitations  it  seems  to  me  that  the  object  may  be 
attained;  but  I  speak  from  appearances  &  not  from  authority. 
The  Legislature  propose  to  adjourn  about  the  first  of  March. 
I  am  very  respectfully  Your  obt.  servt. 

R  WILLIAMS 


(To  Reuel  Williams.) 

PRIVATE  AND  CONFIDENTIAL. 

WASHINGTON  Feb.  18,  1842 
My  Dear  Sir 

Your  letter  of  the  12th.  was  received  yesterday.  The  dispo 
sition  which  appears  to  animate  Govr.  Fairfield,  &  the  other  Gen 
tlemen  with  whom  you  conferred,  is  such  as  to  give  hope,  I  think 
of  favorable  results.  Nothing  is  more  earnestly  desired  by  the 
President  than  to  terminate  the  Boundary  controversy  in  a  man 
ner  honorable,  satisfactory,  &  useful  to  Maine,  &  to  the  whole 
Country. 

You  remark  that  it  is  suggested  by  some  [here  mark,  as  quoted 
on  page  3  "that  although"  &c  to  the  words  "her  places"]  I  have 
no  further  information  to  give,  as  respects  Lord  Ashburton's  in 
structions.  All  we  know  is,  that  Lord  Aberdeen  informed  Mr. 
Everett  that  Lord  Ashburton  would  be  clothed  with  full  power 
to  discuss,  &  definitely  settle,  all  questions  pending  between  the 
two  governments. 

I  have  no  doubt,  whatever,  that  his  instructions  will  give  him 
the  fullest  authority  to  agree  on  a  conventional  line.  But  if 
Govr.  Fairfield  &  other  Gentlemen  think  that  more  positive  assur 
ance  on  that  point  is  necessary?  before  any  step  be  taken  by 
Maine,  then  of  course  nothing  can  be  done  before  the  Minister's 
arrival.  It  may  be  proper  to  take  this  view  of  the  subject,  &  it 
would  not  become  me  to  make  any  objections;  altho'  for  my  own 
part,  I  should  have  preferred  that  a  different  view  might  have 
been  taken. 

I  regret  that  Govr.  Fairfield  &  his  friends  should  be  of  opinion 
that  any  points  of  honor  &  consistency,  on  the  part  of  the  Legis 
lature  are  in  the  wav  of  arriving  at  what  might  be  satisfactory  to 
both  Countries.  It  is  true  that  Maine  is  confident  of  the  justice 
&  validity  of  her  claim,  &  certainly  I  think  this  a  well  founded 
confidence.  But  it  is  equally  true  that  England  has  evinced,  on 
her  side,  no  less  confidence.  Maine  thinks  that  England  has  in- 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  261 

terposed  an  insurmountable  claim  to  a  portion  of  her  Territory,  & 
the  Govt.  of  the  U.  States  thinks  that  Maine  in  that  opinion,  is 
entirely  right;  but  England  asserts,  on  the  other  side,  that  the 
U.  S.  &  Maine  have  interposed  an  insurmountable  claim  to  a  por 
tion  of  her  Territory ;  and  these  conflicting  opinions  &  assertions 
of  right  must  be,  in  some  way  settled  &  adjusted.  It  is  true  that 
England  occupies  or  protects  a  part  of  the  disputed  Territory  by 
armed  force,  but  it  is  equally  true  that  the  United  States  occupy 
&  protect  another  part  by  an  armed  force  also,  and  this  last  force 
was  placed  in  position,  at  the  request  of  the  Govt.  of  Maine.  In 
deed  if  I  remember  correctly,  Maine  assented,  in  the  year  1839, 
that  the  question  of  possession  should  remain  as  it  then  stood; 
that  is,  that  Great  Britain  should  hold  one  part,  Maine  not  ac 
knowledging  her  right,  &  that  Maine  should  hold  another  part, 
England  not  acknowledging  her  right.  The  spirit  &  general 
principle  of  this  understanding  between  Maine  &  the  Govt.  of 
New  Brunswick  has  governed  the  conduct  of  the  Govt.  of  the 
United  States,  in  all  subsequent  measures  respecting  the  posses 
sion  of  the  disputed  territory;  the  principal  alteration,  that  of 
substituting  U.  S.  troops  for  the  posse  of  Maine  having  been 
adopted,  as  I  have  already  said,  at  the  request  of  Maine.  I  make 
this  remark,  My  Dear  Sir,  with  no  other  view  than  that  of  ex 
pressing  the  hope,  that  on  more  reflection,  &  upon  full  considera 
tion  of  all  the  circumstances,  the  Govt.  of  Maine  may  not  find  any 
obstacle  founded  on  considerations  of  honor  &  consistency  from 
concurring,  in  the  manner  suggested  in  my  letter,  in  a  proceed 
ing,  having  in  view  the  establishment  of  a  conventional  line,  if 
the  British  Minister  should  in  fact  bring  with  him  proper  au 
thority  for  such  a  purpose.1 

I  am,  My  Dear  Sir,  with  true  regard,  Yours  obedient  servant, 

^^^  D.  W. 

(To  Samuel  Rush  et  al.) 

WASHINGTON  Feb.  19,  1842. 
Gentlemen : 

It  would  give  me  much  pleasure  to  join  you,  in  your  proposed 
commemoration  of  the  Birth  Day  of  Washington,  but  public 
duties  deprive  me  of  that  satisfaction. 

Every  revolving  year  evinces,  more  &  more  clearly,  the  wisdom, 

1  This  copy  is  taken  from  the  draft  of  letter  sent. 


262  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

&  virtue,  &  patriotism  of  that  illustrious  man,  and  instead  of 
offering  you  any  sentiments  of  my  own,  to  be  announced  at  your 
celebration,  will  you  allow  me  to  transcribe  a  paragraph  from 
his  Farewell  Address. 

(Here  copy  as  marked,  pp.  57,  58.  )* 

There  is  no  one  of  these  sentiments,  Gentlemen,  which  does  not 
enter  into  my  conviction,  &  sink  deep  in  my  heart.  They  have 
constituted  &  so  long  as  I  live,  will  constitute,  the  principle  of  my 
political  conduct,  whether  in  public  or  private  life.  If  we  can 
maintain  these  sentiments,  if  we  can  keep  their  lodgment  high, 
secure,  &  unshaken  in  the  affections  of  the  American  People,  we 
need  not  fear  that  patriotism  &  good  counsels  will  lift  the  Coun 
try  triumphantly  out  of  all  difficulties,  &  carry  it  ever  on  in  its 
bright  career  of  prosperity  &  renown.  But  if  these  sentiments 
shall  be  abandoned,  we  may  be  assured  that  there  will  come  con 
sequences,  amidst  which  I  know  not  on  what  plank  Patriotism 
itself  may  hope  to  stand,  for  its  last  effort,  or  how  the  voice  of 
the  wisest  commander  may  expect  to  be  heard,  above  the  howling 
of  the  storm. 

Your  invitation  intimates  Gentlemen,  that  the  company  will 
be  composed  of  the  Friends  of  President  Tylers  Administration. 
Of  that  Administration,  its  character,  its  purposes,  or  its  pros 
pect  of  success,  it  may  become  me  to  say  little.  In  the  events 
which  have  happened,  &  amidst  the  circumstances  which  surround 
it,  It  asks  one  thing  from  the  American  People ;  &  that  is,  a  fair 
trial.  If  they  will  protect  it  against  the  effects  of  unjust  denun 
ciations  in  advance,  &  judge  of  its  merits  or  demerits,  as  they  may 
be  disclosed  in  the  sequel,  it  will  have  no  right  to  complain,  & 
so  far  as  I  am  concerned,  will  not  complain  of  the  final  judgment 
of  the  Country. 

Let  it  be  judged  by  its  measures ;  by  the  degree  of  care  it  shall 
manifest  to  maintain  the  honor  &  interests  of  the  United  States  in 
their  Foreign  Relations ;  by  the  disposition  it  shall  evince  towards 
a  reasonable  provisions  for  public  defense,  on  the  land  &  on  the 
water;  by  its  recommendations  on  the  great  subjects  of  revenue 
&  finance ;  by  its  cooperation  in  all  practicable  means  of  retrench 
ment  &  reform;  by  its  impartial  regard  to  all  interests,  &  all 
parts,  of  the  Country ;  and,  above  all,  by  its  remembrance,  or  its 
forgetfulness,  of  the  solemn  admonition  of  Him,  whose  now  glori 
ous  name  &  services  you  commemorate,  that  the  main  pillar  of  our 

1  Webster's  instruction  to  his  amanuensis. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  263 

Independence,  Prosperity,  &  Happiness  will  ever  be  found  to  be 
that  "UNITY  OF  GOVERNMENT,  WHICH  CONSTITUTES  us  ONE  PEO 
PLE."  1 

I  am,  Gentlemen,  Your  obliged  friend  &  fellow  citizen 

[D.  WEBSTEE] 

(To  Pearce  #  Bullock.) 

WASHINGTON  llth.  March,  1842. 
Gentlemen 

I  have  reed  your  letter  of  the  8th  of  this  month,  &  read  its 
contents  with  great  interest.  I  shall  take  occasion  to  have  parts 
of  it  published,  without  your  names,  that  the  facts  which  it  men 
tions  may  get  before  the  public. 

I  do  not  know  what  views  on  the  whole  subject  of  our  reciproc 
ity  treaties  may  be  now  entertained,  or  hereafter  adopted,  by  our 
Branch  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States.  But  writing  as 
a  friend  in  confidence  I  may  say  to  you  that  I  have  looked  at 
the  operation  of  these  treaties,  with  extreme  concern  for  the  last 
three  or  four  years.2 

Yours  very  respectfully, 

====  D-  W' 

(From  Joseph  Story.) 

CAMBRIDGE  March  26,  1842. 
Dear  Sir, 

Accidental  circumstances  have  prevented  me  from  before  an 
swering  your  letter  of  the  17th  instant.  I  now  do  it  with  great 
pleasure. 

The  first  part  of  your  Inquiry  is  whether  the  Law  of  Nations 
does  not  make  a  difference  between  the  case  of  ordinary  fugitives 
from  justice  and  the  case  of  persons  committing  offences  upon 
the  high  seas.  I  am  not  aware  that  any  such  distinction  has  ever 
been  made  theoretically  or  even  practically,  except  so  far  as 
Piracy  (which  I  will  presently  consider)  may  be  supposed  to  con 
stitute  an  exception.  Offences  committed  on  the  high  seas  are 
exclusively  cognisable  by  the  Courts  of  the  Nations,  to  which  the 
ships  on  board  of  which  they  have  been  committed,  belong.  Such 

1  This  letter  is  taken  from  Webster's  draft  of  letter  sent. 
4  Taken  from  Daniel  Webster's  original  manuscript. 


264  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

ships  are  treated  as  being  subject  to  the  municipal  laws  of  their 
own  country,  and  to  none  others.  No  other  nation  has  any  right, 
or  duty  to  take  cognisance  of,  or  to  punish  such  offences.  And 
on  this  account,  as  the  offences  are  merely  municipal,  no  distinc 
tion  has  been  taken  between  fugitives  from  justice,  violating  mu 
nicipal  laws,  on  the  ocean,  and  those  violating  those  laws  on  land. 
This  case  was  a  good  deal  considered  in  the  case  of  U.  S.  v. 
Palmer  (3  Wheat.  R.  610)  and  U.  S.  v  Klintok  (5  Wheat.  R. 
144)  and  U.  S.  v.  Furlong  (5  Wheat.  R.  184) 

But  wherever  the  Crew  of  a  Ship  of  any  nation  have  usurped 
the  command  thereof,  and  assumed  the  character  of  pirates,  there, 
the  general  rule  has  been  that  all  nations  may  take  cognizance  of, 
and  punish  their  subsequent  piratical  acts ;  for  the  ship  has  then 
lost  her  national  character.  This  was  expressly  held  in  U.  S.  v. 
Klintok  (5  Wheat.  R.  610)  U.  S.  v.  Smith  (5  Wheat.  R.  154) 
and  U.  S.  v.  Furlong  &  als.  (5  Wheat.  R.  144)  and  U.  S.  v. 
Holmes  (5  Wheat.  R.  412).  It  has,  therefore,  become  a  com 
mon  practice  for  all  nations  to  take  cognizance  of  and  to  punish 
piratical  offences,  although  committed  on  board  of  Ships,  which 
originally  belonged  to  another  foreign  nation,  the  Ship  having  by 
force,  or  usurpation  lost  her  national  character. 

But  although  every  nation  is  deemed  thus  at  liberty  to  punish 
piracy,  whenever  the  pirates  are  brought  within  its  own  domin 
ions,  it  is  by  no  means  uncommon  for  a  nation,  under  such  circum 
stances,  to  remit  the  offenders  for  trial  to  the  Country  to  which 
the  Ship  belonged.  This,  however,  has  always  been  understood 
to  be  a  matter  of  comity  and  discretion,  and  not  of  national  duty. 
Several  cases  have  occurred  in  the  Circuit  Court,  in  my  circuit, 
where  this  has  taken  place.  Thus  in  the  case  of  U.  States  v. 
Tully ;  the  Prisoners  were  arrested  in  St.  Lucia,  and  sent  to  the 
U.  States  and  were  there  tried  and  convicted.  The  case  of  U.  S. 
v.  Ross  was  a  case  where  a  South  American  Govt.  (I  forget  which 
one)  sent  home  the  offenders  for  trial.  But  the  most  striking 
case  was  that  of  U.  S.  v.  Gibert  2nd  Sumner  R.  20,  where  the 
British  Government  ordered  the  Spanish  Pirates,  who  plundered 
the  Brig  Mexican,  of  Salem,  to  be  sent  to  Boston  for  trial  and 
they  were  accordingly  sent  and  tried  and  convicted.  The  of 
fenders  were  originally  arrested  by  British  Officers  in  Africa,  and 
were  sent  to  England,  and  then  were  by  order  of  the  British,  sent 
here,  and  a  British  officer  as  a  witness  accompanied  them.  See 
2  Sumner  R.  24  NOTE.  This  was  understood  at  the  time  to  be, 
not  a  matter  of  duty,  but  a  matter  of  discretion  and  comity. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  265 

Your  second  question  is,  as  to  what  cases  I  recollect  as  to  send 
ing  persons  of  the  last  description  (that  is,  offenders  on  the  high 
seas)  home  for  trial,  and  particularly  what  I  remember  of  the 
case  of  the  Plattsburg. 

I  have  already  stated  several  cases  in  my  Circuit ;  and  I  believe 
more  have  occurred ;  and  in  cases  of  municipal  offenders,  I  have  a 
strong  impression  that  American  Seamen  have  been  often  sent 
home  who  have  committed  crimes  of  a  malignant  character ;  such 
as  murder,  revolt,  and  manslaughter.  But  I  cannot  recall  the 
particular  cases.  A  search  in  the  Clerk's  office  of  the  Circuit 
Court  in  Boston,  would,  I  doubt  not,  present  many  such.  I  doubt 
not  that  many  cases  have  occurred  in  other  Districts,  especially  in 
New  York.  In  respect  to  the  case  of  the  Plattsburg,  I  suppose 
you  refer  to  that  case,  as  it  came  before  the  Supreme  Court,  and 
is  reported  in  10th.  Wheaton  R.  133.  You  will  there  find  all  the 
facts  stated  at  large.  If  there  be  any  other  case  of  the  Platts 
burg  involving  other  facts,  it  has  not  as  yet  occurred  to  my 
memory. 

The  real  question,  however,  in  the  Creole  Case  is  not  a  ques 
tion  as  to  the  delivering  up  of  fugitives  from  Justice,  as  of  prop 
erty,  and  property  coming  by  the  vis  major  and  involuntarily 
into  a  foreign  port.  Suppose  the  case  had  been  one  of  Ship 
wreck,  and  the  Cargo  had  been  ordinary  goods,  no  one  could  well 
doubt  that  in  the  present  state  of  civilization  every  nation  would 
feel  itself  bound  by  the  general  doctrines  of  comity  and  humanity 
and  justice  to  protect  and  restore  such  property  and  to  give  a 
right  of  reclaiming  it  from  wrong  doers.  The  question  then  is 
reduced  to  this,  whether  there  is  a  sound  distinction  between  that 
case,  and  the  case  of  Slaves,  who  are  property  and  held  as  prop 
erty  by  their  owners  in  America,  and  are  by  the  vis  major,  or  by 
shipwreck  found  in  a  foreign  port.  It  is  certainly  true,  that  no 
nation  held  itself  bound  to  recognise  the  state  or  the  rights  of 
slavery,  which  are  recognised  and  allowed  by  any  other  Country. 
And  if  slaves  come  voluntarily  into  a  Country  with  the  consent  of 
their  masters,  they  are  deemed  free.  The  only  point  left  of  my 
argument  seems  to  be,  whether  the  like  privilege  applies,  where 
they  are  in  such  Country  by  the  vis  major,  or  by  shipwreck.  I 
have  always  inclined  to  think  this  must  be  deemed  matter  of  com 
ity,  which  a  nation  was  at  liberty  to  concede  or  refuse,  and  not 
a  right  of  another  nation  to  claim  or  enforce  as  strictly  arising 
under  the  Law  of  nations.  Could  an  action  be  maintainable  in  a 
Court  of  Justice  to  enforce  a  right  to  Slave  property  in  New 


266  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

England  or  any  other  non  slaveholding  State  in  a  case  not  covered 
by  the  Constitution,  or  by  a  Treaty?  The  argument,  ab  incon- 
venienti,  may  be  addressed  with  great  force  to  Great  Britain  on 
this  subject;  but  it  strikes  me  to  furnish  a  ground  for  mutual 
Treaty  Stipulations  as  to  slave  property  and  the  slave  trade,  fit 
to  be  pressed,  in  negotiations,  although  difficult  to  support  as  a 
positive  public  right  independant  of  Treaty.  See  the  Amistad 
15  Peters.  A,  and  the  Penna  Slave  Case  in  Supreme  Court  last 
term. 

Believe  me  most  truly,  yours. 

JOSEPH  STOIIY. 


(To  Edward  Everett.(?) 

Private 

WASHINGTON  Mar  30"  1842  10  P.  M. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  have  only  time  to  say  that  your  despatches,  to  the  3rd,  were 
rec'd  this  evening,  and  have  been  glanced  at,  but  not  read.  Lord 
Ashburton  as  yet  is  to  be  heard  from ;  but  he  is  not  out  of  time, 
according  to  other  passages  recently  made  from  your  side  to  ours. 
Mr.  Clark's  house  is  taken  for  him,  and  is  in  readiness. 

We  have  some  excitement  here  at  this  moment  from  the  new 
attempt  of  Mexico  to  reduce  Texas.  The  want  of  all  due  prep 
aration  on  the  part  of  Texas,  renders  it  possible  that  the  Mexican 
troops  may  overrun  the  Country;  but  I  have  no  belief  they  can 
hold  it.  There  is  also  a  good  deal  of  feeling  in  the  United  States, 
about  the  manner  in  which  certain  citizens  of  ours,  who  say  they 
are  non-combatant  followers  of  the  Texan  expedition  to  Santa 
Fe,  have  been  treated  by  the  Mexican  authorities.  I  hope,  how 
ever,  we  may  be  able  to  keep  the  peace. 

Congress  is  doing  nothing,  at  least,  no  good  thing.  Endless 
debate,  and  personal  quarrels  are  the  order  of  the  day.  The 
foreign  relations  of  the  Country  are  ticklish  enough;  but  our 
domestic  condition  is  terrible.  We  are  now  enjoying  the  rich 
fruits  of  the  Compromise  Act  of  March  1833.  Almost  the  only 
symptom  of  returning  sense  among  us  is  found  in  the  very  gen 
eral  idea  now  prevalent,  that  there  is  no  course  left  but  to  lay 
duties  in  the  old  way,  discriminating  and  specific,  abandoning  all 
notions  of  universal  horizontalization  in  such  things. 

Mrs.  W.  desires  her  best  regards ;  and  I  am  obliged  to  place  this 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  267 

at  once  into  the  hands  of  Charles  Brown  or  lose  the  chance  by 
the  Boston  Boat. 

Yours, 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(From  Joseph  Story.) 

„.  CAMBRIDGE  April  19,  1842 

My  dear  Sir, 

I  have  been  very  busy  with  cases  in  bankruptcy  and  other 
matters  or  I  should  have  answered  your  last  letter  before  this 
time.  I  now  send  a  sketch  of  three  articles  of  a  Treaty  upon 
three  of  the  critical  points,  to  which  you  have  directed  my  atten 
tion — (1)  fugitives  from  Justice — (2)  vessels  with  slaves  going 
into  British  ports  by  stress  of  weather  &c.  (3)  Acts  done  under 
Government  orders  like  McLeod's  case  &c. 

As  to  the  first  I  have  taken  the  17th  Article  of  Jay's  Treaty 
of  1794,  as  my  main  guide,  as  far  as  it  goes.  But  it  stops  short 
of  pointing  out  how  the  surrender  is  to  be  accomplished,  (as  I 
think  it  should  be)  through  the  judicial  power,  which  gave  rise 
to  the  senseless  popular  clamours  in  Jonathan  Robinson's  case. 
I  have  added  the  proper  provision. 

As  to  the  second,  I  have  drawn  it  up  with  considerable  fullness, 
and  directness  meaning  to  meet  the  difficulty  in  language  calm 
and  yet  clear ;  with  the  proper  grounds  as  to  the  right  of  exami 
nation  into  the  character  of  the  persons  on  board,  whether  prop 
erly  held  as  slaves  or  not,  to  prevent  public  odium  and  clamour. 
As  to  the  third  I  can  only  say,  that  considering  the  importance 
to  our  national  peace  and  Security,  it  is  more  properly  a  matter 
for  treaty  stipulation,  than  for  an  act  of  Congress.  I  hope 
therefore  it  may  be  adopted.  The  first  part  of  the  clause  is 
•vital  to  its  just  operation  by  excluding  the  judicial  action  where 
the  act  is  clearly  authorized  by  the  Sovereign.  This  will  cut  up 
the  difficulty  by  the  root. 

If  I  had  more  time  I  would  probably  have  given  more  finish 
to  the  phraseology;  but  you  can  easily  amend  and  alter  it.  I 
am  sure  the  provisions  are  in  substance  right  and  will  reach  the 
evils. 

In  the  article  about  fugitives  from  Justice  I  have  put  in  the 
crimes  only,  which  most  usually  occur,  and  will  be  likely  to  call 
for  the  interposition  of  the  Government  for  extradition.  If  you 
think  it  too  broad,  you  can  strike  out  any  part  of  the  enumera- 


268  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

tion,  you  may  think  best.  I  have  purposely  excluded  political 
offences,  as  involving  very  debatable  matters  not  to  say  also,  that 
they  might  hazard  the  ratification  by  our  Senate  from  popular 
clamours. 

I  am  very  anxious  to  have  all  our  difficulties  with  Great  Britain 
settled  for  I  love  peace,  and  I  wish  well  to  G.  B.  as  well  as  to 
my  own  Country;  and  I  have  not  the  slightest  doubt,  that  all 
matters  may,  if  met  in  the  right  spirit  be  settled  honourably  for 
the  interests  and  permanent  peace  of  both  Countries.  I  will 
therefore,  hold  myself  ready  at  all  times  to  aid  your  efforts,  when 
ever  you  may  think  I  can  be  of  any  real  use  in  accomplishing  so 
desirable  an  end. 

In  my  judgment  we  ought  to  accede  to  the  Treaty  of  the  five 
Powers  as  to  the  search  of  Slave  vessels  and  to  suppress  the  Slave 
Trade.  That  Treaty  is  exceedingly  well  drawn,  and  most  care 
fully  weighed.  We  might  do  so  by  a  single  article,  merely  re 
ferring,  as  to  the  modus  operandi,  to  the  provisions  of  that 
Treaty,  and  agreeing  to  have  them  regulate  our  article  as  far  as 
they  are  applicable. 

I  confess  that  I  despair  of  Congress ;  and  I  believe  this  is  be 
coming  a  very  pervading  feeling  among  all  our  intelligent  men. 
If  we  are  to  be  saved  at  all,  it  must  be  by  different  counsels ;  and 
by  the  Executive  taking,  as  to  our  foreign  affairs,  a  bold  and 
firm  ground,  but  conciliatory. 

I  regret,  that  our  Ministers,  Cass  and  Wheaton,  should  inter 
meddle  with  these  matters  uncalled  for.  They  have  a  tendency 
to  embarrass  our  negotiations;  and  I  am  surprised  that  they 
should  write  without  orders,  and  thus  inflame,  if  not  misdirect  the 
public  mind.  I  have  seen  Cass's  pamphlet,  but  not  Wheaton's. 
Cass's  pamphlet  is  calculated  to  do  much  mischief  here  as  well  as 
in  France. 

Believe  me  most  truly  Your's 

JOSEPH  STORY 


(To  Edward  Everett.) 

PRIVATE 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.  28"  April,  1842. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

There  is  one  fact  of  very  considerable  importance  which  I 
omitted  to  mention  in  my  last  private  letter  bearing  upon  the 
convenience  or  inconvenience  of  ceding  to  us  the  strip  of  land 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  269 

west  of  St.  Johns;  and  that  is,  that  the  British  authorities  are 
constructing  a  road  from  Fredericton  directly  across  the  country 
to  the  Great  Falls  of  the  St.  Johns ;  so  that  for  communication 
between  New  Brunswick  and  Canada,  there  will  be  no  occasion  to 
cross  the  river  nor  indeed  to  come  near  it  below  those  Falls. 
Please  explain  this  to  Lord  Aberdeen. 

Yours  always 

DANL  WEBSTEB. 


(To  Waddy  Thomson.1) 

PRIVATE. 

WASHINGTON  June  27,  1842. 
Dear  Sir, 

That  part  of  your  despatch  No.  1  relative  to  California,  & 
your  private  letter  to  the  President  of  the  9th  of  May  have  been 
considered.  There  is  no  doubt  that  the  acquisition  of  so  good 
a  port  on  the  Pacific  as  St.  Francisco  is  a  subject  well  deserving 
of  consideration.  It  would  be  useful  to  the  numerous  Whale 
Ships  &  trading  vessels  of  the  United  States,  which  navigate  the 
Pacific,  &  along  the  Western  Coast  of  America.  It  would  in 
time  probably  become  a  place  of  considerable  trade,  having  a 
good  country  around  it,  but  colonization  &  settlement  could  not 
be  expected  to  advance  in  that  region,  with  the  same  spirit  and 
celerity,  as  have  been  experienced  on  the  Northern  Atlantic  Coast. 
In  seeking  acquisitions,  to  be  governed  as  Territories,  &  lying  at 
a  great  distance  from  the  United  States,  we  ought  to  be  governed 
by  our  prudence  &  caution ;  &  a  still  higher  degree  of  these  quali 
ties  should  be  exercised  when  large  Territorial  acquisitions  are 
looked  for,  with  a  view  to  annexation.  Nevertheless,  the  benefits 
of  the  possession  of  a  good  Harbour  on  the  pacific  is  so  obvious, 
that  to  that  extent,  at  least,  the  President  strongly  inclines  to 
favor  the  idea  of  treaty  with  Mexico.  The  claims  of  citizens  of 
the  United  States  against  the  Mexican  Government  are  large. 
The  amount  of  those  already  awarded,  as  you  will  see  by  another 
communication  by  this  conveyance,  is  upwards  of  two  millions  of 
dollars;  another  large  amt.  failed  of  being  awarded,  as  is  sup 
posed,  only  because  the  umpire  did  not  feel  authorized  to  act 
upon  them,  after  the  expiration  of  the  time  limited  for  the  dura 
tion  of  the  Commission.  There  are  still  other  classes  of  claims, 

1  Thomson   was   appointed    Minister    Plenipotentiary   to    Mexico   in    1842. 
From  1835  to  1841  he  represented  South  Carolina  in  Congress. 


270 

of  various  descriptions,  but  amounting  in  the  whole  to  a  large 
aggregate.  You  are  at  liberty  to  sound  the  Mexican  Govt.  upon 
the  subject  of  a  cession  of  the  Territory  upon  the  Pacific,  in 
satisfaction  of  these  claims,  or  some  of  them.  Although  it  is 
desirable  that  you  should  preserve  the  Port  &  Harbor  of  St. 
Francisco  as  the  prominent  object  to  be  attained,  yet,  if  a  cession 
should  be  made,  St.  Francisco  would  naturally  accompany  the 
Port.  It  may  be  useful,  however,  for  divers  reasons,  that  the 
benefit  &  convenience  of  the  Port  itself  should,  at  least  for  the 
present,  be  spoken  of,  as  that  is  chiefly  desired  by  the  United 
States.  I  do  not  think  that  England  has  any  present  purpose 
of  obtaining  that  important  place,  or  would  interpose  any  ob 
stacles  to  the  acquisition  of  it  by  the  United  States.  What  may 
be  the  wishes  of  France,  in  this  respect,  I  cannot  say.  You  will 
please  proceed  in  this  matter  very  cautiously,  &  quite  informally ; 
seeking  rather  to  lead  the  Mexican  Secretary  to  talk  on  the 
subject,  than  to  lead  directly  to  it  yourself.  You  will  be  par 
ticularly  careful  not  to  suffer  the  Mexican  Govt.  to  suppose  that 
it  is  an  object  upon  which  we  have  set  our  hearts,  or  for  the  sake 
of  which  we  should  be  willing  to  make  large  remuneration.  The 
cession  must  be  spoken  of,  rather  as  a  convenience  to  Mexico,  or  a 
mode  of  discharging  her  debts.  By  no  means  give  countenance 
to  any  extravagant  expectations,  content  yourself  with  sounding 
the  Government,  endeavor  to  hear,  more  than  you  say,  to  learn 
more  than  you  communicate ;  &  apprise  us  promptly  &  frequently, 
of  all  that  may  occur  on  the  subject. 

Your  project  of  visiting  California  this  season  can  hardly  be 
realized,  as  it  is  likely  that  your  presence  will  be  required  at  your 
post.1 

I  am,  Dear  Sir,  with  much  true  regard,  Yrs. 

[D.  W.] 


(To  John  Davis.?) 

PRIVATE  AND  CONFIDENTIAL. 

WASHINGTON,  Jul.  15,  1842 
Dear  Sir, 

I  enclose  herewith  the  copy  of  a  letter  addressed  by  me,  on  the 
2nd  instant,  to  Mr  Williams,  one  of  the  Senators  of  Maine,  now 

1  This  copy  is  taken  from  Webster's  draft  of  the  letter. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  271 

on  a  visit  to  his  own  residence  in  Augusta,  &  to  which  I  beg  leave 
to  call  your  attention. 

In  the  settlement  of  the  Boundary  Question,  Massachusetts  has 
an  interest,  as  well  as  Maine,  inasmuch  as  a  moiety  of  the  public 
lands  lying  in  the  latter  state  belong  to  her.  The  right  of  terri 
torial  sovereignty,  however,  is  exclusively  in  Maine;  &  it  is  this 
consideration,  I  presume,  which  has  caused  something  more  of 
excitement  &  concern  in  the  question  to  be  experienced  in  the  one 
State  than  in  the  other.  But  the  interest  of  Massachusetts  is  not 
to  be  overlooked ;  &  it  is  for  that  reason,  that  I  now  address  you. 
You  will  see  the  suggestion,  which  I  have  made  thro'  Mr  Williams 
to  the  Gov.  of  Maine,  &  I  now  submit  the  same  proposition  to  the 
Consideration  of  the  Govt.  of  Massachusetts. 

If  a  conventional  line  be  agreed  upon,  as  very  probably  may 
be  upon  conditions,  which,  while  perhaps  generally  useful  to  the 
whole  Country,  &  highly  important  to  Maine,  may  be  of  less  posi 
tive  advantage  to  Massachusetts.  That  this  may  be  so,  you  will 
readily  perceive.  And  yet,  I  suppose,  that  Massachusetts,  anx 
ious  for  the  settlement  of  so  distressing  a  question,  &  finding  her 
own  interests  reasonably  provided  for,  would  not  interpose  any 
objection,  founded  on  narrow  considerations. 

Under  these  general  views,  I  submit  to  you  the  propriety  of 
considering  the  proposition  which  I  have  communicated  to  His 
Excellency,  Gov.  Fairfield,  as  a  proposition  which  may  be,  also, 
to  be  acted  on  by  the  Govt.  of  Massachusetts.  I  entertain  no 
doubt,  whatever,  that  Lord  Ashburton  will  bring  with  him  full 
power  to  settle  the  Boundary  Question  by  agreeing  on  a  con 
ventional  line.  He  may  be  expected  here,  according  to  my  in 
formation,  in  less  than  a  month.  As  yet,  I  have  no  answer  from 
Mr.  Williams,  further  than  that  he  has  reed  my  letter,  has  shown 
it  to  Gov.  Fairfield,  &  other  Gentlemen,  &  that  he  will  write  me 
again  soon.  I  shall  communicate  to  you,  in  confidence,  all  I 
learn,  and  as  soon  as  I  hear  it,  from  that  quarter.  It  may,  per 
haps,  be  as  well  for  Maine  to  take  the  lead,  if  anything  is  to  be 
done;  (tho'  of  that  you  will  consider)  and  if  the  Govt.  of  Maine 
should  think  favorably  of  the  suggestion,  &  act  upon  it,  the  Govt. 
of  Massachusetts  will  decide  whether  it  will  adopt  a  similar  course. 

I  should  be  glad  to  hear  from  you,  at  your  earliest  conven 
ience;  am  with  the  most  sincere  regard, 

[D.   WEBSTER]1 
1  This  letter  is  taken  from  the  original  draft  in  Mr.  Webster's  hand. 


272  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(From  Isaac  C.  Bates.) 

JULY  19. 1842 

*  *  *  [He  acknowedges  Webster's  letter  of  the  16th] 
"You  agree  with  me  in  opinion,  that  the  proceeds  of  the  public 
lands  ought  to  be  distributed  among  the  states.  This  you  know 
is  the  opinion  of  Massachusetts."  l  *  *  * 


(TO .; 

Private 

SATURDAY  MORNING  July  30.  [1842] 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  feel  exceedingly  mortified  at  feeling  obliged  to  call  your  at 
tention  to  a  very  extraordinary  paragraph  in  the  Madisonian  of 
this  morning. 

How  it  is  possible,  at  a  moment  when  we  have  points  of  so  much 
importance  pending  with  the  British  Minister  that  a  paper  sup 
posed  to  enjoy  your  confidence  should  publish  respecting  him 
such  horrible  libels.  I  am  mortified  to  death. 

Yrs  truly 
^^^  D.  W. 

(From  Lord  Ashburton.) 

private 

SUNDAY  31  July  1842. 
My  Dear  Mr.  Webster. 

Using  the  words  of  Walter  Scott  when  he  sent  one  of  his  works 
to  his  publisher — I  send  you  my  Creole — D — n  her. — 

I  leave  her  in  my  original  sheets  to  save  time,  believing  that 
you  can  read  my  scrawl. —  Pray  see  if  you  think  I  could  mend 
this  case  with  a  view  to  conciliation.  I  have  treated  it  quite 
fairly  for  I  really  believe  it  would  be  best  settled  in  London. — 
I  also  believe  something  satisfactory  may  &  should  be  there  set 
tled. 

Would  it  be  well  to  leave  extradition  to  be  settled  at  the  same 
time?  The  questions  are  more  or  less  connected.  I  have  no 
objection  to  either  course.  I  congratulate  you  on  the  return  of 

1  This  is  an  excerpt  from  a  letter  owned  by  Mr.  Greenough  (in  folio  Mass, 
i,  a-b). 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN,  273 

breathing  weather.     I  really  believe  that  if  yesterday's  had  con 
tinued  I  should  not  have  lived  to  sign  any  treaty  with  you,  which 
is  now  the  great  object,  as  it  is  likely  to  be  the  fifth  act  of  my  life. 
Ever,  my  Dear  Sir,  Yours  Truly 

ASHBURTON. 


(From  John  Tyler.) 

AUGUST  1.  [1842] 
Dr  Sir 

I  have  read  your  letter  on  impressment  with  great  interest  and 
pleasure.  It  occurred  to  me  that  it  would  be  proper  to  press  the 
principle,  so  as  to  settle  the  matter  as  well  on  land  as  at  sea — 
hence  the  view  is  somewhat  enlarg'd —  You  will  remember  the 
case  alluded  to  of  prisoners  captured  in  Canada —  While  this 
doctrine  of  perpetual  allegiance  exists  the  naturalized  citizen 
goes  into  the  service  with  fear  and  trembling — and  I  have 
thought  that  it  would  be  well  to  extend  the  argument  so  as  to 
embrace  the  case  stated. 

You  will  do  with  it  as  you  please. 

Your  paper  is  plain  in  its  proposition  and  conclusive  in  its  rea 
soning.  It  is  a  question  on  which  this  govt.  can  hold  no  other 
language. 

Yrs  truly 

J.  TYLER 

(To  Fletcher  Webster.) 

AUG.  5,  1842 
Dear  F. 

I  reed  this  morning  yours  of  the  3rd,  &  in  the  enclosed  have 
said  to  the  President  what  occured  to  me,  in  relation  to  the  two 
remarks  which  he  speaks  of.  I  cannot  answer  the  Portugeesc 
Minister  till  I  receive. 

1st.  The  Treaty  with  Portugal;  2.  The  Tariff; 
both  of  which  please  send  me  immediately. 

I  shall  endeavor  to  answer  your  communication  &  return  the 
papers  promptly,  to  prevent  accumulation.  Letters  marked  pri 
vate,  Mr.  H.  Derrick  will  know  what  to  do  with,  &  the  rest  you 
can  dispose  of. 


274  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Your  mother  came  to  town  with  me  last  evening,  &  will  depart 
tomorrow  P.  M. 

Yrs     D.  W. 

The  weather  has  been  adverse,  &  I  do  not  believe  the  Warships 
have  yet  got  to  Sea : 

(From  John  Tyler.) 

AUG.  8,  1842. 
Dear  Sir; 

I  have  delayed  sending  in  this  paper  to  day  from  a  desire  that 
you  should  look  over  it  before  it  went —  The  other  gentlemen 
saw  its  outline  on  Saturday  when  I  deeply  regretted  your  ab 
sence  Suggest  if  they  occur  to  you,  any  amendments  on  a  sepa 
rate  paper. 

How  deeply  do  I  regret  that  I  cannot  have  your  full  concur 
rence  in  this  proceedure.1  But  a  Clay  Congress  can  only  be  met 
in  the  way  proposed — nor  can  the  independence  of  the  Executive 
or  good  of  the  country  be  otherwise  advanced. 

If  you  could  return  it  to  me  immediately  after  reading  and 
suggesting  changes,  it  would  enable  me  to  have  it  copied  and  off 
of  hand  this  Evening. 

Most  truly  yours 

JOHN  TYLER 

(To  John  Tyler.2) 
Confidential 

AUG.  8th.  6  o'clock.  [1842] 
My  dear  Sir; 

I  have  gone  over  your  paper,  twice  &  must  say,  that  if  the 
thing  must  be  done,  you  have  given  the  best  reasons  for  it. 

But  I  must  still  say,  my  dear  sir,  that  in  the  present  awful 
state  of  the  Country,  amidst  these  violent  factions  looking  to 
consequences  likely  to  spring  up  in  every  quarter  I  would  give 
almost  my  right  hand  if  you  could  be  persuaded  to  sign  the  bill. 

At  the  same  time  it  is  my  opinion  that  the  conduct  of  Con 
gress  in  uniting  these  two  subjects  is  wholly  indefensible. 

1  This  letter  refers  to  the  veto  of  "  An  Act  to  provide  revenue  from  imports, 
and  to  change  and  modify  existing  laws  imposing  duties  on  imports  and  for 
other  purposes." 

2  This  is  taken  from  Webster's  drafl,  which  he  kept  as  a  duplicate. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  275 

What  you  state  in  the  first  &  third  head  of  your  reasons,  is 
most  just  &  most  important.  I  feel  the  force  of  your  remarks 
on  this  part  of  the  case  &  am  willing  to  give  you  every  assurance 
of  my  entire  disapprobation  of  the  conduct  of  the  two  Houses  in 
this  respect.  It  is  calculated  to  give  to  our  legislation  a  violent 
spasmodic,  factious  character. 

Nevertheless  in  the  present  state  of  affairs  I  should  sign  the 
bill. 

You  will  find  in  the  accompanying  paper  some  suggestions 
which  you  will  look  at  &  give  them  what  weight  you  think  they 
deserve. 

Yrs  truly 

^^^  ID.  w.] 

(To  John  Tyler.) 

AUG.  8,  1842 
My  Dear  Sir; 

Your  note  gives  me  the  most  sincere  pleasure —  Let  what 
come  that  may,  the  affair  settled  with  England,  and  we  shall 
have  cause  for  unmixed  joy.  Take  my  best  thanks  for  your  zeal 
and  industry  in  accomplishing  this  important  matter.1  Tomor 
row  at  tea  I  shall  be  glad  to  be  surrounded  by  the  Cabinet. 

But  I  would  rather  have  you  ponder  over  the  idea  of  separate 
conventions  for  each  subject.  Many  friends  think  that  a  single 
Treaty  is  best.  Reserve  this  if  you  can  for  tomorrow. 

Yrs  J.  TYLER 

P.  S.  I  fear  the  extradition  article,  but  we  will  confer  to 
morrow. 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

TUESDAY  3  o'clock.  [Aug  1842] 
My  Dear  Wife 

I  write  a  word,  only  to  say  that  I  am  well.  We  are  in  a  great 
of  uncertainty  &  excitement,  &  I  know  not  what  a  day  may  bring 
forth.  The  President  is  not  in  good  health,  &  is  under  a  good 
deal  of  worry  &  excitement.  I  suppose  Congress  could  hardly 
sit  beyond  next  week. 

1  Refers  to  the  completion  of  the  Webster-Ashburton  Treaty.    See  message 
of  August  11.  1842.  "Messages  and  Papers  of  the  Presidents,"  vol.  iv,  p.  162. 


276  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Fletcher  is  well,  &  we  are  both  exceedingly  busy.  We  break 
fasted  this  morning  with  Mrs.  Lindsley — all  well.  The  general 
health  of  the  City  is  good.  I  wish  you  had  a  supply  of  our 
peaches. 

Mrs.  Agg  sent  me  a  letter  for  you,  which  I  forward.  Be 
fore  you  receive  this  you  will  have  seen  Mr.  Stubbs.  I  direct 
this  to  A.  House.  You  will  write  me  I  hope  before  you  leave 
the  City  for  Morrisiana 

What  an  awful  scene  at  Syracuse ! 

Yrs. 

D.  WEBSTEE 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

Dear  Caroline,  TUESDAY,  3  1/2  o'clock,  Aug  1842. 

Another  day  has  passed  off  without  important  occurence.  I 
have  been  at  the  office  all  the  morning,  and  in  tolerable  health. 
Yesterday  Mr.  Stubbs  told  me  about  your  purchase.  I  directed 
him  to  order  on  the  3  principal  carpets,  and  to  put  one  on  the 
study,  so  that  four  rooms  will  be  carpeted  at  once.  I  thought  it 
as  well  to  defer  the  other  for  a  while,  as  the  whole  was  a  pretty 
large  sum,  and  perhaps  we  could  manage  for  what  remains,  either 
here  or  in  Boston. 

I  was  at  the  President's  this  morning.  He  seems  quite  feeble, 
and  is  very  much  embarassed  and  harassed.  If  we  get  another 
veto,  I  know  not  what  will  become  of  us. 

I  follow  your  good  advice,  keep  in  night  and  morning,  get 
exercise  when  I  can,  and  "spatter  water"  every  morning.  I  am 
glad  that  you  are  off  for  Marshfield.  Oh,  that  I  could  go  with 
you.  I  am  really  worn  down  with  care  and  uncertainty,  and 
should  hear  with  pleasure  tomorrow  that  the  world  of  politics  had 
no  more  for  me  to  do  in  it.  5  o'clock — I  am  all  alone  and  am 
going  out  to  walk 

Yours     D.  W. 

I  shall  not  write  you  again,  until  I  hear  where  you  probably 
may  be. 

(To  John  Tyler  (?}.) 

My  dear  Sir,  SUNDAY  MORNING  [August  28,  1842] 

I  thank  you  for  your  obliging  note.     Our  success  in  the  Sen- 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  277 

ate  was  signal,  indeed.1  Mr.  Derrick  will  call  on  you,  about  one, 
today,  for  a  necessary  signature  &  will  be  off  for  England  to 
morrow  morning.  He  will  be  back  with  the  Queen's  ratification 
by  the  time  I  have  done  making  chowder  at  Marshfield,  &  we  can 
then  have  the  Treaty  published  &  proclaimed.  Meantime,  I  sup 
pose  the  Senate  will  remove  the  en  joinder  of  secrecy  from  the 
correspondence  on  the  subject  of  the  "Caroline",  the  "Creole."  & 
"Impressment;"  and  will  see  what  the  public  say,  on  these  mat 
ters. 

I  shall  come  to  see  you  tomorrow — evening. 

Yours  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER. 

Yr  paper  will  be  returned  this  P.  M. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

A.  HOUSE,  N.  Y.  Sep.  4.  [1842] 

Sunday  morn'g.  8  o'clock. 
My  Dear  Son, 

I  arrived  at  2  o'clock  Saturday,  having  suffered  most  se 
verely  the  whole  three  days  with  my  cold.  I  think  I  have  had  it 
worse,  but  hope  it  will  not  last  long. 

Lord  Ashburton  was  just  setting  sail,  or  rather  the  Boat  was 
just  carrying  him  out  of  the  harbor,  as  I  crossed  the  ferry  yester 
day.  So  I  did  not  see  him. 

I  find  here  several  communications  from  you. 

Mr.  Adams  must  be  quite  wrong  in  regard  to  the  Mexican 
business  Nothing  is  more  common  than  to  authorize  expendi 
tures,  &  pay  out  money  by  Resolution.2  Search  the  Statute 
Books;  and  at  any  rate  pay  Mr.  Thompson's  bill. 

You  speak  of  a  note,  of  which  the  Seal  was  broken  by  Mr.  Sea- 
ton,  but  which  I  do  not  find;  &  his  disappointment,  but  do  not 
state  the  cause. 

Your  mother  is  at  Robt.  Morris'.  I  am  going  out  this  morn 
ing,  to  return  in  the  Evening, — if  Mr.  Curtis  arrives  meantime, 
shall  probably  leave  for  Boston  tomorrow  Eve. 

I  was  exceedingly  mortified,  at  the  manner  in  which  the  Presi- 

1  On  August  26,  1842,  the  Senate  ratified  the  Ashburton  Treaty. 

2  In  a  letter  of  J.  Q.   Adams    to  Fletcher  Webster  the  former  had  ques 
tioned  the  constitutionality  of  that  action. 


278  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

dent  was  treated  at  the  Ashburton  Dinner.  I  believe  it  was 
principally  owing  to  the  awkwardness  of  the  presiding  officer.  If 
I  were  present  on  any  such  occasion,  I  should  make  known  my 
opinion  of  good  manners. 

Yrs. 

D.  WEBSTER. 

(From  R.  B.  Mmturn  et  al.) 
Private 
Hon.  Daniel  Webster  NEW  YOEK  Sept.  28, 1842 

Dear  Sir, 

We  have  heard  with  much  concern  that  there  is  a  probability 
of  your  resigning  the  situation  in  the  Government  which  you  have 
filled  with  such  eminent  advantage  to  the  Country —  We  beg 
that  you  will  bear  with  us  in  expressing  to  you  the  feelings  of 
deep  regret  with  which  we  have  rec'd.  this  intelligence,  and  that 
the  earnest  desire  we  feel  that  such  a  decision  may  be  averted 
will  excuse  us  in  saying  to  you,  that  if  you  can  see  your  way 
clear  to  remain  in  your  Dresent  position,  upon  a  footing  satis 
factory  to  yourself,  we  believe  that  you  will  render  the  most 
essential  service  to  your  Country,  and  secure  the  support  and 
gratitude  of  all  who  regard  the  true  welfare  of  the  Nation — 
We  are,  With  great  respect,  Your  most  obt  servts. 

R.   B.   MlNTURN 

M.  H.  GRINNELI, 
JON.  GOODHUE 
RUSSELL  H.  NORRIS 
JNO.  A.  STEVENS 
GEORGE  CURTIS 
P.  PERITZ. 

Mr.  Geo.  Griswold  has  authorized  me  to  say  that  he  concurs 
in  the  wish  above  expressed.  R.  B.  M. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

MARSHFIELD  Oct.  4,  1842. 
Dear  Fletcher ; 

By  the  Steamer  arrived  at  Boston,  I  have  reed,  some  English 
letters,  but  none,  either  official  or  private  from  Mr.  Everett  or 
Mr.  Derrich.  I  suppose  the  package  from  London  may  have 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  279 

gone  to  Washington,  or  I  may  find  it  in  Boston  tomorrow. —  If 
gone  to  Washington  please  send  them  here.  If  the  President 
shall  have  returned,  he  will  of  course  desire  to  see  the  Despatches. 
I  have  a  letter  from  Genl  Cass.  He  desires  permission  to  re 
turn  home.  Please  mention  this  to  the  President,  but  to  nobody 
else. 

Yrs.     D.  WEBSTER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

MARSHFIELD  Oct  5  1842. 
My  Dear  Son; 

The  English  Despatches  were  sent  to  me,  this  Evening,  and 
have  looked  them  over,  sent  to  you  what  were  for  the  Depart 
ment,  and  packed  and  sent  off  other  person's  letters. 

I  send  you  a  despatch  from  Mr.  Everett,  and  a  private  letter, 
both  of  which  please  show  the  President. 

I  enclose  also  Genl  Cass'  letter,  which  you  will  please  lay  before 
the  President,  and  take  his  orders  (upon).  He  will  probably 
direct  you  to  write  a  civil  answer,  thanking  the  Genl.  for  his 
faithful  and  useful  services  abroad,  and  yielding  to  his  wishes  to 
return  to  the  Country.1  It  ought,  I  think,  to  be  rather  a  cordial 
letter,  as  I  believe  Genl  C  is  coming  home  with  some  expectation 
of  acting  a  political  part. 

The  President  will  readily  give  the  proper  directions. 

Tomorrow  morning  I  leave  for  New  Hampshire. 

Yours  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER. 

Continue  to  write  me  regularly  as  Healy  will  forward  the  let 
ters. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

MARSHFIELD,  Oct  6.  Wednesday  Evening  5  o/clock.  1842. 
My  Dear  Son ; 

The  Acadia  arrived  in  Boston  yesterday,  at  3  o/clock,  and  Mr. 
Zantzinger  has  brought  me  down  the  foreign  letter  bag.  I  send 
to  you  every  thing  belonging  to  the  Department  except  copies  of 
Mr.  Stevenson's  correspondence  with  Lord  Palmerstone  on  the 
subjects  of  the  Caroline  and  the  African  Seizures.  The  corre- 

1  See  McLaughlin's  "Life  of  Lewis  Cass,"  p.  185. 


280  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

spondence  on  these  subjects  is  voluminous,  and  I  retain  it  a  day 
or  two  for  perusal.  You  will  find  a  duplicate  from  Mr.  Steven 
son,  and  a  letter  written  by  Mr.  Christopher  Hughes  in  London, 
marked  for  the  President's  perusal,  which  please  lay  before  him. 
I  have  not  opened  the  newspapers,  but  you  will  see  by  the  letters 
that  the  McLeod  affair,  is  the  great  subject  of  interest  in  Eng 
land,  so  far  as  we  are  concerned.  Mr.  Zantzinger  returns  to 
town  with  the  bag  in  the  morning. 

Your's  aff  ect'ly 
^^^  D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

,,    -PL  FRANKLIN  [N.  H.]  Oct  15,  '42 

My  Dear  Son 

We  have  been  here  now  a  week,  in  admirable  weather,  &  I 
have  traversed  the  mountains,  &  vallies,  to  great  advantage  to  my 
health.  My  catarrh  has  disappeared,  &  I  feel  in  all  respects 
well.  I  go  to  Boston  on  the  19th,  &  if  Mr.  Derrich  shall  have  ar 
rived,  with  the  Treaty,  I  shall  make  haste  to  Washington. 

There  is  nothing  new  in  this  quarter.  You  see  what  a  dust 
my  speech  has  raised.1  It  is  no  more  than  I  anticipated.  I  am 
sorry  the  Intelligencer  acts  so  foolishly ;  but  that  is  its  own  affair. 
The  Speech  is  printing  in  pamphlet  form,  in  Boston,  &  will  be 
widely  circulated.  I  have  directed  an  early  copy  to  be  sent  to  the 
President. 

As  they  send  me  no  newspapers,  I  know  not  what  has  been 
going  on,  for  the  last  ten  days ;  only  that  I  see  there  is  no  reason 
to  doubt  whether  the  Whigs  have  not  lost  Maryland.  On  arriv 
ing  at  Boston,  I  shall  see  the  state  of  things — meet  Mr.  Gushing 
&  other  friends,  &  write  you  again. 

Your  mother  has  enjoyed  this  visit  very  much,  &  her  health  is 
excellent.  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Paige  have  been  a  week  with  us,  &  left  us 
yesterday.  The  season  has  been  good,  &  the  crops  abundant. 
The  whole  scene,  &  all  its  associations,  are  interesting  to  me.  I 
like  much  to  be  here,  &  sometimes  I  think  it  may  probably  hap 
pen  that  I  shall  end  my  days  in  the  spot  of  my  first  remembrances 
&  consciousness. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 

1  Speech  at  the  reception  in  Boston  September  30,  1842.     See  "Works  of 
Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  117. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  281 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  Fletcher,  BOSTON  October  19,  1842 

The  Britania  arrived  yesterday,  but  brought  no  Mr.  Derrich, 
&  no  Treaty.  I  am  not  a  little  disappointed  at  this,  as  Lord 
Ashburton  arrived  and  as  early  as  Septr.  23  —  We  have  no 
public  despatch  from  Mr.  Everett,  but  from  his  private  letter  I 
am  led  to  suppose,  that  the  delay,  in  regard  to  the  ratification,1 
was  occasioned,  first  by  Lord  Ashburton's  proceeding  to  his  own 
residence,  on  arriving  at  Portsmouth,  instead  of  proceeding  im 
mediately  to  London,  &  secondly  the  absence  of  several  members 
of  the  Govt.  from  London,  on  visits  to  their  respective  residences. 
Mr.  Everett  expresses  no  doubt  of  the  ratification  of  the  Treaty, 
altho.  it  appears  that  a  writer  in  the  Chronicle,  supposed  to  be 
Lord  Palmerstone,  attacks  it  vehemently,  &  calls  it  Lord  Ash- 
burton's  capitulation.  We  may  look  for  Derrich  by  the  next 
Steam  Ship. 

I  have  just  returned  from  N.  H.  &  shall  wait  no  longer  for  the 
Treaty,  but  proceed  to  Washington  next  week.  Give  my  best 
regards  to  the  President.  The  result  of  the  election  in  Ohio 
creates  surprise  &  astonishment,  with  the  prescriptive  Whigs  in 
this  quarter.  But  it  need  surprise  no  man  of  sense.  New  York 
will  follow  suit,  without  doubt;  &  if  Govr.  Davis  can  get  thro. 
in  this  State,  with  such  a  load  as  he  has  to  carry,  he  will  do  well. 
It  is  obvious,  that  the  political  power  in  the  Country  is  falling 
back,  into  the  hands  of  those  who  were  outnumbered  by  the 
Whigs,  in  1840.  All  this  was  to  have  been  expected,  from  the 
violence  &  injustice  which  have  characterized  the  conduct  of  the 
Whig  leaders. 

The  state  of  things,  now  certain  to  exist  three  weeks  hence,  will 
call  on  the  President,  &  all  who  wish  well  to  his  administration, 
to  consider  deeply  &  seriously  of  what  shall  be  done  for  the 
future. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Private  Q       go 

Dear  F.  '  **' 

I  write  you,  under  date  of  yesterday,  a  letter,  such  as,  that  if 

1  See  Curtis'  "  Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  150  et  seq. 


282  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

you  see  fit,  you  can  send  to  the  President,  respecting  the  Treaty, 
&c.  &c. 

I  had  no  letter  from  Derrich,  but  looked  into  his  note  to  you. 
You  had  better  not  show  that  note  to  the  President,  as  he  might 
think  Mr.  Everett  had  not  pressed  for  an  early  ratification  of 
the  Treaty,  as  urgently  as  he  might  have  done. 

Yrs  truly 

D  WEBSTER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webtter.) 

OCT.  20,  '42 
Dear  Fletcher 

I  return  the  Mexican  papers.  On  the  whole,  I  regret  that  the 
negotiations  had  not  been  left  to  be  carried  on  in  Washington, 
under  the  President's  own  eye ;  but  trust  Mr.  Thompson  will  get 
successfully  through  it. 

Your's 

D.  WEBSTER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 
Private 

BOSTON  Oct.  20,  '42 
Dear  Fletcher, 

I  quite  regret  that  any  room  should  exist  for  an  inference,  that 
in  my  speech  I  represented  the  plan  of  the  Exchequer  as  my  own. 
I  meant  only  to  defend  it,  &  to  say  that  I  approved  it.  If  there 
be  danger  of  misapprehension  on  this  subject,  I  will  take  occasion 
to  put  all  right. 

Please  sav  this  to  the  President. 

Yrs  D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

N.  YORK  Nov.  3,  1842 
Dear  Fletcher 

Your  mother  &  I  arrived  this  morn'g.  We  shall  probably  stay 
a  day  or  two,  &  it  is  most  likely  I  shall  then  leave  your  mother 
here.  It  is  hardly  probable  that  I  shall  stay  long  enough  for 
Derrich's  arrival,  but  he  may  come. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  283 

I  have  seen  many  friends,  this  morn'g,  who  seem  in  good  spirits, 
but  there  being  no  particular  news.  I  am  glad  to  see  the  Madi- 
sonian1  so  effective. 

If  I  should  not  leave  tomorrow,  I  shall  write  you  again. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(From  Lord  Ashburton.) 
Private 

THE  GRANGE  Jan.  2,  1843. 

*  *  *  Jan  7.2  I  had  thus  far  left  my  letter  unfinished  as 
there  was  no  immediate  opportunity  of  sending  it  and  in  the 
meantime  the  President's  speech  reaches  us.3  On  reading  what 
concerned  my  transactions  I  could  hardly  believe  my  ears  until  I 
read  it  over  deliberately  a  second  time.  The  deliberate  approval 
of  Genl  Cass'  interference  and  the  insinuation,  for  so  I  apprehend 
that  I  must  understand  it,  that  our  cruising  article  was  the 
result  of  our  consideration  of  what  is  miscalled  the  right  of 
search, — the  further  assertion  that  the  practice  of  visiting  in 
cases  of  suspicion  is  the  only  assertion  of  a  right  of  search  in 
a  different  form, — these  are  startling  propositions  and  I  am  at  a 
total  loss  to  conceive  what  could  have  so  entirely  confused  and 
upset  all  facts  and  all  reasoning  on  this  subject  since  I  left  Wash 
ington.  It  was  not  without  reason  that  we  deprecated  Genl  Cass' 
return  during  our  negotiations,  for  he  seems  to  have  got  fast  hold 
of  your  cabinet  and  to  have  treated  this  subject  so  as  best  to 
answer  the  purpose  of  the  knot  of  mischievous  persons  in  Paris 
who  have  been  seeking  to  embarrass  their  own  government  and 
disturb  the  peace  of  the  world.  But  I  will  not  pursue  this  subject ; 
fortunately  for  me  my  diplomatic  character  has  ceased,  and  I  may 
leave  the  troubles  of  the  world  to  others.  I  shall  confine  myself 
to  defending  my  own  character  in  disclaiming  all  allusion  to  the 
right  of  search  in  our  cruising  article,  and  in  stating  that  no 
demand  was  made  on  me  growing  out  of  that  supposed  grievance, 
and  no  intimation  given  me  from  any  quarter  that  the  last 
explanation  of  what  was  to  be  the  conduct  of  our  cruisers  on  the 

1  The  administration  newspaper. 

8  This  part  of  Ashburton 's  letter  to  Webster  was  omitted  (without  indicating 
the  omission)  by  Fletcher  Webster  in  his  edition  of  Webster's  private  corre 
spondence.  See  vol.  ii,  p.  162. 

3  See  "  Messages  and  Papers  of  the  Presidents,"  vol.  iv,  p.  195. 


284  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

African  coast  was  otherwise  than  satisfactory.  I  need  hardly 
tell  you  that  any  thing  I  may  say  or  do  on  this  &  all  subjects 
connected  with  America  will  be  always  to  promote  peace  and  allay 
irritation,  but  I  can  not  deny  that  your  Presidential  speech  has 
made  European  politicians  of  all  parties  and  all  countries  stare 
with  unusual  surprise. 

There  is  another  paragraph  on  a  subject  with  which  I  have  no 
concern  upon  which  I  can  not  refrain  from  asking  a  few  words, 
with  a  view  to  correct  an  evident  mistake.  You  are  aware  that  I 
studiously  avoided  during  my  mission  all  interference  with,  or 
even  discussions  about,  your  Federal  or  state  finances,  loans  or 
Tariffs.  Until  my  return  home  I  did  not  know  that  a  Gentleman 
had  been  sent  to  Europe  by  your  Treasury  to  negotiate  a  loan. 
This  gentleman  asked  an  interview  with  me  but  before  the  ap 
pointed  day  came  round  he  returned  home,  despairing,  I  believe, 
of  success.  I  did  not  therefore  see  him,  but  I  should  certainly,  if 
I  had  seen  him,  have  given  him  the  best  advice  and  assistance  in 
my  power.  But  what  I  wish  to  observe  upon  is  the  very  mistaken 
notion  which,  if  we  mistake  not,  seems  to  have  obtained  that  there 
must  have  been  some  sort  of  combination  among  capitalists  to 
force  some  settlement  of  the  state  debts  by  refusing  credit  to  the 
federal  government.  I  think  you  must  know  enough  of  the  world 
of  business  to  know  that  this  can  have  no  foundation.  Any  single 
individual  losing  half  his  fortune  in  state  debts  may  object  to  risk 
the  other  half  with  the  general  government, — but  there  can  be 
no  combination  among  these  capitalists,  &  any  one  would  employ 
his  funds,  if  he  could  do  so  advantageously,  without  caring  one 
straw  about  what  had  happened  to  his  neighbors.  It  is  true  that 
the  greater  number  do  not  discriminate;  and  Massachusetts — • 
New  York — &  federal  credit,  which  in  my  opinion  is  as  good 
as  any  in  the  world,  are  mixed  up  in  the  public  mind  with  Mich 
igan,  Missouri,  &c.  There  is  necessarily  much  ignorance  but 
there  has  not  been,  nor  can  there  well  be,  any  conspiracy. — I  shall 
be  watching  anxiously  though  with  little  personal  interest,  what 
you  do  on  this  subject  of  credit.  If  you  are  wise  you  will  set  it 
right  as  fast  as  you  can,  for  your  means  for  the  purpose  are 
superabundant.  Good  credit  is  indispensable  for  a  country  acting 
upon  the  wise  principle  of  using  it  for  emergencies  only.  At  this 
moment  money  is  raising  here  for  Canada  with  British  guarantee, 
at  108  p'c't  for  a  4  per  cent  stock.  Your  federal  government 
could  borrow  here  any  time  at  the  same  rate  but  for  the  late  loose 
practices.  I  wish  our  finances  were  on  as  sound  a  basis  as  yours 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  285 

might  be ;  but  then  nobody,  whatever  may  be  the  difficulty,  talks 
or  thinks  of  repudiation.  All  this  however  is  as  well  known  to 
you  &  to  those  about  you  as  to  me,  so  I  will  spare  you  further 
useless  common  place  on  the  subject.  My  object  in  touching  it 
at  all  was  to  explain  the  mistake  about  combinations  &  con 
spiracies.  *  *  * 

ASHBURTON. 


To  John  Qumcy  Adams.1 

DEPARTMENT  OF  STATE  January  9th,  1843 
Sir: 

In  answer  to  your  inquiries  this  morning,  I  have  to  say,  that 
from  the  nature  of  the  case,  the  Department  is  not  able  to  give  an 
exact  estimate  of  the  probable  expenses,  of  a  mission  to  China. 
The  expense  of  repairing  to  the  place,  will,  of  course,  exceed  that 
of  proceeding  to  a  Court  in  Europe,  a  sum  at  least  equal  to  that 
allowed  Ministers  at  other  Courts  as  an  annual  salary,  it  is  pre 
sumed,  will  be  deemed  reasonable ;  the  Commissioner,  or  Minister, 
will  need  the  services  of  an  American  Secretary,  and  a  Chinese 
Secretary  or  Interpreter;  and  what  may  be  the  extent,  of 
necessary  contingent  disbursements  cannot  well  be  foreseen. 

If  the  Committees  and  Congress  see  no  objection  to  such  a 
course,,  it  appears  to  the  Department  that  an  appropriation  of 
a  sum,  in  gross,  say  $40,000  for  the  expenses  of  a  mission  to 
China,  might  be  a  useful  mode  of  providing  for  the  expenses  of 
the  mission  at  its  inception. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Your  obed.  Servant, 

DAN'L  WEBSTER 


(From  John  Tyler.) 

[FEB.  1843]2 
Dr  Sir 

Sir  Robert  Peel's  speech  renders  the  publication  of  the  cor- 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Charles  Francis  Adams. 

2  The  correspondence  was  submitted  Feb.  24,  1843.    See  "  Messages  and  Pa 
pers  of  the  Presidents,"  vol.  iv,  p.  229.     Peel's  speech,  which  is  referred  to, 
must  be  the  address  of  February  2,  1843,  in  which  he  comments  on  the  Presi 
dent's  message. 


286  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

respondence  with  Cass  more  urgent.     Every  day's  delay  will  in 
jure  us.     Let  the  whole  blast  be  at  once  over. 

Y'r's. 

J.  TYLER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

[FEB.  1843] 
My  Dear  Son, 

Let  not  the  persons  interested  in  the  repeal  of  the  Bankrupt 
Law  despair.  Stand  firm,  all  friends.  Stronger  gales  than  this 
have  been  met  with,  &  ridden  out.  If  a  repeal  Bill  comes  to  the 
President,  we  shall  see  what  we  shall  see. 

Yrs  D.  W. 

(To  Jared  Sparks.1) 

MARCH  11,  1843. 

*  *     *     As  to  the   boundary   subject,   you   understand   it 
well.    What  is  likely  to  be  overlooked  by  superficial  thinkers  is 
the  value  of  Rouse's  Point.     England  will  never  visit  us  with  an 
army  from  Canada  for  the  purpose  of  conquest;  but  if  she  had 
retained  Rouse's  Point,  she  would  at  all  times  have  access  to  Lake 
Champlain,  and  might  in  two  days  place  a  force  within  two 
days'  march  of  the  city  of  Albany.    The  defence  of  the  country, 
therefore,  would  require  a  large  military  force  in  that  neighbor 
hood.     *     *     * 

DANIEL,  WEBSTER. 

(To  Jared  Sparks.*) 

MARCH  11,  1843, 

*  *     *     As  to  the  conduct  of  the  negotiation,  there  is  one 
point  on  which  I  wish  to  speak  to  you  very  freely,  even  at  the 
hazard  of  a  well-founded  imputation  of  some  vanity.    The  grand 
stroke  was  to  get  the  previous  consent  of  Maine  and  Massa 
chusetts.3     Nobody  else  had  attempted  this;  it  had  occured  to 

1  Taken  from  the  "Life  and  Writings"  of  Sparks,  vol.  ii,  p.  413. 
1  Taken  from  Sparks'  "  Life  and  Works,"  vol.  ii,  p.  403. 
3  To  the  Northeastern  Boundary  agreement. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  287 

nobody  else;  it  was  a  movement  of  great  delicacy,  and  of  very 
doubtful  result.  But  it  was  made,  with  how  much  skill  and 
judgement  in  the  manner,  you  must  judge;  and  it  succeeded,  and 
to  this  success  the  fortunate  result  of  the  whole  negotiation  is  to 
be  attributed.  *  *  * 

"You  notice  the  great  majorities  with  which,  after  all  the  high- 
sounding  notes  of  opposition,  the  appropriations  for  the  treaty 
passed  both  houses.  There  is  probably  no  instance  of  a  similar 
approach  to  unanimity.  In  the  Senate  four  votes  were  found 
against  it,  in  the  House,  about  forty.  *  *  * 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Jared  Sparks.1) 

MARCH  18,  1843: 

*  *  *  In  the  *  London  Morning  Chronicle  '  of  February 
6th  you  will  find  some  observations  about  the  map.2  I  am  blamed, 
not  for  not  showing  the  map,  but  for  expressing  confidence  in  the 
claim.  Now,  in  my  letter  to  Lord  Ashburton  I  argued  the  question 
on  the  terms  of  the  treaty,  and  you  know  that  Lord  Brougham 
has  said  the  terms  of  the  treaty  sustained  our  rights ;  and  I  know 
that  Lord  Aberdeen  has  said  the  same  thing,  though  I  am  not  at 
liberty,  to  say  so  publicly.  Now,  what  is  the  value  of  the 
evidence  of  the  map,  such  as  it  is,  against  the  admitted  plain  sense 
of  the  treaty?  Any  lawyer  would  say  'Nothing.'  *  *  * 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

APRIL  9,  1843. 
Dear  F : 

I  came  down  yesterday,  &  last  eve'  rec'd  various  things  from 
you  to  which  I  shall  attend  as  fast  as  possible.  I  wish  the 
Despatch  could  be  published  extensively.  I  believe  it  will  stand 
fire.  All  as  usual  here.  Some  signs  of  spring.  Another  map 
is  found  in  N.  Y.  important  to  the  right  side. 

Yrs  D.  W. 

1  Taken  from  Sparks'  "  Life  and  Writings,"  vol.  ii,  p.  404. 
9  The  famous  "red  line  "  map. 


288  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  F.  APRIL  16 

Things  look  all  right  ab't  China.  Here  is  Mr.  Warren  Delano 
Jr.  of  Canton,  a  fine  young  man,  going  to  China,  in  July,  & 
wishes  you  to  go  with  him,  $  live  at  his  house  while  you  stay  in 
China! — &  proposes  other  good  things.  Keep  all  this  to  yourself 
till  I  see  you  Tuesday. 

Yrs  D.  W. 

Don't  let  Brown  have  anymore  money,  till  I  go  to  W. 


(To  John  Q.  Adams.1) 

DEPARTMENT  OF  STATE 

Dear  Sir-  WASHINGTON,  May  7th,  1843 

I  observe  an  Amendment  of  the  Bill  making  appropriation  for 
the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of  Government,  has  been 
adopted  in  the  Senate,  as  a  proviso  for  the  appropriation  for  the 
contingent  expenses  of  foreign  intercourse  in  the  following 
Words,  viz:  "And  provided  further  that  no  part  of  this  appro 
priation  be  applied,  after  the  1st  July  next,  for  compensation 
to  separate  Agents,  appointed  without  the  consent  of  the  Senate ; 
or  any  act  of  Congress  authorizing  it,  for  receiving  or 
transmitting  despatches  (see  House  bill  74  as  amended  by  the 
Senate,  page  32  lines  827  to  831  inclusive. )  I  hardly  know  what 
is  meant  by  separate  agents  and  rather  suppose  the  word  intended 
to  be  used  was  Diplomatic,  and  that  the  word  "or  "  should  come 
in  (line  830)  before  the  words  "for  receiving  it."  It  is  to  the 
latter  part  of  this  Amendment,  that  I  have  ventured  to  ask  your 
attention,  viz:  so  much  as  is  embraced  in  the  following  words, 
"or  for  receiving  or  transmitting  despatches."  I  take  leave  to 
send  you  a  copy  of  a  communication  addressed  by  me  yesterday, 
to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  on  this 
subject.  I  presume  such  a  prohibition  would  hardly  be  enacted, 
under  a  full  knowledge  of  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  and  the 
consequences  of  such  a  prohibition.  I  have  ventured  to  hope,  that, 
as  your  experience  both  in  this  Department,  and  abroad,  has 
been  such  as  to  make  you  fully  acquainted  with  the  subject,  you 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Charles  Francis  Adams. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  289 

would  take  some  pains  to  set  the  matter  right  in  the  House  of 
Representatives.  Should  this  amendment  be  adopted  by  the 
House,  the  charges  usually  arising  from  this  part  of  the  service, 
must  either  be  transferred  to  other  connected  heads  of  appropria 
tion,  or  serious  obstruction  would  be  likely  to  be  met  with  in  the 
modes  of  carrying  on  foreign  correspondence,  at  an  important 
moment  in  our  affairs.  You  will  see  how  repugnant  this  provision 
is,  with  all  former  appropriations  under  this  head,  and  the 
constant  practice  of  the  Government;  and  with  the  law  which 
authorizes  the  accounting  officers  of  the  Treasury  to  settle 
accounts  of  such  appropriations  upon  the  President's  certificate 
alone. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be 
D'r  Sir 

Your  obedient  Servant, 

DAN'L  WEBSTER. 


(To  Mr.  Bigelow  et  aU) 
Gentlemen :  WASHINGTON,  Jan.  23,  1844. 

Circumstances  have  not  allowed  me  an  opportunity,  until  the 
present  moment,  of  answering  your  letter  of  the  18th  of  Decem 
ber. 

In  that  letter,  you  expressed  the  belief  that  a  proposition 
might  probably  be  presented  to  Congress  at  its  present  session, 
for  the  annexation  of  Texas  to  the  United  States ;  and  you  desire 
to  know  my  opinions  on  the  constitutionality  of  such  a  message ; 
its  probable  effect  on  the  character  and  future  action  of  our  gov 
ernment;  its  tendency  to  promote  the  cause  of  freedom,  or  to 
strengthen  the  bonds  of  slavery ;  and,  in  general,  the  consequences 
which  may  justly  be  expected  to  result  from  the  annexation  to 
the  United  States  of  a  large  slave-holding  country,  not  only  to 
American  liberty,  American  Industry,  and  the  continuance  of  the 
Union  itself,  but,  also,  to  the  great  cause  of  human  knowledge, 
virtue  and  happiness,  in  the  United  States,  in  Texas,  and 
throughout  the  world. 

At  the  time  when  your  letter  was  received,  I  indulged  a  strong 
hope  that  no  such  proposition  would  be  made  in  Congress,  or 
would  proceed  from  any  other  quarter.  I  deem  it  quite  unfor 
tunate  that  a  topic,  so  certain  to  produce  great  excitement,  should 

1  This  copy  was  taken  from  the  original  draft  of  the  letter  in  Webster's  hand. 


290  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

be  added  to  the  other  causes,  operating  at  the  present  moment,  to 
create  diversities  of  public  opinion. 

As  an  intention  has  recently  been  manifested,  however,  of  mak 
ing  the  annexation  of  Texas  to  the  United  States  a  subject  of 
discussion  in  Congress,  I  lose  no  time  in  answering  your  letter, 
and  in  complying  with  its  request.  The  answer  is  quite  at  hand. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  year  1837,  it  was  generally  under 
stood  that  a  proposition  was  about  to  be  made  to  the  government 
of  the  United  States  for  the  annexation  of  Texas  to  the  United 
States.  Having  occasion,  in  March  of  that  year,  to  address  a 
political  meeting  in  the  City  of  New  York,  upon  the  interesting 
topics  of  the  day,  I  could  not,  consistently  with  my  sense  of  pro 
priety  and  duty,  abstain  from  a  full  expression  of  my  sentiments 
on  that  subject.  I  take  liberty  to  transcribe  the  remarks  then 
made  by  me. 

(Extract.)1 

I  need  hardly  say  that  these  opinions  remain  entirely  unal 
tered. 

Five  months  after  these  remarks  were  made,  that  is  to  say,  on 
the  21st  of  August,  1837,  the  Minister  of  Texas,  Mr.  Memucan 
Hunt,  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  State  of  the  United 
States,  submitting  a  direct  proposition  for  the  annexation  of 
Texas  to  the  United  States.  This  letter  recited,  at  much  length, 
the  history  of  the  separation  of  Texas  from  Mexico,  and  set 
forth,  very  fully,  the  advantages,  which  it  was  supposed  could 
accrue  to  the  United  States  from  that  annexation. 

On  the  25th  of  August,  Mr.  Forsyth,  the  Secretary  of  State, 
answered  this  letter; — and  the  following  is  an  extract  from  that 
answer. 

(Extract.)1 

From  that  time  until  quite  recently,  the  subject  has  been  with 
drawn  from  public  attention.  The  war  between  Mexico  and 
Texas  is  not  yet  concluded;  although  active  hostilities  have 
ceased,  and  a  truce  is  understood  to  have  been  agreed  upon.  In 
the  meantime,  Texas  has  maintained  itself,  as  an  independent 
sovereignty,  and  has  extended  its  relations  with  the  nations  of 
the  world.  If  in  the  judgment  of  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  there  were  insuperable  objections,  even  to  entertaining 

1  The  extracts  are  not  given  in  this  draft,  nor  are  they  indicated  by  page  or 
paragraph. 


THE   NATIONAL  STATESMAN  291 

any  negotiation  on  the  subject  of  annexation,  seven  years  ago,  it 
seems  to  me  that  time  and  events  have  served  only  to  strengthen 
such  objections. 

The  Constitutional  authority  of  Congress  to  admit  new  states 
into  the  Union,  formed  of  Territories  not  belonging  to  any  of 
the  states,  at  the  adoption  of  the  present  form  of  government,  is 
an  important  point  in  your  inquiries. 

The  Constitution  of  the  U.  S.  provides  that  "New  States  may 
be  admitted  by  the  Congress  into  this  Union  but  no  new  states 
shall  be  formed  or  erected  within  the  jurisdiction  of  any  other 
state;  nor  any  state  be  formed  by  the  junction  of  two  or  more 
states,  or  parts  of  states,  without  the  consent  of  the  legislature 
of  the  states  concerned,  as  well  as  of  the  Congress." 

It  would  seem  very  reasonable  to  confine  this  provision  to 
states  to  be  formed  out  of  Territories  already  belonging  to  the 
United  States,  and  in  regard  to  which  the  old  congress,  by  ac 
cepting  the  cession  of  territory  from  individual  states,  and  agree 
ing  to  the  proposed  terms  of  cession,  had  already  stipulated  that 
they  might  be  created  and  admitted  into  the  Union.  Any  other 
conclusion  would  be  forced,  &  immature;  and  would  imply  that 
the  framers  of  the  Constitution,  &  the  People,  were  looking  to 
the  admission  of  their  territories,  although  those  which  they  then 
had  were,  one  half  a  wilderness,  &  the  other  half  very  thinly 
peopled.  It  is  not  at  all  probable  from  the  history  of  the  states, 
from  the  circumstances  in  which  they  were  placed  in  1789,  or 
from  all  that  is  to  be  learned  of  mens  opinions  and  expectations 
at  that  day,  that  any  idea  was  entertained,  by  any  body,  of 
bringing  into  the  Union,  at  any  time,  states  formed  out  of  the 
territories  of  foreign  power.  Indeed  much  jealousy  was  felt 
towards  the  new  Government,  from  fear  of  its  over-bearing  might 
&  strength,  when  proposed  to  be  established  over  the  thirteen 
states.  This  jealousy,  it  is  easy  to  believe,  would  have  been 
heated  into  more  decisive,  &  perhaps  successful  opposition,  if  it 
had  been  understood  that  projects  of  enlargement  of  boundaries, 
or  Territorial  aggrandizement  had  been  among  the  objects  con 
templated  by  its  establishment.  And  it  is  one  of  the  unaccount 
able  eccentricities,  and  apparent  inconsistencies  of  opinion,  that 
those  who  hold  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  to  be  a  com 
pact  between  States,  should  think,  nevertheless,  that  the  govern 
ment  created  by  that  Constitution,  is  at  liberty  to  introduce. new 
states,  formed  out  of  foreign  territory,  with  or  without  the  con 
sent  of  those,  who  are  regarded  as  original  parties. 


LETTERS   OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

By  the  Convention  with  France  of  the  30th  April,  1803,  Loui 
siana  was  ceded  to  the  United  States,  with  this  condition,  "The 
inhabitants  of  the  ceded  territory  shall  be  incorporated  in  the 
union  of  the  United  States,  and  admitted  as  soon  as  possible,  ac 
cording  to  the  principles  of  the  federal  constitution,  to  the  en 
joyment  of  all  the  rights,  advantages,  and  immunities  of  citi 
zens  of  the  United  States:  and  in  the  mean  time  they  shall  be 
maintained  and  protected  in  the  free  enjoyment  of  their  liberty, 
property,  and  the  religion  which  they  profess." 

It  is  now  known  to  have  been  Mr.  Jefferson's  opinion,  at  the 
time,  that  an  amendment  of  the  Constitution  was  necessary,  in 
order  to  carry  this  stipulation  into  effect ;  and  it  is  known,  also, 
that  such  was  the  opinion,  ably  and  earnestly  maintained  by  dis 
tinguished  persons  in  the  government.  The  treaty,  however, 
was  ratified.  No  amendment  of  the  Constitution  was  proposed, 
and  in  1812  Louisiana  was  admitted  into  the  Union,  as  a  state, 
upon  the  same  footing  as  the  original  states.  All  branches  of 
the  government  concurred  in  this  act,  and  the  Country  acquiesced 
in  it. 

In  the  year  1819,  a  treaty,  was  concluded  with  Spain  for  the 
cession  of  Florida.  This  treaty  followed  the  precedent  of  that 
with  France,  and  contained  this  stipulation.  "The  inhabitants 
of  the  territories  which  his  Catholic  Majesty  cedes  to  the  United 
States,  by  this  treaty,  shall  be  incorporated  in  the  Union  of  the 
United  States,  as  soon  as  may  be  consistent  with  the  principles 
of  the  federal  constitution,  and  admitted  to  the  enjoyment  of  all 
the  privileges,  rights  and  immunities,  of  the  citizens  of  the 
United  States." 

Florida  has  not  yet  been  admitted  into  the  Union,  but  the 
treaty  was  ratified,  the  cession  accepted,  according  to  its  terms, 
and  the  people,  as  well  as  the  public  authorities,  have  acquiesced 
in  the  contract,  for  twenty  years,  and  given  it  the  sanction  of 
their  approbation. 

Louisiana  and  Florida,  therefore,  are  settled  cases.  The  ad 
mission  of  one,  and  the  agreement  to  admit  the  other,  at  a  proper 
time,  are  facts,  are  acts  done,  and  as  such  must  have  their  full 
effect.  But  it  does  not  follow  that  they  are  precedents  for  the 
annexation  of  Texas.  Important  differences  are  pointed  out, 
between  the  cases,  in  Mr.  Forsyth's  letter;  and  others  might  be 
suggested.  But  it  is  enough  to  say,  that  what  has  been  done,  on 
at  best  a  very  questionable  right,  and  in  a  case  of  strong  and 
urgent  necessity,  is  no  sufficient  warrant  for  a  similar  proceed- 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  293 

ing,  in  a  case  in  which  no  such  necessity  exists,  and  in  which  both 
the  right  and  the  expediency  may  be  very  properly  considered, 
on  the  original  and  independent  grounds  belonging  to  them. 

I  am  certainly  of  opinion,  with  Mr.  Jefferson,  Mr.  Madison, 
Mr.  J.  Q.  Adams,  and  other  eminent  men,  that  the  Constitution 
never  contemplated  the  admission  of  New  States,  formed  out  of 
the  territories  of  foreign  nations ;  and  while  I  admit,  that  what 
has  been  done  in  regard  to  Louisiana  and  Florida,  must  now  be 
considered  as  legally  done,  yet  I  do  not  admit  the  propriety  of 
proceeding  farther,  and  admitting,  not  a  territory,  ceded  by  a 
foreign  nation,  but  a  foreign  nation  itself,  with  all  its  obligations 
and  treaties,  its  laws  and  its  institutions,  into  the  number  of  the 
States,  which  compose  this  Union. 

The  broad  question  proposed  by  you  of  the  probable,  general 
influence  of  the  annexation  of  Texas,  upon  American  liberty  and 
industry,  the  continuance  of  our  Union,  and  the  Universal  cause 
of  knowledge,  virtue,  liberty,  and  happiness,  is  a  question  full  of 
intense  interest,  and  which  suggests  thoughts  and  reflections, 
well  worthy  to  engage  the  deepest  attention  of  intelligent  minds. 
It  is  not  to  be  doubted,  that  the  continuance  of  the  American 
Union,  and  its  prosperity  and  success,  under  its  present  form  of 
government,  is  a  matter  of  high  moment  to  all  mankind.  It  is 
one  of  the  most  cherished  hopes  and  reliances  of  that  universal 
cause  of  which  you  speak,  the  cause  of  human  knowledge,  virtue, 
liberty,  and  happiness.  And  he  is  a  bolder  reasoner  than  I  am, 
who  has  satisfied  himself  that  this  government  may  be  continued 
indefinitely,  either  to  the  North  or  to  the  South,  without  endan 
gering  its  stability,  and  its  duration.  It  is  true,  that  under  the 
beneficent  operation  of  the  practical  principle  of  maintaining 
local  government  for  local  purposes,  and  confiding  general  inter 
ests  to  the  general  government,  the  ends  of  political  society  are 
capable  of  being  fulfilled,  by  the  same  free  and  popular  system, 
and  the  same  administration,  over  a  large  portion  of  the  earth. 
This  is  the  result  of  our  experience;  but  our  experience  is  the 
only  instance  of  such  a  result.  A  monarchical  and  arbitrary  gov 
ernment,  may  extend  itself  to  the  full  limit  of  its  military  means. 
Under  such  a  government,  society  is  kept  together  by  pressure 
from  above,  by  weight  of  the  Government  itself,  and  the  strength 
of  its  arm.  But  how  obvious  it  is,  that  in  free,  elective  systems, 
the  political  society  exists  and  coheres,  &  must  exist  and  cohere, 
not  by  superincumbent  pressure  on  its  several  parts,  but  by  the 
internal  and  natural  attraction  of  those  parts;  by  the  assimila- 


294  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

tion  of  interests  and  of  feelings ;  by  a  sense  of  common  country, 
common  political  family,  common  character,  fortune  and  destiny. 
Not  only  the  organization  of  such  systems,  but  also  their  con 
tinuance  by  means  of  periodical  popular  elections,  necessarily 
requires  intercourse,  mutual  conference  and  understanding,  and 
a  general  acquaintance  among  those  who  are  to  unite  in  such 
elections.  When  individuals  are  to  be  selected  for  high  situations 
in  government,  and  to  exercise  an  influence  over  the  happiness  of 
all,  it  would  seem  indispensable,  that  a  general,  if  not  a  universal 
confidence  should  be  inspired,  by  knowledge  of  their  character, 
their  virtues  and  patriotism.  It  certainly  may  be  very  well  ques 
tioned,  with  how  much  of  mutual  intelligence,  and  how  much  of  a 
spirit  of  conciliation  and  harmony,  those  who  live  on  the  St 
Lawrence  and  the  St  John  would  be  expected  in  sincerity,  to 
unite  in  the  choice  of  a  President,  with  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Banks  of  the  Rio  Grande  de  Norte  and  the  Colorado.  It  is  evi 
dent,  at  least,  that  there  must  be  some  boundary,  or  some  limits, 
to  a  Republic,  which  is  to  have  a  common  centre.  Free  and 
ardent  speculation  may  lead  to  the  indulgence  of  an  idea,  that 
such  a  Republic  may  be  extended  over  a  whole  hemisphere.  On 
the  other  hand,  minds  less  sanguine,  or  more  chastened  by  the 
examples  of  history,  may  fear,  that  extension  often  produces 
weakness,  rather  than  strength ;  and  that  political  attraction,  like 
other  attractions,  is  less  and  less  powerful,  as  the  parts  become 
more  and  more  distant.  In  this  difference,  between  ardent  specu 
lations,  and  cautious  fears,  it  seems  to  me  to  be  the  truest  wisdom 
to  abide  by  the  present  state  of  things ;  acknowledged,  since  that 
state  of  things  is  on  all  hands,  to  be  singularly  happy,  prosperous 
and  honorable.  In  all  points  of  view,  therefore,  in  which  I  can 
regard  the  subject,  my  judgment  is  decidedly  unfavorable  to  the 
project  of  annexing  Texas  to  the  United  States.  "We  have  a 
Sparta,"  said  the  old  Greek;  "Let  us  embellish  it." 

We  have  a  Republic,  Gentlemen,  of  vast  extent  &  unequalled 
natural  advantages;  a  Republic,  full  of  interest  in  its  origin, 
its  history,  its  present  conditions,  &  its  prospects  for  the  future. 
Instead  of  aiming  to  enlarge  its  boundaries,  let  us  seek,  rather, 
to  strengthen  its  Union,  to  draw  out  its  resources,  to  maintain 
&  improve  its  institutions  of  Religion  &  Liberty,  &  then  to  push 
it  forward  in  its  career  of  prosperity  &  glory. 

I  am,  Gentlemen,  with  most  true  regard,  your  obliged  friend 

D.   WEBSTER 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  295 

(To  Peter  Harvey  (?).) 

WASHINGTON  Feby  13,  1845  Thursday  morning 
Dear  Sir 

I  have  leisure  enough,  at  present,  to  write  to  friends,  if  I  knew 
anything  to  be  told,  in  regard  to  passing  events.  There  seems 
no  certainty  as  to  what  is  to  happen  here  within  the  next  fort 
night,  although  there  are  surmises  &  connections,  in  plenty,  & 
perhaps,  on  some  points,  there  are  probabilities.  The  new  presi 
dent  is  expected  today,  &,  in  due  time,  he  will  of  course,  solve 
mysteries,  so  far  as  he  is  concerned.  As  to  the  Cabinet  the  gen 
eral  impression  now  is,  that  it  will  be  new,  from  top  to  toe.  I 
think  that  very  probable,  as  discrimination  would  be  invidious,  & 
I  believe  all  the  present  incumbents  are  quite  willing  to  serve  their 
country  still  longer. 

The  Texas  debate,  begins  in  the  Senate  today.  In  all  prob 
ability,  the  result  will  be  postponement,  &  a  provision  for  further 
negotiation.  It  is  said  Genl.  Jackson  does  not  like  the  proposed 
form  of  annexation.  He  says  it  is  a  whig  measure,  &  Texas  must 
stay  out  till  she  can  get  better  terms. 

There  is  no  doubt  some  degree  of  truth  in  this ;  &  very  likely 
Mr.  Bentons  plan  suits  the  General  better  than  the  pending 
resolutions.  Oregon  remains  as  it  was.  I  think  the  measure 
will  stop  in  the  Senate.  There  is  no  more  of  the  session  re 
maining,  than  will  suffice  for  the  debate  on  Texas,  &  the  passing 
of  the  necessary  appropriation  bills.  Mr.  Calhouns  friends, 
what  few  there  are  of  them,  will  be  for  laying  Oregon  on  the 
table.  On  the  other  hand,  some  Western  whigs  may  feel  obliged 
to  vote  for  the  measure.  It  seems  understood,  that  the  English 
minister  has  made  sundry  propositions,  but  has  rec'd  none  among 
others  he  has  offered  an  arbitration,  leaving  it  in  the  option  of 
the  United  States  to  designate,  out  of  all  the  Governments  of 
Europe,  that  one,  which  shall  arbitrate,  itself,  or  appoint  arbi 
tration.  I  believe  I  shall  take  advantage  of  a  few  days  leisure  to 
go  north  as  far  as  N.  Y. 

Yrs  very  truly 

D.  WEBSTER. 

P.  S.     The  last  edition  of  the  "Cabinet"  seems  to  stand  thus 

Mr.  Calhoun — State  to  remain  for  some  time  or  else  Mr. 
Walker. 

Gov.  Marcy  Treas. 

Wm.  V.  Butler  Ken. — war.     It  may  be  A.  J.  Donaldson. 


296  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Franklin  Pierce  N.  H.  Navy. 

Romulus  Grundy,  or  Cave  Johnson — P.  M.  G. 


(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

My  Dear  Sir  N-  Y-  Feb-  18'  '*5' 

I  shall  take  care  of  Mr.  John  Wards  Drft. 

I  do  not  know  exactly  how  the  Court  was  divided  in  Milne1 
case.  Judge  Story,  I  have  no  doubt,  held  the  Mass,  acts  void,  & 
so  must  every  other  constitutional  Lawyer.  I  never  knew  any 
thing  about  these  laws,  till  I  looked  into  the  case  at  Washington  : 
&  was  quite  surprised,  at  their  provisions,  &  their  apparent  repug 
nance  to  acts  of  Congress.  Every  thing  may  be  said  of  them, 
which  Massachusetts  says  agt.  S.  Carolina.  I  shall  not  leave  this 
City,  probably,  before  Monday. 

Yrs.     D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  F.  MAR-  *•  t1845] 

I  arrived  last  night.  I  think  I  shall  be  able  to  write  you  good 
news  about  your  little  affair,  tomorrow.  Perhaps  Mr.  Curtis 
may  write  today.  I  begged  him  to  inquire  of  Mr.  Evans,  &  give 
you  notice. 

Love  to  C.  &  the  babies. 

Yrs.  D.  W. 

I  have  read  your  letter,  &  shall  write  abt  its  contents  tomor 
row. 

Buchanan,  for  State  Walker  for  treasury —  So  much  is  cer 
tain  

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  Fletcher  [MARCH  1845]  Saturday  3  o'clock 

Mr.  Bates  is  much  as  yesterday.  No  worse.  Dr.  Parker2 
confirmed,  tho'  not  without  some  wriggling. 

1  Milne  vs.  City  of  New  York,  vol.  xi,  Peters'  Reports.  See  the  letter  of 
Daniel  Webster  to  J.  Prescott.  Hall  in  Curtis'  "Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  374. 

*  Dr.  Peter  Parker,  appointed  secretary  and  interpreter  to  the  American  le 
gation,  China. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  297 

There  is  a  good  deal  of  coolness  between  "brethren  of  the  same 
principle,"     That  is  evident. 

Yrs 

D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

MONDAY  MORG  Mar.  3.  [1845] 
My  Dear  Son 

I  wrote  you  a  hasty  note  yesterday.  I  now  find,  that  a  proper 
communication  was  sent  to  the  comee.  of  the  Senate,  from  the 
State  Department,  respecting  the  arrears  of  the  China  Mission. 
A  proposition  of  appropriation  was  inserted,  by  the  Senate,  as  an 
amendment  to  the  Civil  &  Diplomatic  Bill,  from  the  H.  of  R. 
This  item,  with  other  amendments  of  the  Senate,  was  disagreed 
to,  by  the  H.  of  R. — &  a  comee.  of  conference  appointed.  The 
Comee.  on  the  part  of  the  House  is  Me.  Kay,  Dromgoole,  &  that 
amiable  person,  Garrett  Davis. —  On  the  part  of  the  Senate, 
Evans,  Barrow,  &  Benton. 

The  Committee  met  yesterday,  &  agreed  on  some  points,  & 
left  this  undecided.  The  Gentlemen  of  the  House  opposed  it, 
for  no  other  reason  but  general  opposition,  so  far  as  I  can  learn. 
— They  meet  again  today.  Mr.  Evans  will  do  what  he  can,  &  I 
have  also  written  a  note  to  Mr  Barrow —  I  have  also  des 
patched  a  note  to  Mr.  Gushing,  who  does  not  know  what  has  been 
done,  suggesting  to  him  the  necessity  of  paying  some  attention  to 
the  matter. — 

I  know  not  what  the  result  will  be — 

I  saw  Mr.  Gushing  yesterday.  He  said  he  had  recently  filed 
2  Despatches,  to  do  up  the  business  of  his  mission,  one,  to  set 
forth  the  obligations  he  was  under  to  the  other  Gentlemen  of  the 
Mission;  &  one,  to  discharge  a  similar  duty  towards  the  Naval 
officers. 

I  will  go  to  the  office  the  first  opportunity,  to  look  at  the  first 
of  those ;  &  also  to  inquire  about  the  letter  of  instructions,  &c. — 

Mr.  Bancroft1  came  on,  yesterday,  &  they  say  it  is  settled,  that 
he  is  to  be  Sec.  of  the  Navy. 

D.  WEBSTER 

1  George  Bancroft,  the  historian. 


298  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Mar  5.  1845. 
Dear  Fletcher 

It  was  impossible  to  get  your  appropriation  thro'  with  all  our 
efforts. 

In  the  first  place,  the  recommendation  from  the  Department, 
tho'  well  enough,  was  not  entirely  specific,  &  this  gave  the  enemy 
a  handle. — 

In  the  next  place  Mr  Kay  &  Garret  Davis  were  obstinate  as 
mules,  &  bitter  as  possible.  Mr.  Gushing  went  to  see  Mr  Kay, 
&  the  latter  promised  to  withdraw  opposition,  but  broke  his 
promise.  Mr.  Curtis,  Mr.  Crittenden,  Evans,  Choate,  &c  did 
what  they  could — but  to  no  purpose — 

It  is  no  great  matter.  The  only  evil  is  delay.  You  may  want 
the  money  next  year,  perhaps,  as  much  as  this.  Mr.  Cushings 
reference  to  you,  in  his  despatch  is  in  these  words,  or  very  nearly 

"Mr.  Fletcher  Webster,  as  Secretary  of  the  Mission,1  was  of 
great  &  important  service,  not  only  in  the  discharge  of  the  ordi 
nary  duties  of  his  office,  but  also  by  the  performance  of  several 
official  duties,  which  the  peculiar  nature  of  the  negotiation,  made 
necessary." 

He  says  he  is  very  sorry  the  Drawings  have  not  arrived,  so  that 
you  could  have  them,  &  expressed  the  greatest  readiness  to  fur 
nish  any  thing  he  could,  to  your  use — 

I  fear  our  session  will  be  longer  than  I  expected.  They  say 
it  will  take  Mr.  Polk  a  week  to  find  out  what  is  the  actual  con 
dition  of  things,  as  left  by  Mr  Tyler. 

Yrs  truly 

D.  WEBSTER 

The  Instructions,  letters  &c — were  sent  from  the  Department 
to  the  President — whether  he  sent  them  to  the  Senate,  I  do  not 
yet  know —  I  will  enquire  about  the  matter  today. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  Son  MONDAY  NOON  IN  SENATE  [Mar.  9,  1845] 

The  instructions  &c  are  in  the  President's  hands — I  will  send 
a  copy  as  soon  as  possible. 

1  To  China. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  299 

It  is  said  Mr  Polk  means  to  give  Mr.  Almonte  as  mild  & 
amiable  an  answer  as  possible. 

Yrs  affectionately 
^^^  D.  W. 

(To  Fletcher  Webster?) 

[MAR.  11.  1845] 
R.  M.  Armstrong  of  Tennessee,  said  to  be  a  respectable  man, 

will  be  consul  at  Liverpool. 

— A  Mr  Davis  is  to  be  Surveyor  of  the  Port  of  Phila.  in  place 

of  Mr  Cooper 

— So  much  for  Mr  Folk's  gratitude  to  Mr.  Tyler. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Mar.  12.  1845 
Dear  Fletcher, 

It  is  certain  that  a  considerable  degree  of  dissatisfaction  pre 
vails  with  a  certain  portion  of  Mr  Folk's  supporters  at  the  Cabi 
net  arrangements,  &  other  appointments,  made  or  expected. 

At  the  head  of  the  aggrieved,  stands  Mr  Calhoun.  Mr.  Cal- 
houn  professes  to  be  greatly  delighted  with  an  opportunity  of 
returning  to  Private  Life;  but  nevertheless  makes  no  secret  of 
his  feelings,  as  to  the  manner  in  which  it  has  seemed  fit  to  others, 
that  he  should  relinquish  the  seals  of  office.  He  thinks  that 
manner,  unkind,  discourteous,  &  even  decidedly  disrespectful. 
The  two  Carolina  Senators  are  equally  disaffected,  &  Mr  Wood- 
bury,  probably,  is  behind  neither,  as  he  seems  very  much  neg 
lected.  He  is  the  more  disturbed,  I  think,  at  seeing  Mr  Allen  of 
Ohio  putting  forth  pretensions  to  be  considered  as  Leader  of  the 
Party,  in  the  Senate. 

I  doubt,  however,  whether  there  be  enough  of  dissatisfaction 
to  make  anything  like  a  breach,  at  present.  Mr  Calhoun's  area 
is  a  very  small  one,  almost  wholly  confined  to  South  Carolina,  & 
Mr  Woodbury  is  not  followed  much  at  the  North. — 

Mr.  Polks  Inaugural  says  nothing  of  the  existing  Tariff  Law, 
viz  the  Act  of  1842. —  But  it  is  certain,  some  modifications,  or 
alterations,  will  be  recommended  by  Mr.  Walker,  at  the  Com- 

1  Unsigned,  but  in  Daniel  Webster's  hand. 


300  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

mencement  of  the  next  Session.  Taking  this  for  granted,  I 
think  our  friends,  who  are  interested  in  the  preservation  of  the 
system,  may  very  well  take  some  steps,  during  the  summer,  to 
produce  just  impressions,  by  communicating  facts  &  information 
to  the  Secretary —  Mr  Walker  is  a  good  tempered  &  accessible 
man ;  he  professes  to  be  no  general  enemy  to  protection ;  a  Penn- 
sylvanian,  by  birth  &  education,  he  is  not  without  sympathies 
with  the  good  people  of  that  State.  He  is  new  in  office,  ardent, 
&  sanguine ;  &  like  other  persons  of  that  temperament,  &  in  that 
situation,  hopes,  confidently,  that  he  may  be  able  in  some  man 
ner,  to  reconcile  jaring  interests  and  opposing  opinions.  Care 
ought  to  be  taken,  that  while  getting  his  materials,  &  before 
making  up  his  report  to  Congress,  he  should  be  put  in  possession 
of  full  and  accurate  information.  I  think,  that  the  Gentlemen, 
concerned  in  manufactures,  should,  through  the  aid  of  a  Comee, 
or  by  some  other  agency,  set  to  work,  at  once,  to  prepare  a  View, 
or  Statement,  showing  the  operation  of  the  Law  of  1842  upon 
the  principal  manufactures,  and  what  parts  of  it  might  be 
altered,  &  to  what  extent,  without  injury.  I  am  sure  he  would 
receive  such  a  communication  very  kindly.  If  you  have  oppor 
tunity,  you  may  suggest  this,  to  Mr  Appleton,  Mr  Paige,  or 
other  friends. 

After  the  receipt  of  this,  you  may  address  me  at  the  A.  H. 
New  York — 

I  hear  from  Mrs  Bates,  that  Mr  Bates  was  a  little  easier  last 
night,  but  that  there  was  no  material  change. 

Yours  affectionately 

DANIEL,  WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  Fletcher  New  York  Mar :  24'  1845' 

I  left  Washington  Thursday  afternoon,  the  20th,  immedi 
ately  on  the  adjournment  of  the  Senate  No  great  political  event 
occurred,  after  Mr  Almonte's1  demand  of  his  Passports ;  &  it  will 
be  two  months  before  we  can  learn  how  Mexico  takes  the  Resolu 
tion  for  Annexation.  In  the  mean  time,  recent  information 
would  seem  to  show  that  Texas  herself  is  not  too  anxious  for  the 
proposed  espousal  as  she  was  expected  to  be.  I  am  not  sur 
prised  at  this  intelligence;  for  I  had  reason  to  know,  before  I 
left  Washington,  the  Govt.  was  quite  apprehensive,  on  this  point. 

1  The  Mexican  Minister. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  301 

One  great  stimulating  agency,  in  the  Annexation  subject,  was  the 
interested  activity  of  the  holders  of  Texas  Stocks.  The  stipula 
tion  agt.  paying  her  debts  has  of  course  cooled  the  zeal  of  these 
persons. 

It  is  time,  that  Mr  Tyler,  in  eager  haste,  sent  off  a  despatch, 
announcing  the  determination  of  our  Govt.  to  act  under  the  first 
Branch  of  the  Resolutions,  &  to  bring  Texas  finally  in  by  an  act 
of  the  two  Houses.  This  was  done,  under  a  belief  common  to 
most  people,  &  fully  expressed  by  Mr  Calhoun,  that  if  negoti 
ations  were  entered  into,  under  the  second  branch,  Texas  could 
not  come  in  by  Treaty,  &  so  not  without  the  consent  of  two  thirds 
the  Senate.  But  I  have  reason  to  believe  that  in  this  opinion 
Mr.  Buchanan  differs  from  Mr  Calhoun ;  &  that  it  is  the  determi 
nation  of  the  President  and  the  present  Administration  to  bring 
Texas  in  by  law,  a  joint  Resolution  of  both  Houses,  whether 
Texas  accepts  the  old  terms,  or  negotiates  for  new. 

So  it  is  likely  there  will  be  a  struggle  in  either  House,  next 
session. 

The  President  will  send  somebody  soon  to  Mexico ;  but  whether 
a  sole  minister,  or  a  joint  mission,  I  do  not  think  is  yet  decided. 
I  should  not  be  surprised  if  Mr  Gushing  should  be  employed  on 
that  service.  The  China  mission  has  given  him  reputation,  &  he 
has  one  point  of  qualification,  not  found  in  everyone,  that  is,  a 
knowledge  of  the  language.  You  will  receive  this  as  my  con 
jecture,  only;  but  my  opinion  is,  that  such  an  appointment  is 
very  probable. — 

I  reed  your  letters  here ;  rej  oice  that  you  are  all  well ;  &  expect 
to  be  in  Boston  in  two  or  three  days. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 

(From  John  C.  Spencer.1) 

Hon.  Daniel  Webster  Albany,  June  5,  1845. 

Dear  Sir, 

*  *  I  feel  peculiar  pride  and  exultation  in  the  masterly 
and  incontrovertible  vindication  it  [the  Treaty  of  Washington] 
has  received  from  the  only  man  who  was  capable  of  exhibiting 
its  difficulties  and  its  vast  importance. 

1  John  C.  Spencer  represented  New  York  in  Congress,  was  Secretary  of  War 
under  Tyler,  and  later  Secretary  of  the  Treasury.  He  was  a  prominent  lawyer 
and  achieved  fame  in  the  work  of  revision  of  the  laws  of  New  York. 


302  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

And  yet,  you  will  pardon  me  for  saying  that  there  was  one 
branch  of  the  difficulties  and  obstacles  to  a  successful  termination 
of  that  negotiation,  which  you  have  not  noticed,  and  which  you 
could  not  well  notice,  altho  the  ability,  temper  and  tact  required 
to  overcome  them — were  at  least  equal  to  what  was  demanded  by 
the  adroitness  of  Lord  Ashburton  and  the  skill  of  the  British 
ministry.  I  allude  to  the  organized  opposition  then  existing  in 
the  State  of  Maine,  to  any  surrender  of  territory,  stimulated  by  a 
party,  with  which  you  could  have  no  political  association,  and  no 
influence; — and  also  to  the  position  of  the  Senate, — nearly  one 
half  of  the  members  ranging  themselves  with  a  party  which  cer 
tainly  felt  under  no  political  obligations  to  you  for  its  recent 
defeat  at  the  Presidential  election, — and  the  other  half,  with  two 
or  three  exceptions,  boiling  with  rage  because  you  would  not  de 
sert  the  country  to  avenge  the  quarrels  or  minister  to  the  am 
bition  of  Mr  Clay.  And  two  thirds  of  these  men  were  to  be  con 
ciliated  and  bro't  to  support  a  Treaty  which  was  to  place  the 
cope-stone  on  the  pillar  of  your  renown !  I  well  know  how  you 
dealt  with  these  refractory  spirits  and  how  they  were  bro't  in  one 
one  by  one  to  sustain  a  measure  which  most  of  them  would  gladly 
have  defeated.  You  had  four  parties  to  negotiate  with, — the 
British  Ambassador,  the  State  of  Maine,  the  Senate  of  the  United 
States  and  the  President.  The  third  in  this  Series  was  the  most 
difficult  to  deal  with.  That  part  of  the  negotiation,  I  suppose 
never  can  be  written.  If  it  could  be,  in  my  opinion  it  would 
command  the  applause  and  gratitude  of  your  countrymen  in  a 
greater  degree  than  any  other  part. 

I  am  very  glad  to  hear  that  Mr.  Tyler  has  done  you  and  him 
self  justice  in  the  matter  of  the  Secret  Service  fund,  and  that 
this  calumny  at  least  is  likely  to  recoil  on  the  head  of  its  inventor. 

With  great  respect 

Your  most  obedt.  Servt. 

J.  C.  SPENCER. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 
j)ear  -p  JUNE  21 — [1845]  Sunday  1  O  clock 

It  may  be  that  Ld  Aberdeen  gave  a  hint  to  Mr.  McLane  of  a 
readiness  to  mediate,  but  I  do  not  suppose  that  Mr.  Pakenham 
is  authorized  here,  to  make  such  an  offer.1 

1  Alludes  to  the  Oregon  controversy. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  303 

Since  writ'g  you  yesterday,  I  have  thought  it  would  be  best 
to  go  to  Marshfield,  on  friday,  by  the  9  Oclock  Boat — &  have 
written  to  Mr.  Weston  to  that  effect.  So,  on  arriv'g,  I  shall 
probably  go  to  Tremont  H.  for  breakfast. 

^^^  D.  W. 

(From  Henry  Wheaton.) 

BERLIN,  26  Nov.  1845 
My  Dear  Sir, 

As  you  will  before  this  reaches  you  have  taken  your  Seat  in 
the  Senate,  I  write  these  hasty  lines  merely  to  call  your  attention 
to  two  matters  which  will  come  before  that  body  in  the  Executive 
Council  at  the  opening  of  the  Session — 

The  first  is  the  Treaty  of  Extradition  with  Germany1  which 
was  concluded  here  in  January  last,  with  some  few  alterations  in 
your  original  project  arranged  with  von  Boenne  (?)  on  which 
(though  I  had  no  doubt  myself)  I  consulted  our  Government,  & 
under  its  instructions  adopted  them —  As  it  is  substantially  the 
same  arrangement  with  your  treaty  with  Lord  Ashburton,  I 
presume  it  will  encounter  no  difficulty  in  the  Ratification —  Any 
correspondence  relating  to  it  ought  to  be  communicated  with 
the  Treaty,  &  if  anything  should  be  accidently  omitted,  you  will 
(of  course)  call  for  it —  The  correspondence  fully  explains  the 
nature  and  object  of  the  alterations,  which  though  not  very 
important  you  will  perhaps  think  real  improvement —  They  were 
suggested  by  the  Prussian  "  Justice-Minister," — to  make  use  of 
a  Jeremy  Bentham  term — 

The  second  matter  to  which  I  refer  is  a  little  Convention 
between  the  U.  States  &  Saxony  for  the  mutual  abolition  of  the 
Droit  d'Aubaine  &  taxes  on  Emigration  in  the  two  Countries2 — 
This  treaty  is  one  of  a  Series  on  the  same  Subject  which  I  have 
negotiated  with  different  German  States,  20  which  have  already 
been  ratified  by  the  Senate.  It  differes  in  one  particular,  from 
the  others  in  giving  a  little  more  power  to  the  sub j  ect  of  Saxony 
as  to  purchasing  &  holding  lands  in  the  U.  States  in  return  for 
the  abolition  of  taxes  on  emigration  by  which  we  gain  in  the 
amount  of  capital  brought  over  by  the  emigrants.  This  is  a 
matter  of  more  importance  than  might  be  supposed,  as  the  num 
ber  of  emigrants  is  constantly  increasing,  consisting  of  rich 

1  See  Treaties  and  Conventions,  p.  45.  *  Ibid.,  p.  981. 


LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

peasants,  who  bring  with  them  several  millions  of  florins —  The 
point  is  fully  explained  in  my  Despatch  accompanying  the 
Convention  to  which  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you,  &  to  request  you 
to  explain  the  matter  to  the  Senate  when  the  question  comes 
up.  *  *  * 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  ever  truly  your  obliged  friend, 

H.  WHEATON. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

DEC.  11.  45  Thursday  Eve' 
My  Dear  Son 

I  arrived  last  night,  just  in  time  to  bear  my  part  in  the 
argument  of  my  first  cause.  Today  I  have  been  in  Court,  all 
day,  excepting  15  minutes  in  the  Senate. —  I  shall  speak  either 
tomorrow  or  Monday.  It  is  an  important  cause  from  N.  Y. 
respecting  the  State  tax  on  passengers — 

I  have  seen  nobody  except  the  Senators,  &  the  Court. 

Friends  in  the  Senate  were  glad  to  see  me,  as  they  look  for 
important  business  soon.  They  seemed  sober.  As  soon  as  I  learn 
anything,  I  will  write  you.  As  yet,  I  have  seen  &  heard  but  little, 
out  of  the  Court  room. —  I  am  at  Ademan's — &  well  lodged  for 
the  present. 

Yrs 
D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

PHILADELPHIA, 

Hartwell,  No.  13  Dec.  25.  1845  Christmas  Day,  4  o'clock  in 
the  Morning. 

Dear  Fletcher 

I  arrived  here  last  evening,  &  write  this,  that  I  may  put  it  into 
the  mail,  at  N.  Y.  if  I  get  there  in  season  this  P.  M.  If  the 
weather  be  mild,  I  mean  to  go  to  Boston  on  Saturday.  But  I 
shall  write  you  more,  fully  tomorrow.  Court  duties  will  call  me 
back  immediately;  but  I  must  see  You,  &  if  storms  &  tempests 
prevent  me  from  getting  to  Boston,  you  must  be  prepared  to  come 
South  &  find  me  where  you  can. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  305 

I  hope  Caroline  and  the  Children  are  well,  &  all  happy.  My 
own  health  is  excellent.  Let  Mr  Healey  know  that  I  am  in  itinere. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL.  WEBSTER 
F.W. 

Remember  me,  at  30  Winter  Street,  &  63  Summer  Street.  I 
hope  you  will  all  enjoy,  with  grateful  hearts,  a  happy  Christmas. 
Kiss  the  whole  circle  for  me. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

JAN.  12.  '46 
Dear  F. 

I  have  reed  the  answer — signed  it,  sworn  to  it  before  Judge 
Nelson,  &  dispatched  it. 

I  also  hear  from  N.  Y.  that  the  expected  letter  has  gone  to 
Boston. 

Yrs  D.  W. 

In  Senate  today,  Allen  notice1  put  off,  till  Feb.  10. 
Ayes  32.     Noes  18 — a  pacific  augury. 


(To  Nathan  Appleton.) 

PRIVATE. 

WASHINGTON,  Jany  12,  '46. 
My  dear  Sir. 

I  cannot  learn  any  particular  reason,  which  has  induced  the 
Intelligencer  to  retract  its  confidence,  in  the  continuance  of  peace. 
I  have  seen  Mr.  Gales  today.  He  seems  vexed  at  the  "  ruffian 
spirit "  as  he  deems  it,  manifested  in  the  H.  of  R.  You  will  see 
that  the  Senate  has  postponed  the  subject,  by  ayes  &  noes  to 
Feby.  10,  by  a  majority  of  14.  2  or  3  of  our  friends  being 
absent,  viz  Morehead,  Huntington,  &  I  think  one  other.  My  own 
opinion  is  that  there  is  not  at  this  moment,  a  majority  greater 
than  5  or  10  in  the  H.  of  R.  the  future  may  and  will,  probably, 
much  depend  on  what  we  hear  by  the  next  Steamer.  There  is, 
certainly,  rather  a  sober  feeling  on  the  subject,  prevalent  with  the 
majority, — of  the  Senate.  If  things  remain  as  they  are,  no 

1  Concerning  the  famous  charges  of  Allen  against  Webster's  honesty  while 
in  charge  of  the  Department  of  State  under  Tyler. 


306  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

resolution  to  give  notice  will  pass  this  body,  at  present,  at  least. 
Something  is  in  progress,  on  the  point  which  I  mentioned  to 
you,  but  what  may  be  its  success  I  cannot  say.  There  is  not 
perfect  temper  on  either  side.  Mr.  B1  is  cold,  stern,  repulsive,  & 
not  very  gentle.  Mr.  P.2  seems  nettled,  &  a  little  excited.  He 
seems  to  think  his  antagonists  sharp,  captious,  &  not  always  quite 
respectful.  I  have  had  several  conversations  with  Mr.  C.3  He  is 
not  likely  to  change  his  course. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL,  WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

JAN:  14.  46 
My  Dear  Son, 

Yrs  was  reed  this  morning,  stating  the  receipt  of  the  N.  Y. 
letter.  Mr  B.  &  Mr  Curtis  are  now  here.  I  can  only  say  I  shall 
be  infinitely  obliged,  if  matters  can  be  brought  at  once  to  a  suc 
cessful  close. 

Mr  Polk  said  to  a  friend  of  mine  last  night,  that  he  had  not 
the  slightest  apprehension  of  war.  The  administration  must 
either  have  some  assurances  from  Mr  Me  Lane,  of  the  absolute 
disposition  of  England  to  keep  the  peace  under  all  circumstances, 
(which  I  do  not  believe)  or  else  it  must  have  a  curious  notion  of 
the  tendency  of  its  own  measures,  &  the  declaration  &  speeches  of 
its  own  friends. 

Still,  I  do  not  believe  there  will  be  war.  Mr  Allen's  non 
interference  Resolution  was  laid  on  the  Table,  today. 

Yrs  affectionately 

D.  W. 

Pray  write  me  daily,  the  more  especially  as  your  family  are 
not  well. 

(To  Nathan  Appleton.) 

WASHINGTON,  Jany  20,  1846. 

PRIVATE.  Tuesday  Ev'g 

My  dear  Sir, 

The  news  from  England  has  undoubtedly  had  some  effect  here. 
It  is  generally  considered  that  the  new  ministry,  especially  if 

1  Buchanan.  *  Polk.  8  Probably  Calhoun. 


THE  NATIONAL  STATESMAN  307 

Lord  Palmerston  should  take  the  seals  of  the  foreign  office,  will 
probably  be  less  pacific  towards  us  than  Sir  Robt.  Peel's  govt. —  I 
think  it  has  been  clear  for  3  or  4  days,  that  the  debate  in  the 
house  begins  to  falter  &  lose  interest.  I  do  not  think  the  violence 
exhibited  there  altogether  pleasing  to  Mr.  Polk.  He  seems  to 
have  expected  that  he  would  have  been  indulged  in  a  monopoly 
of  patriotic  professions  &  self  gratification.  I  am  quite  sure  that 
he  &  some  of  his  cabinet  feel  quite  uneasy,  at  the  present  moment, 
in  view  of  the  blaze  which  they  themselves  have  kindled. 

You  are  now  probably  wiser  than  we  are  as  the  Steamer  will  be 
likely  to  have  arrived.  I  look  with  great  interest  to  the  state 
of  things  in  England.  What  is  to  be  Sir  Roberts  relation  to  the 
new  ministry  ?  Can  he  go  with  Lord  John  for  the  repeal  of  the 
Corn  laws,  without  separating  himself  from  the  conservative 
party,  entirely?  I  confess  I  regret  his  retirement.  I  fear  it  will 
be  long  before  a  wiser,  abler,  or  better  man  will  be  at  the  head 
of  English  affairs.  In  regard  to  a  private  matter,  which  I 
intimated  something  of  to  you,  in  Boston,  I  can  now  say,  that 
something  has  been  done,  which  can  hardly  fail  to  be  useful,  here 
after  &  done  just  in  time,  as  the  news  of  yesterday  might  have 
prevented  it.  We  are  in  the  midst  of  a  very  heavy  fall  of  snow. 

D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

JAN.  27.  [1846]  Tuesday  3  o  clock 
Dear  Fletcher, 

The  most  important  occurrence  of  today  is,  I  think,  Mr 
Bentons  Speech  against  Mr  Fairfield*s  Navy  Bill.  Mr.  B. 
denounces  the  measure,  as  a  war  weapon,  when,  as  he  insists,  all 
indications  are  for  peace. 

His  Speech  will  have  some  effect,  I  think,  &  give  the  war  party 
trouble. 

I  believe  Mr  Buchanan  will  leave  the  Cabinet,  &  go  upon  the 
Bench.  There  is — certainly — a  difference  between  him  &  the 
President.  The  latter  is  much  the  most  pacific.  Probably  Mr. 
Mason,  at  present  Atty  Genl,  will  take  Mr  Buchanans  place. 
Everything  looks  more  and  more  like  peace —  But  then  comes 
the  great  struggle  about  the  Tariff. 

Yrs  truly 

D.  W. 


308  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  Nathan  Appleton.) 
PEIVATE. 

JANY  29.  Thursday  2  o'clock 
My  dear  Sir. 

We  grow  daily  more  pacific.  Mr.  Spaight  has,  today,  followed 
up  Mr.  Benton,  &  Mr.  Bagley  in  a  decided  anti-war  speech.  He 
denies  that  our  title  to  all  Oregon  is  plain;  says  England  has 
rights  there  which  must  be  respected,  &c.  I  imagine  the  Cabinet 
is  projecting  something,  or  considering  some  offer.  The  altered 
tone  of  the  Union  is  remarkable ;  or  would  be,  if  it  did  [not]  so 
frequently  vibrate  from  side  to  side.  Two  equally  pacific  speeches 
in  the  H.  of  R.  today,  Mr.  Holmes  &  Mr.  Ewing,  the  new  member 
from  Tennessee.  I  wish  I  felt  no  more  alarm  about  the  Tariff, 
than  I  do  at  the  present  moment  about  war. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL.  WEBSTEE. 


(From  Lord  Ashburton.) 

LONDON,  Jan.  1846 
My  Dear  Mr  Webster. 

Mr  Spencer  Ponsonby  the  son  of  my  old  &  good  friend  Lord 
Roxborough  is  about  to  visit  Washington  where  he  will  probably 
be  connected  with  our  Legation.  He  is  himself  an  amiable  steady 
&  intelligent  young  man  and  I  am  anxious  that  he  should  have 
the  advantage  of  being  known  to  you.  Excuse  therefore  my 
giving  him  these  few  lines  of  introduction. — 

Mr  Ponsonby  will  explain  to  you,  as  far  as  a  young  Diplomatist 
dare  explain  any  thing,  the  strange  confused  condition  of  parties 
here.  Six  weeks  ago  I  should  have  said  that  my  friend  Peel  was 
the  strongest  Minister  this  Country  ever  had,  and  was  likely  to 
hold  the  Government  for  life  or  at  least  till  he  was  tired  of  it, 
but  the  scene  has  changed,  a  conspiracy  called  the  Anti-corn  Law 
League  has  frightened  men  who  should  have  had  better  nerves, 
and  some  Coxcombs  called  Political  Economists  have  turned  the 
heads  of  our  younger  people  and  we  are  throwing  overboard  all 
protections  &  running  a  race  of  what  is  called  free  trade,  sur 
rounded  as  we  are  by  nations  who  like  yours  will  have  no  free 
trade  with  us.  I  am  very  much  opposed  to  all  this,  and  hold 
mainly  to  the  doctrines  of  your  speech  in  Faneuil  Hall  on  your 
Tariff,  but  the  measure  is  likely  to  pass  from  a  singular  com- 


THE   NATIONAL  STATESMAN  309 

bination  of  passions  &  interests  which  it  would  take  me  a  much 
longer  letter  to  explain  than  you  would  like  to  read.  In  the 
conflict  however  the  ministry  will  probably  be  shipwrecked,  our 
whigs,  who  stoutly  support  free  trade,  will  take  the  first 
opportunity  to  trip  them  up  while  the  anger  &  disappointment  of 
their  own  friends  will  render  the  task  easy.  This  is  my  speculation 
and  the  only  opposite  chance  is  that  there  is  no  man  or  set  of 
men  having  sufficiently  the  confidence  of  the  Country  to  take  their 
place.  In  the  meantime  all  interests  are  flourishing  &  prosperous, 
and  I  need  not  tell  you  that  we  are  pacific  if  you  will  let  us  be 
so,  for  though  we  care  as  little,  or  probably  less,  than  your  men 
of  sense  do  about  Oregon  we  cannot  afford  to  be  kicked. — 

This  Oregon  dispute  was  mainly  invented  before  we  settled  the 
Maine  boundary,  and  when  it  is  closed  some  new  grievance  will 
soon  be  opened.  As  long  as  we  are  neighbors  on  the  great  Con 
tinent  which  you  begin  to  think  should  wholly  belong  to  you  we 
shall  never  really  be  friends,  and  I  have  long  wished  we 
could  find  a  decent  Excuse  to  let  the  work  of  Annexation  be 
completed. — 

Pray  let  me  occasionally  hear  from  you  my  Dear  Sir  &  present 
my  very  best  respect  to  Mrs  Webster. 

Yours  ever 

ASHBURTON. 


'(To  John  Tyler.) 

WASHINGTON  Mar:  5.  1846 
My  Dear  Sir, 

You  have  probably  seen  a  very  extraordinary  statement,  made 
by  Mr.  C.  J.  Ingersol,  in  a  speech  in  the  H.  of  R.  on  the  8th  or 
9th  of  February,  respecting  communications  from  me  to  Gov. 
Seward,  in  the  Spring  of  1841  relative  to  the  affair  of  McLeod. 

I  have  no  recollection  of  having  written  any  private  letter  to 
Govr.  Seward,  on  that  occasion ;  yet  I  may  have  done  so ;  but  I 
am  sure  never  such  a  letter  as  Mr.  Ingersol  states. 

I  must,  at  an  early  day,  take  some  notice  of  these  remarks. 
I  think  I  should  not  have  written  any  thing  to  Gov.  Seward, 
private  or  public,  on  such  a  subject  without  first  showing  it  to 
you,  or  to  Genl.  Harrison,  if  before  his  death.  I  beg  now  to 
inquire  what  you  recollect,  or  whether  you  recalled  any  thing 
connected  with  the  subject. 


310  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

I  wish  also,  particularly,  to  inquire  whether  the  correspondence 
between  Yourself  &  Gov.  Seward,  relative  to  Mr  Spencer's  act 
ing  as  McLeod's  counsel,  &c  &c  was  left  in  the  Department  of 
State  or  was  retained  by  you.  If  left  in  the  Department  I 
think  of  calling  for  copies  of  it,  if  you  see  no  objection.  I  re 
member  we  all  were  of  opinion  that  you  answered  the  Govr's  Com 
plaints,  very  satisfactorily. 

I  am,  My  Dear  Sir,  with  continued  good  feelings.  &  good 
wishes,  Yours  truly 

DAN  WEBSTER 


(From  John  Tyler.) 

SHERWOOD  FOREST  Chs  City  County  Va.  March  12,  1846 
My  Dear  Sir; 

Your  letter  of  the  5th  March  did  not  reach  me  until  last  night, 
and  I  delay  not  a  moment  in  answering  it —  I  have  not  the 
slightest  recollection  of  your  having  written  any  letter  to  Gov. 
Seward  during  the  pendency  of  the  McLeod  case —  During 
your  absence  from  Washington  on  a  short  visit  to  Boston  a  letter 
was  received  by  me,  in  my  official  character,  from  Gov.  Seward 
asking  me  to  forbid  Mr.  Spencer,  the  U.  S.  D.  Attorney  for 
Western  New  York,  from  appearing  in  the  defence  of  Me  Leod — 
I  did  not  deem  it  necessary  to  await  your  return  to  Washington 
and  answered  the  Governor's  letter  under  my  own  signature — 
This  led  the  way  to  a  correspondence  of  some  length  between  us, 
which  as  it  related  to  a  public  matter  and  one  at  the  time  of 
much  interest,  I  deemed  it  best  to  have  placed  among  the  files  of 
the  Department  of  State — where  it  no  doubt  is  now  to  be  found, 
and  is  subject  to  the  call  of  any  Senator — 

Mr  Ingersoll's  remarks  in  the  House  escap'd  my  observation, 
but  upon  seeing  Mr.  Dickenson's  statement  in  the  Senate,  I  was 
upon  the  point  of  writing  to  you  and  requesting  a  call  for  my 
correspondence  with  Gov.  Seward  but  was  rendered  'silent  by  the 
knowledge  of  your  presence  in  the  Senate  and  my  belief  that  you 
would  best  understand  what  the  exigency  of  the  moment  might 
require —  My  desire  is  that  the  call  should  be  made. 

Concerning  the  whole  of  that  business  the  administration  of 
which  I  was  the  head,  has  nothing  to  fear —  The  peace  of  the 
Country  when  I  reached  Washington,  on  the  6th  day  of  April 
1841,  was  suspended  by  a  thread,  but  we  converted  that  thread 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  311 

into  a  chain  cable  of  sufficient  strength  to  render  that  peace  se 
cure,  and  to  enable  the  Country  to  weather  the  storms  of  faction 
by  which  it  was  in  every  direction  assailed — 
With  some  regard, 

I  am  Dr  Sir  Yrs  &c 

JOHN  TYLER 

(To  Robert  C.  Wmthrop.1) 

NEW  YORK  March  20th  (1846) 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  read  this  morning  your  speech  upon  "Oregon"  &  can 
not  omit  to  say  how  much  it  gratified  me.  Mr.  Ingersoll  I  think 
is  well  paid  off ;  nor  does  his  countryman  in  the  other  end  of  the 
Capitol  appear  to  be  f  areing  much  better. 

There  is  a  good  deal  of  panic  here  about  Texas —  It  is  well 
the  country  took  the  alarm  when  it  did,  as  there  is  more  hope  of 
stopping  the  progress  of  the  measure  than  if  it  had  proceeded 
farther.  From  what  I  see  in  the  American  this  P.  M.  a  Mr. 
Todd,  bearer  of  despatches  seems  to  have  been  a  good  deal 
talkative  on  his  road  home. 

I  shall  be  quite  glad  to  hear  from  you  especially  if  anything 
important  touching  Texas  should  become  known. — 

Yours  truly 
D.  WEBSTER 

(William  H.  Seward  to  R.  M.  Blatchford.2 ) 

AUBURN  March  23d  1846. 
My  Dear  Blatchford, 

Although  I  have  been  some  days  at  home,  I  have  not  until  now 
been  able  to  look  into  the  matter  arising  from  Mr.  Ingersoll's 
Speech. 

I  suppose  Mr.  Webster  may  have  spoken  long  before  this,  and 
therefore  these  papers  may  be  unnecessary.  If  he  had  written  to 
me  directly  I  should  cheerfully  have  furnished  him  with  any  in 
formation  in  my  power, — and  of  course  you  can  state  to  him  the 
contents  of  this. 

1  The   Massachusetts  orator  and  statesman.     He  represented  the  State  in 
both  Senate  and  House  of  the  United  States  Congress. 

2  Mr.  Blatchford  was  one  of  Webster's  warmest  friends,  and  the  latter  was 
evidently  sounding  Seward  through  the  former. 


312  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

The  points  in  Mr.  Ingersoll's  remarks  touching  Mr.  Webster 
are  1.  That  Mr.  Webster  wrote  the  Governor  of  New  York  a 
letter,  marked  "private",  in  which  the  Governor  was  told  that  he 
must  release  McLeod  or  see  the  magnificent  commercial  emporium, 
the  City  of  New  York  laid  in  ashes — 

2d.  The  Governor  asked  when  this  would  be  done?  The  reply 
was,  Forthwith — Steam  force  will  undoubtedly  destroy  N.  Y.  if 
McLeod  be  not  released.  But  said  the  Governor  the  power  of 
pardon  is  vested  in  me  and  even  if  he  be  convicted  he  may  be 
pardoned.  Oh  no!  said  the  Secretary,  If  you  ever  try  him  you 
will  bring  destruction  upon  yourselves —  The  Governor  was  not 
entirely  driven  from  his  course  by  this  representation. 

3d.  The  next  step  taken  by  the  Administration  was  to  appoint 
a  District  Attorney  who  was  to  be  charged  with  the  defence  of 
Alexander  McLeod  (Spencer) — and  a  fee  of  $5,000.  was  put 
into  his  hands  for  this  purpose. 

4th.  The  application  to  the  New  York  Supreme  [Court]  for 
a  habeas  corpus,  by  Spencer,  to  discharge  Alex  McLeod. 

5th.  The  Marshall  was  about  to  let  him  go  when  he  was  told 
by  the  Court  that  if  he  did  so  it  should  be  at  his  peril  &c 

6th.  The  passage  of  the  Act  of  Congress,  taking  away  from 
the  State  Courts  Jurisdiction  in  Cases  like  McLeod's. 

The  Assembly  of  this  State  on  the  18th  of  May  1841,  called 
on  me  for  the  correspondence  with  the  Federal  Executive  in  the 
case  of  Alexander  McLeod,  and  for  information  whether  any 
arrangements  whatever  had  been  entered  into  by  the  Executive 
with  the  Federal  Executive,  in  reference  to  that  person. —  This 
Resolution  will  be  found  on  the  Assembly  Journal  of  1841  at 
page  1228 — 

McLeod  was  then  before  the  Supreme  Court,  on  a  Habeas 
Corpus, 

On  the  19th  of  May  1841,  I  replied  to  the  Resolution  by  a 
Message  of  that  date —  Assembly  Document  1841  No.  292. 

I  stated  in  the  message  that  no  arrangement  whatever,  of  any 
kind,  or  for  any  purpose,  had  been  entered  into  by  the  Executive 
Department  of  this  State  with  the  Executive  of  the  United 
States,  concerning  McLeod. 

I  informed  the  Legislature  that  McLeod  was  then  before  the 
Supreme  Court  on  a  writ  of  Habeas  Corpus,  with  a  view  to  his 
discharge  from  costody —  That  I  had  no  knowledge  or  infor 
mation  concerning  the  application  for  the  writ,  or  the  proceed 
ings  thereon,  except  what  had  been  read  from  the  newspapers — 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  313 

That  the  proceedings  first  became  known  to  me  when  the  prisoner 
passed  through  the  City  of  Albany  on  his  way  to  N.  Y.  City 
in  custody  of  the  Sheriff  in  obedience  to  the  writ  of  habeas 
corpus — 

That  the  Attorney  General  of  this  State  was  thereupon  imme 
diately  instructed  to  resist  the  motion  for  the  discharge  of  the 
Prisoner,  and  at  the  same  time  I  had  remonstrated  with  the 
President  of  the  United  States  against  the  appearance  of  the 
District  Attorney  of  the  United  States  as  Counsel  for  the  Prison 
er —  And  the  Attorney  General  of  N.  Y.  was  then  attending  the 
Court. 

23  pages  accompanied  the  Message — 

No  1.  The  letter  of  the  Governor  to  the  Chief  Justice  of  N.  Y. 
dated  Feb  15,  1841,  requesting  him  to  hold  the  Court  of  Oyer 
and  Terminer  to  try  McLeod. 

No  2.  A  letter  from  Mr.  Forsyth,  Secretary  of  State  under 
Mr.  Van  Buren,  to  the  Governor,  transmitting  the  original  corre 
spondence  between  Mr.  Fox  and  Mr.  Forsyth,  of  December 
1840— 

These  letters  are  Nos.  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8, 

No.  9,  was  a  letter  of  the  Governor  to  Mr.  Forsyth,  Feb.  27, 
1841,  approving  the  decision  of  the  President  (Van  Buren)  in 
regard  to  McLeod,  and  pledging  the  State  to  support  that  posi 
tion. 

No  10,  A  Letter  from  John  Bell,  Secretary  of  War  to  the 
Governor  transmitted  by  Major  General  Scott,  directing  him  to 
make  a  requisition  of  troops  to  keep  peace  on  the  frontier. 

11.  The  Governor's  reply  to  the  Secretary  of  War  complying 
with  the  requisition  for  troops. 

12.  A  Letter  from  the  Chief  Justice  of  N.  Y.  March  15, 1841, 
saying  that  the  trial  of  McLeod  was  unavoidably  postponed — 

13.  A  Letter  from  the  Governor  to  the  Chief  Justice — 

14.  Letter  from  same  to  General  Scott — 

15.  Letter  to  the  Attorney  General  at  Lockport  March  18, 
1841. 

16.  A  Letter  from  the  Governor  to  Mr.  Webster,  informing 
him  that  McLeod's  trial  would  not  come  on  at  that  term  of  Court. 

17.  A  Letter  from  the  Governor  to  Mr.  Webster,  dated  March 
22,  1841  after  Mr.  Crittenden's  visit  on  consultation  with  him, 
and  referring  to  the  renewed  demand  of  the  British  Government 
for  the  surrender  of  McLeod — and  reaffirming  the  previous  de 
termination  of  the  Governor  on  that  subject. 


314  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

No.  18,  19,  Report  of  Willis  Hall  Attorney  General,  and 
Letter  of  the  Governor  to  Mr.  Webster,  transmitting  it  to  him  ? — 

No.  20.  A  letter  from  the  Governor  to  the  President  of  the 
U.  S.  protesting  against  Joshua  A.  Spencer  (Dist.  Atty.  U.  S.) 
appearing  in  behalf  of  McLeod  in  Supreme  Court. 

No.  21.  The  President  Tyler's  reply. 

No.  22.  Correspondence  with  Lord  Lyndenham. 

When  I  was  in  New  York  City  early  in  March  1841,  Mr.  Fill- 
more  met  me  there  on  his  way  home  from  Congress,  told  me  he 
was  requested  by  Mr.  Webster  to  hurry  on  to  meet  me,  and  see 
whether  I,  with  Mr.  John  C.  Spencer  (Secretary  of  State  of 
N.  Y.),  could  not  devise  some  plan  to  get  McLeod  discharged — 
He  told  me  that  despatches  had  been  received  by  Mr.  Fox  from 
his  government,  and  their  effect  communicated  by  Mr.  Fox  to 
Mr.  Webster,  which  was  that  war  would  follow  a  refusal  to  dis 
charge  McLeod,  and  that  conditional  instructions  were  already 
understood  to  have  been  given  to  a  squadron  then  on  or  near  the 
Coast.  Mr.  Fillmore  told  me  Mr.  Crittenden  the  Attorney  Gen 
eral  of  the  United  States  would  be  in  Albany  in  a  few  days 
charged  to  communicate  on  the  part  of  the  Government  of  the 
United  States  with  me — 

I  proceeded  to  Albany  and  found  there  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Webster,  marked  "Private",  dated  March  17th  1841, 

I  send  you  a  copy  of  this  letter 

Mr.  Crittenden  arrived  at  the  same  time — say  March  21,  or 
22 —  He  held  a  consultation  with  me,  in  presence  I  think  of  Mr 
John  C.  Spencer  and  perhaps  of  Mr.  Collier. 

In  that  interview  Mr.  Crittenden  submitted  to  me  his  instruc 
tions  from  Mr.  Webster,  together  with  a  copy  of  the  renewed 
correspondence  between  Mr.  Webster  and  Mr.  Fox  in  which  the 
latter  demanded  apparently  an  immediate  discharge  of  McLeod, 
and  the  former  admitted  that  he  ought  not  to  be  detained. — 
Mr.  Crittenden  in  behalf  of  the  Federal  Government  and  in  the 
spirit  of  his  instructions  (afterwards  published)  asked  me  to  sur 
render  McLeod  to  the  Federal  Government —  I  inquired  the 
consequence  of  refusal?  He  said  that  of  course  War  would 
follow,  as  the  correspondence  of  Mr.  Fox  implied  I  asked  when 
— on  what  event,  whether  if  we  refused  to  surrender  McLeod, 
or  if  we  proceeded  with  the  trial  of  McLeod  or  if  he  should  be 
executed.  Mr.  Crittenden  replied  "if  he  was  executed."  I  an 
swered  Mr.  Crittenden  that  I  thought  his  instructions  did  not 
present  that  point.  He  thought  they  did:  but  on  looking  at 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  315 

them  found  it  otherwise.  He  then  authorized  me  to  assume  that 
War  was  not  to  come  unless  McLeod  should  be  executed. 

I  then  assured  Mr  Crittenden,  first,  that  McLeod  could  not  be 
convicted  because,  I  had  undeniable  evidence,  that  he  was  not 
guilty —  Second — that  if  convicted  wrongfully  or  rightfully, 
yet  as  the  crime  was  pronounced  by  the  Governments  of  Two  of 
the  most  enlightened  nations  on  earth  to  be  merely  a  constructive 
one  I  should  deem  it  my  duty  in  that  case  to  interpose  my  Con 
stitutional  power  to  prevent  the  sentence  from  being  executed. 
The  result  was  my  adherence  to  my  decision  that  McLeod  should 
not  be  surrendered  but  should  be  tried  by  the  Courts  of  this 
State. 

With  these  explanations  Mr.  Crittenden  was  satisfied — and  he 
promised  to  communicate  these  views  to  the  President  and  to  Mr. 
Webster.  He  assured  me  also  that  in  his  opinion  the  Admin 
istration  would  approve  of  my  decision,  and  would  suffer  the  pro 
ceedings  in  relation  to  McLeod  to  take  their  course. 

I  replied  to  Mr.  Webster's  private  letter  by  a  letter  marked 
private,  a  copy  of  which  I  send — and  by  a  public  letter  I  reiter 
ated  the  same  decision — 

The  papers  submitted  to  me  by  Mr.  Crittenden  were  then  con 
sidered  private,  because  not  yet  made  public  at  Washington. 

At  the  next  meeting  of  the  Legislature,  January  1842, 1  trans 
mitted  to  that  body  all  these  papers  except  the  letter  marked 
private ;  together  with  the  correspondence  between  myself  and  the 
President  and  Secretary  of  State  and  other  officers  relating  to  the 
proceedings  against  McLeod. 

All  these  papers  will  be  found  in  the  Assembly  Documents  No 
—  for  the  same  year  1842. 

Neither  Mr.  Crittenden  nor  any  other  person  wrote  to  me  the 
result  of  his  report  after  his  return  to  Washington.  I  learned 
by  the  Debates  in  the  British  Parliament  that  the  Government  of 
the  United  States  adhered  to  the  policy  expressed  in  the  corre 
spondence  submitted  to  me  by  Mr.  Crittenden,  instead  of  adopt 
ing  that  I  had  proposed  to  him.  I  advised  Mr.  Crittenden  while 
he  remained  at  Albany  that  Mr.  Spencer  was  Counsel  for  Mc 
Leod  and  therefore  ought  not  to  be  appointed  District  Attorney, 
unless  that  relation  should  be  discontinued,  He  was  nevertheless 
appointed.  There  is  a  long  published  correspondence  between 
the  President  and  myself  on  that  occasion.  It  is  well  understood 
that  Mr.  Spencer  received  $5000.  from  the  British  Canadian 
Authorities 


316  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

In  regard  to  the  application  made  to  the  Supreme  Court  of 
the  State  of  New  York  for  the  Discharge  of  McLeod — the  pro 
ceedings  are  notorious,  and  the  Correspondence  is  full  of  them. 
I  know  nothing  of  the  Marshall's  being  about  to  let  the  Prisoner 
go — and  his  being  threatened  by  the  Court  that  if  he  did  he 
should  fill  the  prisoner's  place — but  I  remembered  that  the  Sheriff 
of  New  York  expressed  a  doubt  about  receiving  him  into  custody 
and  the  Court  obliged  him  to  do  so — with  some  such  menace — 

Of  the  passage  of  the  act  of  Congress  in  regard  to  the  Juris 
diction  of  the  State  Governments,  I  have  no  information,  other 
than  what  is  public. 

My  dissatisfaction  with  all  the  proceedings  of  the  Federal 
Government  on  this  occasion,  was  not  secret.  It  is  expressed  in 
all  the  Correspondence. 

You  know  how  much  I  was  misapprehended  at  Washington 
when  it  was  said  as  it  was  all  over  the  Country  and  in  Europe 
that  I  was  determined  to  sacrifice  McLeod,  or  at  least  to  involve 
the  Country  in  War.  I  appealed  to  Mr.  Crittenden  by  a  private 
letter  to  vindicate  me  with  the  administration,  and  recalled  the 
whole  transaction  to  his  mind  in  which  I  had  given  him  assur 
ances  to  the  Executive  that  McLeod  could  not  in  any  event  be 
executed,  and  so  in  no  event  could  there  be  war.  He  however 
made  me  no  reply.  I  appealed  to  the  President  (Tyler)  and 
sought  to  disabuse  his  mind. 

But  all  was  of  no  avail. 

I  have  never  affected  any  secrecy  in  this  matter  The  Ad 
ministration  of  1841  took  its  ground  and  I  mine.  They  were 
well  understood  to  be  different  grounds. 

After  a  proper  time  of  disclosures  I  have  never  made  any 
secret  of  my  vindication —  Mr.  Ingersoll  asked  me  for  the 
facts —  I  gave  them  to  him  as  I  have  done  to  a  thousand  others, 
without  reserve,  I  did  not  indeed  expect  him  to  use  the  statement 
where  and  as  he  did —  But  I  expressly  stated  that  I  affected  no 
confidence —  It  is  not  for  me  to  examine  on  this  occasion  the 
accuracy  of  his  report  of  my  convention  with  him. 

This  letter  written  hastily  is  so  far  private  that  it  must  not 
pass  out  of  your  hands  nor  be  copied —     It  may  be  shown  to 
Mr.  Webster  or  any  friend    of  his  under  this  injunction. 
I  remain  Dear  Blatchford 

Very  truly  yours 

WILLIAM  H.  SEWAED 


THE  NATIONAL  STATESMAN  817 

(From  John  Tyler.) 

SHERWOOD  FOREST  Charles  City  County  Va.  April  21.  1846 
My  Dear  Sir ; 

Your  letter  dated  the  14  Inst.  reached  me  by  our  last  mail 
and  I  lose  no  time  in  acknowledging  its  receipt.  The  dis 
position  made  by  yourself  and  Mr.  Bartley  of  the  call  for  the 
correspondence  between  Gov.  Seward  and  myself  was  altogether 
appropriate —  I  desire  its  publication  merely  as  a  matter  of 
history  and  as  containing  an  explanation  of  my  course  upon  the 
subject  to  which  it  related. 

I  read  with  much  satisfaction  your  speech  in  answer  to  the 
objections  urged  to  the  Treaty  of  Washington,  and  unless  I  am 
totally  deceived  I  think  you  have  put  them  forever  at  rest,  at 
least  with  the  Country —  I  am  also  pleased  to  learn  that  you 
design  the  publication  in  a  more  durable  form  than  at  present 
exists,  of  the  correspondence  to  which  the  negotiation  gave  rise — 
To  yourself  I  am  disposed  to  leave  the  selection  of  such  documents 
as  may  properly  enter  into  the  compilation.  Having  full  con 
fidence  that  whatever  is  done  will  be  best  calculated  to  develop 
the  feelings  and  motives  of  the  administration —  My  opinions 
on  the  right  of  search  and  most  of  the  other  questions  involved, 
were  plainly  expressed  in  my  messages  to  Congress. 

I  have  reviewed  the  whole  procedure,  from  time  to  time,  in 
association  with  the  final  result  and  I  cannot  withhold  the  remark, 
that  if  we  had  consummated  no  other  act  than  the  Treaty,  we 
should  have  better  deserved  any  other  fate,  than  the  violent  and 
unjust  denunciation  to  which  we  have  been  subjected. 

The  Newspapers  had  brought  me  acquainted  with  the  proceed 
ings  of  the  H.  of  R.  touching  the  secret  service  fund,  and  I 
regarded  them  as  quite  extraordinary —  Who  submitted  the 
paper  to  Mr  Ingersoll's  inspection  I  cannot  as  much  as  con j  ecture 
Mr.  Stubbs  the  confidential  agent  of  the  fund,  had  the  exclusive 
possession  and  knowledge  of  them  upon  my  leaving  Washington, 
and  I  do  not  think  that  he  would  have  volunteered  to  make  them 
public —  As  to  the  disposition  which  the  President  may  make  of 
the  House  resolution  I  certainly  have  no  feeling,  and  I  doubt 
not  that  you  are  equally  indifferent —  This  fact  I  think  it 
proper  to  mention  lest  it  should  escape  your  attention,  that  Mr. 
Van  Buren  with  not  one  half  the  weighty  matters  to  dispose  of 
that  occurred  during  my  time  left  a  balance  of  but  $1600 — of 
the  fund,  all  of  which  was  consumed  in  payment  of  engagements 


318  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

made  by  him  prior  to  his  leaving  office —  Swetszer  and  Tappan 
for  example  received  upwards  of  $10,000  for  bearing  despatches 
&c  to  S.  American  States —  My  balance  exceeded  $28000 — 
Considering  the  many  important  negotiations  which  were  con 
summated,  and  matters  disturbing  to  the  tranquility  of  the  U. 
States  which  were  quieted,  I  think  I  have  a  right  to  be  regarded 
in  any  other  light  than  as  wasteful  and  extravagant — 

Truly  Yrs— 

JOHN  TYLEE 


(From  Francis  O.  J.  Smith. ) 

26 — WASHINGTON  ST  BOSTON,  Apr.  30/46 
My  Dear  Sir — 

According  to  the  published  accounts  of  Ingersoll's  slanders, 
the  vouchers  in  the  State  Department  so  far  as  I  am  concerned 
are  eroneous  beyond  $1500 —  But  that  error  is  easy  of  cor 
rection —  I  write  now  only  to  assure  you,  that  I  am  ready  to  bear 
testimony,  if  need  be,  in  the  fullest  manner  to  your  vindication, 
&  explain,  in  a  way  to  put  your  assailants  to  shame,  all  that 
concerns  my  agency  as  to  the  Boundary  question — 

I  say  this,  as  I  suppose  you  may  desire  to  know  on  what  to 
count,  amid  the  treacheries  and  ingratitude  of  this  censorious 
age — 

Ever  truly  &  devotedly 

Your  friend  &  Obt  Servt,  in  haste 

FRANCIS  O  J  SMITH 


(By  Peleg  Sprague.) 

BOSTON  May  27.  1846 

I  hereby  certify  that  in  May  1842,  at  the  particular  request 
of  the  Hon.  Daniel  Webster,  then  Secretary  of  State  of  the 
United  States,  I  went  from  Boston  to  Augusta  in  the  State  of 
Maine,  to  be  present  at  the  meeting  of  the  Legislature  of  that 
State,  which  had  been  convened  by  the  Governor  for  the  purpose 
of  considering  and  determining  the  question,  whether  Commis 
sioners  should  be  appointed  to  represent  that  State  at  the  then 
proposed  negotiation  between  the  United  States  and  Great 
Britian  respecting  the  North  Eastern  Boundary — 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  319 

The  purpose  of  my  Mission  was  to  represent  the  views  of  the 
Secretary  of  State  to  the  Governor  and  the  Legislature — 

For  this  purpose  I  called  on  the  Governor  at  different  times, 
and  the  subject  of  appointing  such  commissioners  having  been 
referred  to  to  a  very  large  Committee  of  the  Legislature ;  by  their 
invitation  I  met  that  Committee  and,  in  a  full  and  free  conference, 
endeavored  to  make  known  to  them  the  views  of  the  Secretary, 
and  particularly  as  to  the  importance  of  appointing  Commis 
sioners  with  full  power. 

After  my  return  to  Boston,  and  some  time  in  the  Summer  of 
1842,  I  received  from  Mr.  Webster,  then  at  Washington  the 
Sum  of  two  hundred  dollars,  by  check  on  the  Merchant's  Bank 
of  Boston,  as  I  think,  for  which  I  gave  no  receipt,  but  acknowl 
edged  it  in  a  note  to  Mr.  Webster. 

The  above  sum,  was,  in  my  judgment,  not  more  than  a  just 
and  reasonable  compensation,  for  my  services  and  expenses. 

Double  the  amount  would  not  have  induced  me  at  that  time, 
in  my  then  state  of  health,  to  have  made  the  journey  had  it  not 
been  connected  with  the  public  interest. 

PELEG  S PRAGUE 

(Memorandum  on  the  Ingersoll  Charges.1 ) 

[1846] 

Mr  Ingersoll  3.  charges. 

1.     Unlawful  use  of  the  contingent  fund. 

I  wholly  deny  it.  The  statement  is  indistinct,  but  substantially 
false. 

1.  7  had  no  power  of  directing  the  money  to  be  placed  in  my 
hands. — 

The  course  was  this.  Very  important  things  were  pending, 
calling  for  small  expenditures  out  of  the  fund,  from  time  to 
time.  The  President  saw  fit  to  give  an  order,  for  small 
amounts,  from  time  to  time,  to  be  accounted  for,  by  me,  as 
vouchers  were  reed. —  Leaving  no  considerable  sums  in  my 
hands,  at  any  time;  although  it  would  of  course  sometimes 
happen,  that  sums  were  paid,  &  vouchers  not  reed,  till  after 
wards. 

The  President  never  gave  a  certificate  to  cover  a  dollar, 
till  he  was  satisfied — &  I  only  took  them  [vouchers]  to 

1  These  notes  are  in  Webster's  own  hand. 


320  LETTERS   OP  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

show  him  that  the  money  had  been  duly  applied,  to  objects 
stated  &  approved  by  him.  We  were  not  of  course  careful 
to  get  such  vouchers,  as  if  we  were  to  settle  an  account  before 
an  Auditor.  All  was  confidential,  &  intended  to  be  secret. 
Then,  in  the  first  place,  it  is  not  true  that  I  directed  the 
Accountant  to  place  money  in  my  hands.  The  direction  was 
the  President's. 

2.  There  never  was  such  a  sum  as  15,000,  or  anything  like  it 
in  my  hands  at  once.     When  one  small  sum  was  exhausted,  or 
new  uses  were  expected,  the  President  directed  the  necessary  pay 
ment  to  me,  &  not  otherwise.    I  know  not  how  this  alleged  sum  of 
15,000  is  made  up;  as  it  is  three  times  as  much  as  the  whole 
amt.  covered  by  the  President's  Certificate,  while  I  was  Secretary 
of  State. 

3.  It  is  utterly  false  that  I  ever  drew  a  dollar,  of  which  the 
President  was  ignorant.     I  could  not  draw  a  dollar,  of  my  own 
authority,  &  never  did.    Nobody  but  the  President  had  authority. 

He  is  disbursing  agent  of  this  fund.  See  opinions  of  Atty. 
Genl. 

4.  The  money  paid  to  Mr.  Crittenden  was  paid  by  order  of 
President  Harrison,  in  May  1841.   It  probably  stood  w't.  [with 
out]  a  voucher,  for  sometime,  but  afterwards  Mr.  Crittendens 
receipt  was  taken,  the  item  carried  to  the  public  account  of  the 
expenditure  out  of  the  Contingent  fund,  &  was  published,  in 
course,  in  the  Treasury  accounts.     This  is  as  I  remember  that 
transaction. 

5.  Alexander  Powell's  employment  was  in  1841. 

— It  was  of  a  secret  nature,  &  it  is  altogether  wrong,  &  a 
breach  of  the  faith  of  Gov't.  to  publish  his  name.  He  rend, 
valuable  services  on  the  frontier,  connected  with  the  preservation 
of  the  peace  of  the  Country. 

6.  F.  O.  J.  Smith  never  was  sent  to  the  Frontier.     He  was 
employed,  in  the  negotiation  at  Washington  1842. 

7.  Mr  Ingersoll  says;  there  is  a  credit  of  cash  returned, 
$5.000 — &  asks  why  return  it,  if  taken  for  a  public  purpose? 
The  answer  is,  simply,  because  it  turned  out  not  to  be  wanted. 
Not  being  wanted,  it  was  of  course  to  be  "returned,"  &  not  kept. 
— I  have  no  recollection  of  this ;  but  if  such  a  "  return  "  appear, 
that  must  have  been  the  reason. 

8.  As  to  the  balance  of  2.290  agt  me,  on  the  "  closing  of  my 
accounts."     This  cannot  be  true.     If  it  means  only,  that  at  a 
particular  time  this  sum  was  not  covered  by  vouchers,  it  may  be 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  321 

so,  or  it  may  not;  but  if  it  means  that  this  sum  was  a  balance 
in  my  hands  after  deducting  all  payments  actually  made  by  me, 
&  all  charges  on  the  fund,  then  it  is  not  true. 

9.  As  to  the  17.000  dollars  said  to  be  in  my  hands,  "agt. 
former  usage,"  I  can  only  say  that  I  know  not  how  it  is  pretended 
that  this  amt.  is  made  up ;  nor  do  I  know  what  the  "  former 
usage  "  was.    I  only  know  that  I  acted  as  the  President  directed ; 
applied  all  that  was  applied,  to  objects  authorised  by  him,  & 
rendered  him  such  returns  &  vouchers,  as  satisfied  him,  as  to  all 
amounts  which  were  to  be  covered  by  his  Certificate. 

10.  Corrupting  the  Party  Press  (what  party?)       As  to  this, 
I  can  only  say  that  I  never  directed  a  dollar  to  be  paid  to  any 
Editor,  Printer,  or  other  person  connected  with  the  press. —     I 
have  no  recollection  of  any  such  letter  as  is  said  to  be  found  from 
Mr  Smith —     Nor  has  he  any  letter  from  me,  requesting  or 
approving  any  "  corrupting  of  the  Party  Press." — Mr.  Smith 
had  been  a  member  of  Congress ;  was  a  reputable  man  in  Maine, 
&  had  the  confidence  of  the  leading  public  men,  &  the  popular 
party.     His  services  were  thought  to  be  important;  they  were 
all  honest,  so  far  as  I  know,  and  I  am  sure,  so  far  as  I  intended. 
It  cannot  be  right,  unless  in  a  case  of  high  importance  to  drag 
his  name  before  the  public,  as  connected  with  a  transaction  in 
which  the  law  promised  him  confidence  &  secrecy. 

As  for  my  justification,  it  is  enough  to  say,  that  in  all  the 
other  cases,  the  money  was  paid  by  the  Presidents  direction. 

11.  I  do  not  remember  the  report  of  Mr  Royce. —    I  recollect 
purchasing  various  maps  &  Charts — some  of  them  at  high  prices 
— one  especially — which  I  had  become  acquainted  with  in  1838 — 
&  which  I  learned  the  British  Consul  then  wished  to  buy — at 
almost  any  price,  as  it  had  a  red  line  on  it — supposed  to  have 
been  placed  there,  by  Mr  Jay.    I  bought  this,  at  my  own  risk,  in 
1838 — afterwards  gave  it  to  the  Agent  of  Maine,  Mr  C.  L. 
Davis,  who  paid  for  it.    At  the  time  of  the  Treaty  it  was  sent  to 
the  Dept. —    Mr  Davis  was  refunded  what  he  had  paid  for  it — 
&  the  map  is  now  in  the  Dept. 

My  correspondence  with  Mr.  Stubbs,  and  the  papers  will  shew 
how  the  account  was  settled.  The  President  never  wrote  me  on 
the  subject  at  all.  I  believe  Mr  Stubbs  said,  in  one  letter,  that 
the  President  was  anxious  to  see  the  account  settled — which  was 
very  proper.  Mr.  Tyler  was  cautious,  as  to  making  expenditures 
from  the  contingent  fund — &  used  much  less  of  it  than  his  pred 
ecessor.  See  his  letter  to  me. 


322  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(A  Proposed  Retraction  by  Mr.  Ingersoll.) 

Whereas  the  Honorable  Charles  J.  Ingersoll,  in  his  speech 
on  the  Oregon  question  in  the  House  of  Representatives,  on  the 
9th  of  February  last,  made  certain  charges  against  the  Honorable 
Daniel  Webster  respecting  a  private  correspondence  allcdged  to 
have  taken  place  between  him  and  the  Governor  of  the  State  of 
New  York  in  March  1841  on  the  subject  of  the  imprisonment  of 
Alexander  McLeod ;  And  Mr.  Ingersoll  on  the  9th  instant,  in  the 
House  of  Representatives  made  other  charges  against  Mr 
Webster  respecting  certain  alledged  transactions  in  the  Depart 
ment  of  State,  and  Mr  Ingersoll  having  made  known  to  the 
undersigned  that  those  charges  were  founded  on  information 
which  he  has  ascertained  to  be  entirely  without  foundation  in 
truth  and  feeling  a  desire,  voluntarily  and  promptly  to  do  ample 
justice  to  Mr  Webster,  it  is  proposed  by  Mr  Henry  D.  Foster  of 
the  House  of  Representatives,  on  behalf  of  Mr  Ingersoll,  that 
latter  will  rise  in  his  place  in  the  House  to  day  and  make  the 
following  statement,  towit,  "  It  will  be  recollected  by  the  House 
that  in  my  remarks  on  the  Oregon  question  on  the  9th  of  Feby' 
last  I  made  certain  charges  against  the  Honorable  Daniel  Webster 
respecting  a  private  correspondence  which  I  had  been  led  to 
believe  had  taken  place  between  him  and  the  Governor  of  the  State 
of  New  York  in  the  month  of  March  1841  respecting  the  im 
prisonment  of  Alexander  McLeod —  It  will  also  be  recollected 
by  the  House,  that  on  the  9th  instant  I  made  other  charges 
against  Mr  Webster  alledging  that  certain  transactions  had 
taken  place  in  the  State  Department  at  the  time  he  was  Secretary 
of  State —  Now,  in  justice  to  Mr  Webster  and  to  myself  I 
embrace  the  earliest  opportunity  to  say  that  the  charges  to  which 
I  referred  were  founded  on  information  which  I  have  since 
ascertained  to  be  entirely  erroneous — that  I  was  entirely  misin 
formed — and  that  I  therefore  withdraw  those  charges  altogether, 
and  with  pleasure  retract  any  derogatory  expressions  towards 
Mr  Webster  made  on  either  occasion,  by  which  they  may  have 
been  accompanied  "  It  is  therefore  proposed  on  behalf  of  Mr 
Webster  by  T.  Butler  King  and  Robert  C  Schenck  of  the  House 
of  Representatives  that  on  tomorrow  tuesday  the  14th  inst — 
That  Mr  Webster,  with  the  published  remarks  of  Mr  Ingersoll 
before  him — will  rise  in  his  place  in  the  Senate  and  say : — "  Mr 
President,  It  was  with  unaffected  pain,  as  I  then  stated,  that  in 
the  remarks  which  I  made  in  debate  here  a  few  days  ago,  in 


THE  NATIONAL  STATESMAN  323 

reply  to  the  Hon  Senator  for  New  York  (Mr  Dickinson),  I 
felt  compelled  to  notice  and  comment  on  a  speech  made  by  the 
Hon  Charles  J.  Ingersoll  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  an 
extract  from  which  had  been  published  by  the  Senator  from  New 
York  with  his  speech.  Now  sir,  I  recur  to  that  subject  for  another 
and  more  agreeable  purpose. 

I  find  in  the  report  of  proceedings  yesterday  in  the  House  of 
Reps.,  as  published  in  the  Union  newspaper  of  last  evening,  that 
Mr.  Ingersoll  has  done  me  the  justice  to  state  publicly,  in 
explanation  to  the  House,  that  the  charges  which  he  had  made 
against  me  in  that  speech  of  his  on  the  9th  of  February  last,  in 
relation  to  a  correspondence  with  the  Gov.  of  New  York  in  1841, 
as  also  other  charges  &  averments,  in  relation  to  my  conduct  when 
I  was  Secretary  of  State,  which  he  made  in  the  House  of  Reps, 
on  the  9th  of  this  month,  on  occasion  of  his  offering  a  certain 
resolution  of  inquiry  as  to  the  expenditure  of  the  secret  service 
fund,  were  founded  on  information  which  he  has  since  ascertained, 
&  became  satisfied  was  entirely  erroneous ;  &  that  he  has  with 
drawn  therefore  altogether  those  charges  as  groundless,  &  has 
retracted  the  expressions  derogatory  to  my  character  with  which 
they  were  accompanied.  In  this  state  of  the  case  I  am  ready  to 
meet  that  retraction  of  Mr  Ingersoll  in  a  like  spirit.  I  take  this 
opportunity  therefore  of  saying  to  the  Senate,  that  my  remarks 
&  comments  upon  Mr  Ingersoll  &  his  speech  which  I  made  here, 
having  been  founded  entirely  upon  his  charges  &  averments  in 
regard  to  myself,  the  occasion  being  taken  away,  those  remarks 
&  comments  fall  to  the  ground;  &  may  be  forgotten  with  the 
cause  &  circumstances  which  produced  them — " 


[Handwriting  changes  here.] 

This  paper  was  drawn  up  after  a  conference  and  consultation 
between  Mr  Henry  D  Foster,  who  had  been  requested  by  Mr  In-, 
gersoll  to  act  for  him — and  myself,  After  it  was  drawn  I  placed 
it  in  Mr  Foster's  hands  to  be  shown  to  Mr  Ingersoll —  In  a 
day  or  two  he  returned  it,  saying  that  Mr  Ingersoll  thought  that 
Mr  Webster  should  begin  any  explanation,  which  might  take 
place —  I  told  him  that  was  impossible —  Two  or  three  days 
afterwards  the  subject  was  again  revived  between  us,  and  ter 
minated  in  a  similar  result.  On  none  of  these  occasions  did  Mr 


324  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Foster,  say  or  intimate,  that  Mr  Ingersoll  had  any  objection  to 
make  the  declaration,  which  in  this  paper  it  was  proposed  he 
should  make,  provided  Mr  Webster  would  begin  the  explana 
tion —  To  this  Mr  Schenck  and  myself  decidedly  objected,  and 
therefore  my  intercourse  with  Mr  Foster,  on  this  subject  ceased. 

T.  BUTLER  KING. 


(Hon.  R.  C.  Schenck's  statement  in  regard  to  Mr.  Ingersoll.1 ) 

I  acted  with  Mr  King,  in  behalf  of  Mr  Webster,  in  the  attempt 
to  adjust  the  difficulty  between  Mr  Webster  &  Mr  Ingersoll — 
wrote  the  latter  part  of  the  paper  prepared  for  that  purpose 
as  above — was  present  at  the  second  named  interview  with  Mr 
Henry  D.  Foster,  &  concur  with  the  statement  of  Mr  King  in 
relation  to  what  then  transpired.  Mr  Foster  said,  Mr.  Ingersoll 
thought  that  Mr  Webster  should  make  the  first  explanation — this 
Mr  King  &  I  agreed  was  inadmissible.  Mr  Foster  made  no  other 
objection,  in  my  hearing,  to  the  form  or  terms  of  the  adjustment 
proposed. 

ROBT.  C.  SCHENCK. 


(From  Francis  0.  J.  Smith  to  Fletcher  Webster.) 

BOSTON  May  8th.  /46 
My  Dear  Sir- 
On  Monday  last  I  met  our  Mutual  friend  at  Portland —  I  had 
previously  written  your  father,  of  my  readiness  and  ability  to 
explode  Ingersoll's  slanders —    Give  yourself  no  apprehension  so 
far  as  I  am  concerned —     My  early  letter  to  your  father  will 
cover  more  vouchers,  than  he  has  filed,  if  need  be — and  bring  the 
Govt.  in  his  debt —    But  this  is  inter  nos,  until  I  see  you. 

I  think  it  best  to  force  the  Govt.  to  summon  me —  I  have  not 
yet  been  summoned — &  dont  wish  to  put  myself  in  the  position  of 
a  volunteer —  But  the  Committee  will  readily  appreciate  the 
propriety  of  calling  on  me  for  explanation.  They  don't  yet  see 
Ingersoll's  false  scent. 

I  have  not  yet  seen  your  father — will  if  needful —  But  I  know 

1  This  heading  is  indorsed  on  the  back  of  the  paper. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  325 

so  well  what  is  needed,  you  may  trust  all  to  the  facts  of  the  case, 
&  my  discretion,  until  I  have  occasion  to  see  you.  The  world, 
the  present  as  well  as  future,  will  see  in  this  whole  matter,  nought 
but  the  envy  of  greatness,  as  in  other  days  it  was  the  envy  of 
justice,  that  furnished  a  moving  pretext  of  persecution. 

In  haste,  yours  truly 

FRANCIS  O.  J.  SMITH 


(To  Edward  Curtis.) 

Boston  May  9>  '46  Saturday  12  o  clock 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  came  up  from  Marshfield  last  Eve',  &  found  letters  here  from 
yourself,  Mr  W.  &  Fletcher. —  The  latest  &  most  direct,  was 
from  Mr  W.  who  said  the  Comee.  had  done  nothing  more  than  to 
summon  Mr  Stubbs,  to  appear  before  them  on  friday,  (yester 
day) —  The  N.  York  mail  is  not  in,  yet,  today,  as  there  was  a 
heavy  fog  last  night — 

My  purpose  is,  in  conformity  to  your  suggestion,  to  proceed 
immediately  to  Washington —  I  shall  leave  Boston  on  Monday 
Morig — &  N.  Y.  (nothing  happening  to  prevent)  on  Tuesday 
Morning,  with  Mrs  W.  &  Mrs  Curtis — &  get  to  Washington  as 
soon  as  we  can. 

I  have  seen  Mr  F.  O.  J.  Smith.  He  thinks  I  have  great 
reason  to  desire  that  the  Comee.  should  send  for  him.  He  says 
everything  is  properly  straight,  &  states  a  good  many  useful 
particulars.  But  I  am,  still,  of  opinion  that  we  should,  for  the 
present,  express  no  wish  on  the  point  of  his  being  called. —  7 
shall  brmg  on  copies  of  his  entire  correspondence  with  me.  \ 

If  I  get  a  letter  this  forenoon,  I  will  answer  it;  but  just  say 
to  F.  &  Mr  Winthrop,  that  I  may  not  have  time  to  write  them 
today.  I  am  really  "rundown"  with  calls  &  visits,  I  have  been 
so  much  whirled  about  that  I  am  more  fatigued,  than  when  I 
left  W.— 

I  am  glad  to  learn  from  Mrs  W.  that  you  are  comfortably 
lodged,  in  W. 

Probably  I  shall  hear  from  you  at  N.  Y. 

Yrs  ever  sincerely 

D.  W. 


326  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  May  17.  46  Sunday  mor'g. 
Dear  Fletcher 

I  rec'd  your  letter  yesterday  mor'g,  the  first,  after  having  ar 
rived  home. 

I  was  a  little  sorry  not  to  find  you  here,  but  do  not  know  that 
your  longer  stay  could  have  been  useful. 

On  the  retirement  of  Mr.  Petit,  there  arose  a  controversy  about 
Chairman.1  Mr  Vinton  succeeded  Mr  Petit,  accord'g  to  usage, 
but  Mr  Brinkerhoff  moved  that  the  Comee  elect  a  Chairman. 
This  slight  on  the  Mr.  Vinton  would  probably  have  drawn  him 
from  the  Comee. —  After  several  meet'gs,  in  which  little  or 
noth'g  was  done,  the  question  of  charg'g  a  Chairman  was  de 
cided,  yesterday,  in  the  negative,  Mr.  Davis  vot'g  agt.  it.  So 
Mr.  Vinton  remains  Chairman. 

The  Committee,  as  I  believe,  have  as  yet  summoned  nobody; 
nor  have  they  yet  done  with  Stubbs,  who,  I  suspect,  does  not 
behave  as  he  ought.  I  believe  there  are  only  a  few  small  mat 
ters,  connected  with  F.  O.  I.  Smith's  accounts,  that  the  Commit 
tee  are  not  satisfied  about.  But  this  I  do  not  know  for  cer 
tainty.  Probably  Mr  Smith  will  be  sent  for —  We  shall  know 
tomorrow. 

Yrs  ever 

DANI,  WEBSTER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

My  Dear  Son  WEDNESDAY  MOR'G  May  20.  '46. 

I  wrote  you  a  hurried  note  yesterday. 

After  it  was  decided,  by  the  vote  of  Mr.  Jefferson  Davis,  that 
Mr.  Vinton  should  remain  at  the  head  of  the  Commee,  the  ex 
amination  went  on  fairly.  Brinkerhoff,  from  Ohio,  one  of  the 
majority,  moved  to  choose  a  chairman,  say'g  it  was  a  "party 
Comee,"  and  ought  to  have  a  party  man,  at  its  head ;  or  to  that 
effect.  This  Mr.  Davis,  whom  I  do  not  know,  appears  to  be  an 
honorable  man. 

The  original  mover  of  the  mischief  was  Stubbs.  He  volun 
teered  to  go  to  Ingersol,  &  give  him  information,  upon  some 

1  Chairman  of  the  committee  to  examine  the  charges  of  Mr.  Ingersoll  against 
Mr.  Webster. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  327 

matter  touching  the  McLeod  case  ;  and  then  intending  to  disclose 
secret  papers,  but  this  led  to  Ingersols  coming  to  him,  &  b'g  let 
loose  among  all  the  vouchers  &  papers  touching  secret  service 
money  &c.  &c.  &c.  Stubbs  has  been  thoroughly  examined,  by 
both  Committees,  &  has  been  compelled  to  do  me  justice.  — 

I  understand  that  on  Monday  the  Comee  came  to  the  conclusion, 
that  they  would  call  Mr.  Tyler,  &  Mr.  F.  O.  J.  Smith,  &  nobody 
else,  for  the  present.  —  They  want  to  know  what  the  latter 
meant  by  "operat'g  on  the  Press"  &c  ;  &  thought  it  proper  that 
Mr  Tyler  should  have  an  opportunity  to  state,  to  them,  whether 
he  justified  or  sanctioned  these  expenditures.  He  cannot  but 
answer  affirmatively,  since  there  is  his  name,  nor  do  I  suppose 
he  has  the  least  inclination  to  evade  any  th'g,  or  to  do  me  in 
justice.  He  will  probably  be  here,  by  the  end  of  the  week.  Mr 
Smith  is  expected  here  tomorrow. 

After  all,  we  must  not  be  too  sanguine  of  the  result.  It  is  a 
greater  point  with  the  party  to  injure  me,  &  a  little  one  to  pro 
tect  Ingersol.  Every  party  effort,  we  may  expect,  will  be  used, 
to  prevail  on  the  majority  of  the  Comee  to  report  someth'g,  un 
favorable.  Nevertheless,  the  temper  doe?  appear,  as  I  am  well 
informed,  to  be  materially  changed.  The  subject  has  ceased  to 
be  talked  of,  in  a  great  measure  out  of  doors.  The  Comee  will 
hardly  meet  again  till  next  week. 

As  to  a  meet'g  in  Boston,  it  might  be  very  well,  if  the  Resolu 
tions  were  guarded.  They  might  be.  1st.  That  the  Country 
b'g  in  actual  war,  must  be  defended,  &  its  rights  &  interest  main 
tained,  whatever  opinion  be  sustained,  of  the  necessity  of  its 
commencement. 

2.  That  so  long  as  the  war  is  waged  for  National  defence,  or 
public  rights  &  interests,  &  appears  not  connected  with  in- 
justifiable  purposes  of  ambition,  or  desire  of  aggrandizement,  or 
acquisition  of  the  Territory  of  other  States,  by  arms,  the  Govt 
should  be  supported,  in  carrying  it  on,  &  in  br'ging  it  to  a  speedy 
&  successful  termination,  by  all  truly  patriotic  men,  witht.  dis 
tinction  of  Party. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

r^Tt  7?/7  ff* 

Dear  Fletcher,  MAY  25'  1846' 

Mr  F.  J.  O.  Smith  has  got  thro'  his  examination,  &  I  believe  all 
is  very  well,  in  that  respect.     Mr  Tyler  will  be  here,  in  a  few 


328  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

days,  &  I  have  no  doubt  will  act  fairly,  &  in  a  friendly  manner. 
Indeed,  he  cannot  do  otherwise,  since  there  is  his  name. 

There  is  one  th'g — &  only  one — that  I  am  in  doubt  about — 
It  is  relative  to  Mr  Sparks. —  I  have  a  sort  of  recollection,  that 
he  charged  a  very  low  compensation,  for  his  journey  to  Maine — 
that  I  paid  it — that  I  thought  it  quite  too  low — that  I  asked 
Mr  Tyler  to  increase  it — whether  he  did — or  if  he  did  whether  I 
ever  handed  the  additional  sum  over  to  Mr  Sparks — and  forgot — 
or  omitted  it —  I  cannot  say.  I  do  not  know  that  any  th'g  ap 
pears  about  this — but  if  an  additional  sum  was  allowed  Mr 
Sparks,  &  he  has  not  reed  it,  he  ought  to  receive  it —  I  may 
have  occasion  to  write  you  again  on  this  subject,  to-morrow. — 

I  think  Judge  Sprague  was  paid  $200 —  Please  ask  him  how 
that  was —  I  believe  no  receipt  was  found — please  ask  him  to 
say,  in  a  Certificate,  that  he  made  a  journey  to  Maine,  at  my 
request,  on  business  connected  with  the  North  Eastern  Boundary, 
for  which  he  rec'd  from  me,  at  the  time,  $200 — 

Please  attend  to  this  by  return  of  mail. 

Yrs     D  WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

FRIDAY.  3  O  clock.  (May  29,  1846) 
Dear  F. 

Mr  Tyler  has  finished  &  signed  his  Deposition.  They  say  he 
has  cleared  every  th'g  up — tak'g  the  whole  on  himself — &,  as 
Mr  Curtis  says,  "has  given  Mr.  W.  quite  a  character." — 

— I  rec'd  yrs  enclosing  the  Certificate  this  mor'g — all  right — 
I  will  write  again  respect' g  Mr  S. — 

All  well,  at  home. 

I  rather  suppose  the  inquiries  of  the  Comee  are  closed,  now; 
tho'  I  do  not  know  it. 

Yrs  ever 
^^^  D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

MAY  31.  1846.  Sunday  mor'g. 
Dear  F. 

Mr  Tyler  has  got  thro,  with  his  evidence  before  both  Comee8 — 
His  testimony  is  full,  complete,  &  conclusive.  He  differs  essen- 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  329 

tially  from  Stubbs ;  &  Stubbs'  conduct  appears  so  bad,  that  if  Mr 
Buchanan  has  any  sense  of  justice,  he  will  turn  him  out  of  office. 

I  doubt  whether  the  Com'ees-  or  Mr  Ingersols  Comee  will  take 
any  more  evidence.  They  may  examine  Upton,  perhaps ;  if  they 
should  he  can  do  hurt.  Mr  Tyler  has  closed  up  all  that  business 
about  the  Virginia  Smith. 

I  look  upon  the  whole  th'g  as  now  thro',  and  perfectly  well 
through.  How  the  Comees  will  report — that  is,  whether  all  the 
members  will  agree,  or  whether  each  Comee  will  have  two  re 
ports — majority  &  minority — I  cannot  say.  It  is  of  no  impor 
tance,  since  the  evidence  will  fully  satisfy  the  public,  both  of  the 
propriety  of  every  th'g  done  by  me,  &  of  Ingersoll's  rascality, 
both  in  his  charges,  &  in  his  mode  of  rumaging  for  evidence. 

I  dont  yet  hear  from  our  good  friend  Mr  P.  H.1 — but  suppose 
I  shall  tomorrow. 

Yrs     D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Sunday  (May  31  1846). 
Dear  F. 

The  Com.ee  will  report  tomorrow.  Four  members,  viz.  Messrs 
Vinton,  Davis,  Jones  &  King,  agree. — one,  Mr.  Brinkerhoff  dis 
sents.  The  Report  of  the  four  repudiates  &  negatives  all  Inger- 
solls  charges ;  that  of  the  5th  imputes  noth'g,  of  unfaithfulness 
or  corruption ;  but  talks  about  delay  in  settl'g  accounts,  &  other 
trivial  th'gs. — so  I  understand. 

The  majority  recommend  the  papers  to  be  sealed  up,  &  kept 
secret,  till  the  House  otherwise  order. 

^^^  D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

JUNE  1.  1846. 
Dear  F. 

It  seems  now  well  understood  that  the  administration  expect 
to  come  to  terms  to  England  soon.  I  believe  there  is  no  doubt 
that  instructions  have  gone  to  Mr  McLean,  of  such  a  nature  as 
Mr  Polk  supposes  will  prove  satisfactory  to  England.  Persons 
in  Mr.  Buchanan's  confidence,  certainly  understand  this  to  be  so. 

1  Peter  Harvey. 


330  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

The  54.401  men  are  a  good  deal  cast  down.  Mr  Buchanan  says 
he  has  no  doubts,  now,  that  the  dispute  will  be  settled  on  49 ;  tho' 
this  wd.  have  not  have  been  the  case,  had  he  not  claimed  to 
6440. 

It  is  certain,  too,  that  the  President  expects  favorable  accounts 
from  Mexico — that  is,  that  the  Govt  will  treat;  &  perhaps  in 
the  mean  time  come  to  an  armistice.  Probably  Genl  Taylor  will 
remain  where  he  is  till  October,  as  the  rainy  &  sickly  season  sets 
in  next  month.  If  this  is  resolved  on,  there  will  probably  be  no 
more  fighting  in  that  quarter, — at  present. 

On  the  other  hand,  an  expedition  has  gone  agt.  Santa  Fe,  &  no 
doubt  our  Squadron  on  the  Pacific  will  dash  at  Monterey,  &c. 
&c. —  These  occurrences  may  prolong  the  war.  Such  is  my 
fear — 

Yrs     D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Tuesday  June  10.  46.  1  O  clock 
Dear  F. 

The  Report  is  in — &  so  is  Brinkerhoffs  minority  report — a 
minority  of  one.  This  last  is  said  to  be  poor,  weak,  &  con 
temptible — &  can  do  no  harm — both  are  ordered  to  be  printed — 
It  is  Cabinet  day ;  &  probably  the  Cabinet  are  now  getting 
up  a  message  to  accompany  the  British  offer,  to  the  Senate.  It 
is  sure  to  come ;  &  in  all  probability  will  be  in  tomorrow. 

D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

JUNE  13.  [1846] 
Dear  F. 

You  see  that  the  Union  says  the  Oregon  business  is  finished  in 
the  Senate,  &  undertakes  to  give  the  votes.  If  he  knows  any 
th'g  he  probably  got  it  from  the  President,  or  Mr  Buchanan — 
If  he  is  correct,  there  wd.  be  no  further  cause  of  fear,  about  this 
matter. — 

As  to  Edward,  I  believe  Mr  Smith  is  at  the  North,  &  that  Ed 
wards  presence  here  is  not  now  pressingly  necessary.  I  hope  he 

1  i.e.,  the  extremists'  claim  for  the  northern  boundary  of  Oregon. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  331 

is  looking  well  after  employment  in  the  Water  works.     His  ser 
vices  as  Captain  or  Col.  are  not  likely  to  be  soon  called  for — 

— As  to  Mr  Greenough,  when  I  go  home,  I  will  take  somebody 
along  from  N.  Y.  to  help  finish  up  that  business — 

— I  think  a  treaty  will  be  sent  in,  &  finished,  next  week.  In 
which  case,  I  shall  push  right  for  Boston — 

As  to  Mexico,  the  idea  here  is,  that  the  war  will  not  last  long. 
The  settlement  with  England  will  tend  to  settle  it — 

We  shall  have  the  President's  views  about  revenue,  &,  in  answer 
to  the  Senate's  call,  early  in  the  week,  as  is  expected.  It  is 
thought  there  will  be  an  issue  of  T.  notes 

Yrs  truly 

W. 


'(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

SUNDAY,  P.  M.— (June  1846?) 
Dr.  F. 

The  Telegraphic  has  told  all  the  news —  The  Treaty  will  be 
signed  &  sent  in  tomorrow  or  next  day — so,  as  I  told  you,  the 
Oregon  question  is  at  an  end. — 

Tomorrow  the  President  will  answer  the  call  of  the  Senate — 
He  will  recommend  a  tax  on  tea  &  coffee — say  20  or  25  per 
cent — (§•  an  issue  of  T.  Notes. 

Of  course,  we  have  no  news  here  today. 

Yrs  affectionately 

D.W. 

(From  Edward  Everett.) 

(  Confidential. ) 

CAMBRIDGE  6  July  1846. 
My  dear  Sir 

Yours  of  the  3d  reached  me  on  Saturday. —  I  sincerely  wish 
it  were  in  my  power  to  undertake  the  proposed  review  of  the  ne 
gotiations  at  Washington.1  So  strong  is  my  desire,  on  every 
occasion,  to  comply  with  your  wishes,  that  nothing  but  a  real  & 

1  The  Ashburton  Treaty. 


332  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

overruling  necessity  prevents  my  undertaking  it.  But  the  pres 
sure  of  my  duties  here, — great  &  severe  beyond  my  expectation, 
— makes  it  impossible  for  me  even  to  think  of  any  thing  else.— 
Instead  of  two  or  three  hours  daily,  in  which  I  was  told  the  rou 
tine  of  the  work  could  be  gone  through,  I  find  the  whole  day, 
from  five  in  the  morning  till  ten  at  night,  too  short  for  it,  and 
my  vacation,  instead  of  being  a  season  of  repose  which  I  greatly 
need,  is  filled  up  in  advance  with  reserved  labours.  Instead  of 
time  for  literary  pursuits,  I  have  not  had  two  hours  reading 
since  I  came  here,  and  the  quality  of  my  work  is  worse  than  its 
amount,  being  that  of  an  usher  and  a  police  magistrate  com 
bined. — 

You  may  remember  that  you  repeated  to  me,  (when  I  was  bal 
ancing  about  accepting  the  office),1  what  you  had  said  to  Judge 
Story  relative  to  the  Law  School,  that  it  would  kill  me.  But 
instead  of  standing  it,  as  he  did,  fifteen  or  twenty  years,  I  feel 
already  as  if  rottenness  had  entered  into  my  bones. 

But  there  is  now  no  retreat.  The  step  was  false,  but  irrepar 
able, — at  least  till  its  nature  &  effect  upon  my  health  &  spirits 
are  too  apparent  to  leave  any  ground  of  doubt  as  to  my  duty, 
&  then  it  will  be  too  late. — 

You  must  not  mistake  the  purport  of  this  querulous  strain. — 
It  is  in  perfect  good  faith.  I  have  not  the  slightest  wish  to 
return  to  public  life,  &  had  made  up  my  mind  at  all  events  to 
leave  it. —  Nothing  would  have  induced  me  to  encounter  the 
coarse  violence,  into  which  our  party  contests  have  degenerated. 
My  wish  was  for  strictly  private  life,  and  leisure  for  carrying 
out  some  literary  plans. —  I  allowed  myself  to  be  over  per 
suaded,  and  I  must  abide  the  consequences.  I  deeply  regret  that 
one  of  the  first  of  these  is  to  hold  back,  for  the  only  time,  I 
believe,  in  my  life,  from  anything  which  could  however  slightly 
promote  Your  Service. — 

With  constant  attachment  Yours, 

E.  E. 

(To  Nathan  Appleton.) 

My  dear  Sir  N.  Y.  July  8, 1846. 

The  state  of  the  Tariff  bill  at  Washington  is  such,  that  we 
shall  need  the  advice  of  our  best  informed  &  most  prudent  friends, 

1  President  of  Harvard  College. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  333 

next  week  &  the  week  after,  &  I  write  this,  to  bespeak  your  atten 
tion,  &  to  express  the  hope  that  we  may  hear  from  you  &  your 
neighbors  as  fully  as  possible.  It  would  be  very  well,  I  think  if 
some  intelligent  Gentlemen  from  Boston  could  spend  the  next  ten 
days  at  Washington. 

Information  on  many  subjects,  will  be  very  much  needed.  The 
first  practical  question  is,  shall  we  make  any  attempt  at  amend 
ments?  My  own  impression  rather  inclines  towards  two  condi 
tions.  1st.  That  we  cannot  make  any  thing  of  this  bill,  at  all 
likely  to  satisfy  the  country,  unless  we  can  alter  its  advalorum 
principle  materially,  and  I  doubt  whether  we  can  do  this,  and 
consequently,  it  is  doubtful  policy  to  propose  amendments. 

2d.  That  our  best  chance  of  killing  the  bill,  is,  to  put  to  the 
vote,  just  as  it  is.  I  should  like  to  learn  what  is  thought  in  your 
circle,  on  these  points. 

With  whatever  chance  of  successful  opposition  I  think  we 
ought  not  to  let  the  occasion  pass,  without  attacking  the  whole 
principle  of  the  bill,  &  exposing  the  follies  of  its  detail.  Pray 
take  the  trouble  to  book  me  up  in  these  respects.  Since  1840  I 
have  not  been  brushed  up,  on  Tariff  subjects. 

My  purpose  is  to  oppose  it 

1st.  as  being  wholly  unnecessary,  the  tariff  of  1842  having 
established  a  system,  good  for  revenue,  &  good  for  protection ;  & 
disliked  by  none  but  theorists,  or  abstractionists. 

2d.  Because  a  universal  advalorum  rate,  is  absurd,  at  this 
stage,  in  the  advancement  of  political  science,  &  if  practicable, 
even,  with  proper  guards,  there  are  no  such  guards. 

3d.  Because  it  will  destroy  or  injure,  interests,  which  ought  to 
be  protected  &  preserved. 

4.  Because,  if  it  have  the  effect  expected  from  it,  of  a  greatly 
increased  importation,  it  will  seriously  affect  the  business  of  the 
country,  derange  exchange,  &  finally  disturb  the  currency. 

I  go  south  this  P.  M. 

Yrs  truly, 
D  WEBSTEE. 

(From  James  Kent.) 

,,     ~        ~.  NEW  YORK  July  13 — 1846. 

My  Dear  Sir 

I  ought  before  now  to  have  thanked  you  for  your  Pamphlet 
containing  your  conclusive  &  admirable  vindication  of  your  con- 


334  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

duct  in  the  Ashburton  negotiation.  I  read  your  Speeches  & 
triumph  over  the  foulest  calumnies  with  the  highest  Interest  & 
Pride.  But  my  inducement  this  moment  for  this  Epistle  was  not 
that  benefaction,  but  to  let  you  know  how  exceedingly  I  was 
gratified  with  a  long  extract  from  your  Son's  oration  at  Boston 
on  the  4  of  July,  in  respect  to  the  follies  of  the  day.  It  is  clear, 
strong,  pungent  and  stringent  &  written  in  the  best  style  & 
spirit.  I  was  very  much  struck  with  the  good  sense  &  truth. 
There  is  a  mental  epidemic  abroad  in  the  land.  It  infests  every 
thing,  Religion,  Politics,  Law,  Physic,  political  economy  &c — 
men  are  now  crazy  with  one  idea  only  in  matters  of  Reformation, 
It  shows  itself  eminently  in  abolitionism,  Philanthropy,  Tem 
perance,  Law  Reforms,  Punishment  &  annexations.  Mr.  Sum- 
ner's  Oration  was  beautifully  classic  &  eminently  benevolent,  but 
his  mind  is  diseased  manifestly  so  on  certain  subjects.  Your  son 
displays  a  most  sound  &  powerful  mind,  &  I  beg  leave  to  con 
gratulate  you  on  so  distinguished  a  Paper  from  your  Son. 

Yours  truly  $  affect. 

JAMES  KENT 


(To  James  K.  Mills.1) 

WASHINGTON  July  16  46 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  reed  your  obliging  letter  yesterday,  &  have  complied  with  its 
suggestion. 

I  was  never  more  at  a  loss  to  guess  about  the  result  of  a  pend 
ing  measure,  than  I  am  about  the  fate  of  the  Tariff  vote.  I 
have  yet  some  hope,  &  shall  not  give  that  up,  till  the  very  last. 
You  will  see,  in  the  proceedgs  of  the  Senate  today,  Mr  Dix's  mo 
tion  about  the  Harbor  Bill.  This  matter  will  affect  the  Tariff 
Bill,  one  way  or  another,  very  much.  A  good  many  things  seem 
in  agitation.  I  cannot  clearly  foresee  the  result,  but  will  keep 
you  advised,  how  things  look. 

Yr  truly 

D.  WEBSTER 

1  A  prominent  local  politician  of  Boston. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  335 

(To  -  -(?) 

FRIDAY  5  O  clock.  [July.  1846]  ? 
Dr  Sir 

The  greatest  objection  to  the  proposed  amendment,  which  I 
have  yet  heard,  comes  from  Ohio,  &  is  founded  on  the  idea  that 
wool  will  not  be  decently  protected.  Pray  tell  us  how  that  is — 
I  wish  Mr  Saml  Lawrence  was  here,  or  some  other  wool  man. — 
Mr  Simpson  seems  to  understand  the  subject,  but  it  is  thought 
possible  that  his  notions,  in  regard  to  wool  &  woolens  may  run  in 
a  particular  line. 

Yrs  truly — 

D.  W. 


(To  James  K.  Mills.) 

TUESDAY  July  21,  46. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  think  it  will  be  submitted  in  this  form.  Every  man  of  busi 
ness  here — Whig  or  loco — Mr.  Lamb,  Mr.  Simpson,  Mr.  Marlow, 
Mr.  Peck  of  N.  Y. — Mr.  Chambers  of  Pa.  &c  &c — all,  are  for 
the  proposition.  Many  Whig  members  are  agst  it — possibly, 
more  or  less  on  political  grounds.  I  am  sorry  to  say  Mr  Evans 
is  rather  violent  against  it — at  least,  abundantly  decided.  I 
think  Mr.  Davis  is  favorable  to  it.  I  shall  keep  off  any  vote, 
till  Monday.  If  you  have  opinions,  in  Boston,  please  express 
them  to  Whig  Senators.  If  all  the  Whig  Senators  go  for  this 
I  have  great  hopes  of  carrying  it. 

Yr     D.  W. 


(To  James  K.  Mills.) 
Private. 

JULY  21.  1  Oclock.  [1846] 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  wrote  you  a  note,  two  hours  ago,  enclosing  a  proposed  amend 
ment,  &c —  I  hope  to  send  you,  by  same  mail,  some  printed  pa 
pers,  tables  &c — 

Now,  you  &  your  friends — &  my  friends  must  look  these  things 
over. — &  say  what  is  best.  My  wish  is  to  do  good,  &  save  the 
Country.  I  care  nothing  for  consequences  to  my  own  popu- 


336  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

larity.     If  I  can  defeat  this  infamous  Bill,  &  retain  the  principle, 
&  the  principal  provisions  of  1842,  it  is  glory  enough  for  me. 

If  the  present  bill  should  pass,  in  its  present  shape,  when  can 
we  repeal  it?  Certainly,  not  by  this  Congress.  And  though  we 
might  carry  the  House  of  Representatives,  the  Senate  will  be 
stronger  against  us,  a  great  deal,  than  it  is  now. 

I  wish  Mr.  Appleton  would  write  to  Mr  Winthrop ;  if  he  be  in 
Boston.  If  not,  I  wish  Mr.  Winthrop  might  hear  from  other 
friends. 

The  true  difficulty — here — or  at  least  one  of  them — is,  that 
there  are  those,  on  both  sides,  who  think  much  is  to  be  made, 
hereafter,  out  of  the  Tariff,  as  a  political  topic. 

Yrs  most  truly 

DANL  WEBSTEB. 


(To  James  K.  Mills.  (?) 

WEDNESDAY  3  O  clock  [July  1846.] 
Dear  Sir 

I  wrote  to  Fletcher  this  morn'g,  a  letter  to  be  shown  to  you. — 
Noth'g  of  interest  has  arrived  today,  that  I  know  of.  Some 
motion,  or  motions,  will  be  made  from  the  other  side.  I  shall 
vote  for  any  th'g,  likely  to  put  off  the  evil  day. 

Yrs     D.  WEBSTEB. 

(To  James  K.  Mills.) 

Private  &  confidential. 

SUNDAY  3  Oclock.  [July  1846] 
My  Dear  Sir 

Things  change  their  appearances  so  often,  that  ones  hopes  & 
fears,  respecting  the  final  result,  successively  predominate  every 
hour.  There  is  now  reason  to  apprehend  that  Mr.  Jarnagin  has 
been  induced  to  promise  his  vote  for  the  Bill.  If  this  be  so,  as  I 
shall  hope  it  is  not,  we  must  do  our  utmost  to  obtain  help  from 
other  quarters,  as  our  chance  will  be  much  diminished  of  killing 
the  Bill,  on  a  direct  vote.  Mr  Niles  speaks  tomorrow.  He  will 
probably  propose  some  amendment.  If  it  be  no  very  important 
one,  such  as  to  gain  new  support  to  the  Bill,  I  shall  be  for  agree 
ing  to  it,  that  the  bill  may  go  back,  (necessarily)  to  the  House, 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  337 

where  I  learn  there  is  now  some  slight  hope  of  putting  an  end 
to  it. 

We  may  try  a  general  postponement  of  the  Bill,  or  a  postpone 
ment  of  its  operation  to  the  first  of  March  next.  If  we  can  do 
nothg  else,  &  the  worst  comes  to  the  worst,  I  think,  somewhat 
seriously,  of  proposing  a  compromise. 

What  wd  our  friends  say  to  such  an  amendment  as  this,  viz: 
"Strike  out  all  the  Bill  after  the  enacting  clause,  &  insert 
"That  from  and  after  the  passing  of  this  act  there  shall  be  a 
reduction,  on  all  duties  now  established  by  law,  whether  specific 
or  advalorem,  of  25  per  cent ;  &  at  the  expiration  of  5  years  from 
the  passing  of  this  act,  a  further  reduction  of  8-1/2  per  cent — " 
I  wish  you,  if  you  see  fit,  to  show  this  to  friends,  &  signify  to  me 
their  general  impression  by  return  of  mail.  I  do  not  by  any 
means  know  that  such  an  offer  would  be  accepted.  But  it  is 
possible.  Perhaps  a  reduction  of  33-1/3  would  be  insisted  on, 
to  begin  with,  &  17-2/3  more  (50  in  all)  after  the  5  years.  Per 
haps  nothing  of  this  sort  can  be  done.  All  I  know  is,  that  Mr. 
Calhoun  is  much  troubled,  &  his  present  feeling  rather  leads  to  a 
settlement  of  the  question. 

I  shall  hope  to  hear  from  you  by  Thursday  mor'g,  &  shall 
defer  speaking,  at  large  on  the  subject,  till  that  day. 

Yrs  very  sincerely 

DANL,  WEBSTER 

Under  the  expectation  that  the  Bill  may  get  back  to  the  House, 
members  there  must  be  looked  after. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  July  29.  46. 

Wednesday  mor'g  6  O  clock. 
My  Dear  Son, 

I  wrote  you  on  Monday  mor'g,  that  if  all  things  went,  thro 
that  day,  as  was  expected,  the  Tariff  Bill  would  be  killed.  But 
in  all  probability,  you  will  hear  of  its  final  passage,  before  you 
receive  this  letter.  I  will  therefore  explain  to  you  how  we  have 
been  disappointed. 

Every  thing  depended  on  Mr.  Jarnagin's  vote.  If  he  could  be 
brought  to  act  against  the  Bill,  its  fate  was  sealed.  I  was  sup 
posed  as  much  influence  with  him,  as  any  body,  &  I  exerted  it,  as 


338  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

far  as  I  could.  I  wrote  him  two  private  letters,  as  argumenta 
tive,  &  as  persuasive  as  I  could  make  them.  The  last  of  these  he 
showed  on  Saturday,  to  some  Whig  members  from  Tennessee ;  & 
on  Sunday,  all  the  Whig  members  from  Tennessee  called  on  him, 
&  he  agreed  that  the  Bill  should  not  be  permitted  to  pass.  He 
wished,  however,  to  br'g  the  Vice  President  to  the  necessity  of 
a  cast'g  vote.  I  was  desirous  of  gett'g  some  amendment  into  the 
Bill,  so  that  if  it  should  pass  the  Senate,  there  might  be  a  chance, 
still,  to  defeat  it  in  the  House.  Hav'g  settled  with  Mr.  Jarnagin, 
what  the  course  should  be,  &  how  his  vote  should  be  given,  Mr. 
Gentry  &  Mr.  Ewing  of  the  Tennessee  Delegation  came  to  me, 
in  the  afternoon  of  Sunday,  to  communicate  Mr.  Jarnagin's 
resolution.  To  prevent  all  mistake,  &  make  the  matter  sure, 
I  drew  up  a  memorandum,  A  which  I  now  enclose.  Messrs  Gen 
try  &  Ewing  carried  this  to  Mr.  Jarnagin,  &  read  it  to  him. 
He  agreed  to  it,  &  promised  to  vote  accordingly ;  with  one  imma 
terial  alteration,  which  was,  that  my  motion  should  be  to  strike 
out,  not  the  whole,  but  a  part  of  the  9th  Section  of  the  Bill ;  & 
that  part  he  marked  on  the  Bill,  with  his  pencil. 

Thus  things  stood,  when  I  wrote  you  last  Monday.  I  went 
to  the  Senate  that  mor'g,  and  curtailed  the  residue  of  my  speech, 
in  order  to  br'g  things  to  a  close,  before  accidents  should  turn 
up.  I  had  given  notice,  that  I  should  conclude  with  a  motion 
to  postpone  the  Bill  till  the  next  session  of  Congress.  But  this 
I  changed,  in  pursuance  of  the  agreement,  into  a  motion  to 
amend.  And  now  came  quite  an  unexpected  interference.  While 
my  motion  was  pending,  Mr.  J.  M.  Clayton  made  a  motion,  which 
by  the  rules  of  proceed'g,  displaced  or  superseded  mine;  viz,  a 
motion  to  commit,  with  certain  instructions  which  you  have  seen. 
This  motion  he  did  not  choose  to  withdraw.  Everybody  saw  it 
was  perfectly  useless,  but  the  Whigs  could  not  well  vote  against 
it.  Mr.  Jarnagin  voted  for  it,  &  it  prevailed.  I  understand  Mr. 
Clayton  says  that  Mr.  Jarnagin  assented  to  this.  Others  say, 
that  Mr.  Clayton  importuned  Mr.  Jarnagin  to  countenance  the 
motion,  &  support  him  in  it.  I  know  not  how  this  was.  But 
the  proceed'g  led  to  fatal  consequences.  The  success  of  this 
motion  necessarily  put  off  further  proceedings  to  the  next  day, 
Friday,  which  was  yesterday.  In  the  Eve'g  of  Monday,  Mr. 
Jarnagin's  Whig  friends  could  not  find  him  any  where  till  10 
Oclock.  He  had  been  at  the  Presidents,  &  when  Mr.  Gentry  saw 
him,  at  that  hour,  he  did  not  incline  to  talk.  Yesterday  mor'g, 
early,  I  saw  Mr.  Gentry,  &  with  his  concurrence,  &  indeed  at  his 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  339 

suggestion,  I  wrote  Mr.  Jarnagin  a  third  letter,  as  strong  as  I 
could  make  it,  stat'g  how  much  I  was  grieved  by  the  proceedings 
of  Monday,  &  beseeching  him  to  relieve  both  himself,  his  Whig 
friends  from  the  distressing  condition  in  which  they  were  placed, 
by  a  resolute  &  immediate  conformity  to  the  agreement  of  Sun 
day  Eve'g.  To  this  letter,  I  reed  an  answer,  which  I  herewith 
enclose.  This  answer  showed  that  all  ground  of  reliance  on  his 
vote  was  now  taken  away. 

On  the  meet'g  of  the  Senate  yesterday  Mr.  Lewis  moved  to  dis 
charge  the  Committee  from  the  consideration  of  Mr.  Clayton's 
instructions.  You  will  have  seen  the  proceedings.  The  motion 
prevailed,  by  Mr.  Jarnagin's  own  vote.  No  doubt,  he  had  prom 
ised  so  to  vote,  the  night  before.  This  decision  gave  me  an  op 
portunity  to  renew  my  motion  to  amend,  which  I  did,  &  the  mo 
tion  prevailed,  not  by  Mr.  Jarnagin's  vote,  for  he  did  not  vote 
on  the  question ;  but  by  Mr.  Benton's  vote.  And  thus  amended, 
the  Bill  was  engrossed  by  the  casting  vote  of  the  Vice  President. 
Mr.  Jarnagin  declin'g  to  vote,  &  finally  passed  by  the  vote  of 
Mr.  Jarnagin. 

If  the  manner  of  proceeding,  which  was  agreed  on,  on  Sun 
day  Eve'g,  had  been  permitted  to  be  carried  out,  so  that  we 
could  have  brought  on  the  final  vote  before  the  President  &  Cabi 
net  had  had  an  opportunity  of  a  meet'g  with  Mr.  Jarnagin,  I 
have  no  doubt  the  Bill  would  have  been  defeated. 

But  at  the  meet'g  at  the  Presidents,  on  Monday  Eveg,  means 
were  found  to  fix  Mr.  Jarnagin's  vote  for  the  Bill.  Yesterday 
mor'g  at  10  Oclock,  I  saw  Mr.  Walker  at  the  Capitol,  &  found 
him  well  apprised  of  Mr.  Jarnagin's  ultimate  purpose. 

I  would  not  impute  any  corrupt  motive  to  Mr.  Jarnagin.  There 
are  means  of  influence  not  generally  esteemed  positively  corrupt, 
which  are  competent  to  produce  great  effects.  But  he  falsified 
his  promises,  &  has  thoroughly  disgraced  himself,  forever.  As  to 
his  pretended  respect  for  his  instructions,  it  is  all  an  after 
thought.  He  has  said,  twenty  times,  that  he  cared  nothg  for  in 
structions.  Besides,  on  his  speech  on  Mr.  Clayton's  motion,  he 
took  great  pains  to  prove  that  his  instructions  did  not  reach  the 
case  of  such  a  Bill  as  this. 

I  must  now  say  a  few  words,  on  another  subject. 

You  are  aware  that  the  amendment  to  the  Bill,  proposing  to 
reduce  certain  duties  25  per  cent,  &c.  was  at  first  cooly  rec'd  at 
Boston.  The  idea  of  an  amendment  in  this  form,  &  to  this 
effect,  originated  with  Mr  Edward  Curtis.  The  amendment  B 


340  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

was  proposed,  by  him  &  myself,  with  the  aid  of  Mr.  Chambers  of 
Philadelphia,  Mr.  Lamb  &  Mr.  Simson  of  Boston,  &  other  Gen 
tlemen,  concerned  in  the  various  interests.  After  more  full  & 
particular  information,  the  project  obtained  more  favor  in  Bos 
ton,  &  every  where  among  business  men.  I  have  already  given 
you  my  reasons  for  be'g  in  favor  of  this  proceeding.  It  was, 
clearly,  the  proper  measure,  &  ought  to  have  been  adopted.  I 
think  that  Mr.  Davis,  reluctantly,  the  R.  I.  Senators  cheerfully, 
Mr.  Thomas  Clayton  &  the  two  Maryland  Senators  willingly 
enough,  would  have  supported  the  measure.  Mr.  Crittenden, 
Mr.  John  M.  Clayton,  Mr.  Huntington,  Mr.  Berrien,  Mr.  Man- 
gum,  &  the  two  New  Jersey  Senators  warmly  opposed  it,  and 
greatly  to  my  disappointment  &  regret,  so  did  Mr.  Evans,  also. 
These  Gentlemen  gave  different  reasons.  Mr.  Huntington  &  the 
N.  Jersey  Senators  insisted  that  the  proposed  amendment  would 
not  give  sufficient  protection.  Yet,  every  man  of  business  from 
their  own  States,  said  it  did.  Mr.  Crittenden's  objection  was,  in 
the  first  place,  that  he  wished  the  administration  to  make  it  its 
own  Bill,  and  to  make  it  as  bad  as  it  pleased.  In  the  second 
place,  he  said,  there  had  been  an  understanding,  that  we  should 
not  propose  amendments.  As  to  this,  I  never  supposed  the  un 
derstanding  went  farther  than  this,  viz ;  that  we  should  not  pro 
pose  particular  amendments,  in  favor  of  particular  interests,  so 
that,  if  these  were  adopted,  the  Bill  might  become  less  obj  ection- 
able  to  some,  but  still  be  not  satisfactory  to  all.  There  never  was 
any  understanding  that  we  should  not,  if  we  could,  make  the  Bill 
acceptable  to  all  the  protected  interests,  &  then  pass  it,  if  we 
could.  This,  we  might  have  readily  accomplished.  My  amend 
ment,  which  amended  so  as  to  be  someth'g  more  favorable  to 
woolens,  was  the  precise  measure  proposed.  This  would  have 
been  carried,  with  the  assent  of  the  Whigs.  Mr.  Walker  not 
only  told  others,  but  said  to  me,  he  was  willing  to  take  it,  was 
satisfied  with  it,  &  if  the  Whigs  would  agree  to  it,  so  that  it 
passed,  he  should  feel  it  to  be  his  duty,  in  his  next  official  com 
munication,  to  say,  that  this  ought  to  be  considered  as  the  settle 
ment  of  the  Tariff  controversy.  But  the  Whigs  would  not  listen 
to  it.  You  will  have  seen,  in  the  Debates,  the  spirit  which  pre 
vailed,  especially  in  Mr  Crittenden's  speeches.  The  political 
Press  exercised  a  mischievous  influence.  Looking  itself  only  to 
political  effect,  it  stimulated,  highly,  public  men,  who  were  look'g 
in  the  same  direction.  Members  of  the  House  took  an  interest 
against  the  proposition,  especially  Mr.  Grinnell ;  &  none  of  them 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  341 

would  give  it  a  help'g  hand.  Some  of  these  Gentlemen  expressed 
the  utmost  confidence,  that  if  the  Bill  could  be  sent  back,  it  would 
fall  in  the  H.  of  R.  Mr.  Lawrence's  last  letter  to  me,  (which  he 
will  remember)  written  after  having  just  come  from  state  street, 
said  the  opinion  seemed  to  be,  that  the  proposition  might  better 
come  from  the  other  side.  This  had  some  influence  with  me ;  but 
the  truth  is,  that  find'g  the  unwillingness  of  the  Whigs  to  come 
in  &  form  a  proper  &  permanent  Tariff,  I  had  fallen  back  upon 
efforts  to  prevent  the  passage  of  the  present  bill,  altogether, 
rely'g  chiefly,  upon  the  chances  of  securing  Mr.  Jarnagin's  vote. 
This  hope  held  out  till  yesterday  mor'g,  &  then  failed  leav'g  no 
time  [to]  rally  upon  the  projected  amendment. 

Mr.  Niles  exhibited  unexpected  proofs  of  vigor,  &  ability,  & 
acted  like  a  man,  throughout. 

The  Bill  will  be  finally  disposed  of  in  the  House  today.  The 
administration  expects  to  carry  it  by  three  of  four  votes.  It  is 
barely  possible,  that  they  may  be  disappointed. 

I  wish  you  to  show  this  letter  to  Mr  Lawrence,  &  Mr  Mills,  & 
then  preserve  it,  with  its  enclosures. 

I  need  hardly  add,  that  I  am  sufficiently  tired  &  fatigued,  as 
well  as  annoyed  &  distressed,  by  these  results  of  things. 

Yours  affectionately 
^^^  D.  W. 

(Memorandum.1 ) 

—  motion  to  strike  out  the  9th  Section—  A 
Mr.  J.  to  vote  for  it. 

—  it  will  [be]  then  be  struck  out — 

— then,  motion  to  engross —  Mr  J.  not  to  vote —  If  the 
Vice  President  votes  for  the  Bill,  then  Mr.  J.  to  move  to  lay  the 
Bill  on  the  table. — 

This  memorandum  was  carried  to  Mr  Jarnagin  Sunday  Eve — 
July  26- — by  Mr  Gentry.  He  read,  &  declared  in  presence  of 
Mr.  Gentry  &  Mr.  Ewing  that  he  would  follow  the  course  &  give 
the  votes,  as  herein  stated. 

B 

Strike  out  the  first  5  sections  of  the  Bill  and  the  7th,  8th,  and 
9th  sections,  and  insert : 

"That  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  December  next,  there 

1  This  memorandum,  in  Webster's  hand,  belongs  with  Daniel  Webster's  letter 
to  Fletcher  Webster  of  July  29,  1846. 


342  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

shall  be  a  reduction  of  W  per  cent  of  the  duties,  whether  specific 
or  ad  valorem,  now  imposed  by  law  on  articles  of  imported  mer 
chandise  whereon  duties  exceeding  30  per  cent  ad  valorem  are  now 
charged ;  excepting  Brandy  and  other  spirits  distilled  from  grain 
or  other  materials,  and  wines ;  provided,  nevertheless,  that  duties 
on  articles,  now  charged  with  duties  higher  than  30  per  cent, 
shall  not  be  reduced  below  30  per  cent. 
Small  tax  on  tea  &  coffee. 


.  (From  Spencer  Jarnagm.1) 

Dear  Sir  [J™  1846]2 

After  a  patient  examination  of  all  the  circumstances  with 
which  I  am  surrounded,  after  hearing  and  duly  considering  all 
the  arguments  of  friends,  it  is  with  pain  I  have  to  say,  with  my 
view  of  duty,  I  cannot  concur  with  them,  or  conform  to  their 
wishes —  I  shall  refuse  to  vote  upon  the  engrossment  of  the  bill, 
and  leave  its  fate  to  be  decided  by  Mr  Dallas,  but  I  cannot  vote 
to  postpone  it,  for  reason  I  will  give  in  the  Senate —  In  this  I 
have  every  thing  to  loose,  and  nothing  to  gain,  save  having  done 
what  I  believed  to  be  right,  and  if  it  brings  upon  me  abuse  of 
friends,  and  seals  my  political  fate,  I  cannot  help  it.  I  shall  go 
into  the  ranks  and  do  battle  for  principle. 

Your  friend 

SPENCER  JARNAGIN. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  Fletcher,  WASHINGTON  Aug.  1.  1846 

I  have  no  doubt  it  would  be  agreeable  to  Mr.  Westcott  to  re 
ceive  some  civility,  from  Boston,  on  account  of  his  remarks  upon 
Ingersol's  slander.  Probably,  he  would  accept  a  dinner;  cer- 
tamly  would  be  glad  to  be  invited.  If  you  &  other  friends  think 
best,  let  an  invitation  come,  before  the  10th. 

I  am  well — and  beg'g  to  write  out  my  Tariff  Speech,  &  to  get 
ready  to  go  home 

Yr  affectionately 

D.  W. 

1  United  States  Senator  from  Tennessee. 

8  "  Rec'd  [Tuesday]  Monday  mor'g,  9  O'clock.  D.  W."  is  indorsed  on  the 
back  of  this  letter. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  343 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

TUESDAY  Aug.  4— [1846] 
Dear  Fletcher, 

Beyond  all  expectation,  the  Bill  for  the  Old  French  claims  will 
probably  pass  the  House  today1 — (I  believe  it  has  passed) — 
Give  notice,  immediately,  that  you  propose  to  act  as  agent  for 
claimants,  before  the  Board —  Set  all  yr  friends  immediately  ab 
work.  I  will  help  you  do  the  business — &  so  you  may  say — 
though  not  publicly — stir  quick. 

D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  F  AuG  6>  '46' 

There  is  no  doubt  the  President  is  desirous  of  putt'g  an  end 
to  this  Mexican  War ;  but  how  to  do  it  is  the  question.  We  hear 
noth'g  at  all  from  Mexico — not  one  word; — &  when  she  will 
speak,  no  one  knows.  The  President  I  have  no  doubt  is  anxious 
to  hear  from  her,  but  she  is  silent. 

Meantime,  our  troops  are  gett'g  impatient,  as  well  as  in  some 
degree  sickly —  Camp  duty  is  not  what  they  listed  for.  Per 
sons  acquainted  with  country  think  it  would  be  a  hard  job  to 
march  to  Mexico — &  the  army  is  not  strong  enough,  at  present. 
The  expenses  are  goi'g  on  enormously.  So  there  is  good  reason 
for  our  Govts'  desir'g  peace,  as  I  have  no  doubt  they  do.  But 
the  question  is  what  shall  be  the  next  step  ?  Shall  an  armistice  be 
proposed?  Shall  an  extra  mission  be  sent? —  Shall  the  army 
push  on,  &  fight  its  way  through  ? —  Is  it  str'g  enough  for  this, 
&  well  enough  supplied?  Will  the  money  hold  out? 

In  my  opinion,  the  prospect  of  a  speedy  peace  is  not  very 
flattering,  yet  I  hardly  expect  much  more  hard  fighting —  Mex 
ico  is  an  ugly  enemy.  She  will  not  fight — &  will  not  treat. 

Yrs  affectionately 
DANL  WEBSTER. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  Fletcher  NEW  YORK  Octr-  28'  >4^. 

I  have  felt  obliged  to  decline  the  invitation  to  be  at  Faneu'l 

1  The  bill  was  vetoed  by  Polk  Aug.  8,  1846. 


344  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Hall,  on  the  Eve'  of  the  6th. —  There  are  several  reasons — 
One  is,  if  I  speak  at  all,  I  must  address  the  Gentlemen  whose  let 
ter  was  presented  by  Mr.  Dimmock. 

But  another  is.     I  must  attend  to  my  own  affairs,  there  be'g, 
as  you  know,  some  things  to  be  provided  for  shortly. — 

I  wish  you  would  send  me  two  or  three  copies  of  my  Speech  at 
Baltimore,  May  1843.1 

Yrs  affectionately 

D.  W. 

You  may  read  my  letter  to  Mr.  Stevenson,  as  it  says  someth'g 
of  the  state  of  things  here. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Deer.  10.  '46. 
My  Dear  Son 

I  have  reed  yrs  of  Monday,  I  am  not  aware  that  I  have  any 
paper,  respecting  the  Spanish  case,  which  was  not  left  in  Boston. 
Mr  Pendleton  is  here,  &  has  promised  me  information  on  the 
present  conditions  of  that  part  of  the  Macedonian's  case,  which 
is  yet  undecided. 

My  present  purpose  &  expectation  is,  to  arrive  at  Boston  on 
Friday,  the  18th,  mor'g  or  Eve,  accord' g  to  the  weather,  &  to 
be  ready,  on  Saturday,  to  consult  with  other  counsel  on  the 
causes  which  stand  for  Monday  the  21st.  Of  this,  you  may  in 
form  Mr.  Bowditch,  #  Mr.  Bartlett.  If  anything  should  happen 
to  put  off  the  causes,  let  me  know.  You  may  calculate  that  I 
shall  leave  Washington  on  Monday  Eve' — be  at  Phila.  Tuesday 
noon — at  N.  Y.  Wednesday  noon,  &  thro'  Thursday — and,  as 
before  said,  in  Boston  on  Friday. 

My  speech  is  to  be  published  in  Pamphlet  form,2  forthwith. 
You  will  see  how  much  the  President  quotes  me. 

I  am  well,  but  we  have  very  bad  weather. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 

1  Not  published  in  the  Works  of  Daniel  Webster,  but  appeared  in  the  Na 
tional  Intelligencer,  May  27,  1843.  See  also  Daniel  Webster's  Private  Cor 
respondence,  vol.  ii,  p.  196,  for  Webster's  comment  on  this  speech;  also 
Works,  vol.  v.  pp.  135-137. 

8  Probably  the  speech  on  the  Tariff,  July  25-27,  1846.  See  Works,  vol.  v, 
p.  161. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  345 

(To  Edward  Everett.) 

WASHINGTON.  Dec.  10"  1846 
My  Dear  Sir, 

The  memorial  forwarded  to  me  by  Mr.  Eliot,1  was  presented 
yesterday,  and  will  be  referred  as  soon  as  the  committees  are  ap 
pointed.  I  shall  ask  Mr.  Evans  to  endeavour  to  hasten  it  through 
the  committee,  and  have  little  doubt  it  will  pass  the  Senate. 

It  is  my  expectation  to  be  in  Boston  two  or  three  days  the  week 
after  next,  and  should  be  very  happy  to  be  able  to  have  an  hour's 
talk  with  you,  some  evening. 

I  pray  to  be  most  kindly  remembered  to  Mrs.  and  Miss  Everett. 

Yours  always  truly 

DANL,  WEBSTER. 

(From  Sherrod  Williams.) 

(  Confidential. ) 

FRANKFORT  Ky  Jan.  14th  1847. 
Hon.  Daniel.  Webster 

My  worthy  friend  I  am  a  member  of  the  Kentucky  Legisla 
ture  now  in  session,  and  am  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Fed 
eral  relations,  to  which  Committee  the  subject  in  relation  to  the 
Constitutional  right  of  the  President  of  the  United  States  to 
appoint  the  Commander  of  the  state  volunteer  militia  in  the 
present  war  with  Mexico  is  referred  for  the  purpose  of  enabling 
you  to  understand  Clearly  the  subject  to  which  I  desire  to  call 
your  attention  I  enclose  you  a  copy  of  the  resolutions.2  will 
you  be  so  good  and  kind  as  to  give  me  your  views  in  relation 
to  the  subject  and  if  you  can  spare  that  much  time  from  sena 
torial  duties  to  throw  your  opinion  into  the  shape  of  a  report, 
you  know  that  I  have  great  confidence  in  your  opinions  generally 

1  A  memorial  from  Harvard  College  asking  to  be  allowed  to  bring  into  the 
United  States  a  telescope  bought  in  Bavaria  without  paying  the  duty  fixed  by 
the  last  Tariff  act. 

2  The  following  resolutions  were  inclosed : 

1.  Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Federal  Relations  inquire  into  the  con 
stitutional  power  of  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  appoint  and  com 
mission  officers  of  any  grade  in  the  Volunteer  Militia,  when  called  into  the 
service  of  the  United  States. 

2.  Resolved,  further,  that  the  said  Committee  inquire  whether  in  the  late 
exercise  of  that  power  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  the  constitution 
of  the  United  States  and  the  rights  of  the  States  have  not  been  encroached 
upon. 


346  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

and  more  especially  upon  great  constitutional  questions  I  would 
rather  rely  upon  your  opinion  than  the  opinion  of  any  man  dead 
or  alive.  *  *  * 

Your  true  friend 

SHERUOD  WILLIAMS 

(To  Sherrod  Williams.1) 

[JAN  1847] 

The  Militia,  is  the  Militia  of  the  several  States,  &  is  not  an 
armed  force,  belonging  to  the  Genl.  Govt. 

Nevertheless,  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  gives  Con 
gress  power  "to  provide  for  calling  forth  the  militia  to  execute 
the  laws  of  the  Union,  suppress  insurrection,  &  repel  invasions" 

The  Act  of  Congress,  of  the  28th  of  February  1795,  was 
passed,  in  order  to  carry  this  constitutional  power  into  execution. 
It  enacts  "That  whenever  the  United  States  shall  be  invaded,  or 
be  in  imminent  danger  of  invasion,  from  any  foreign  nation,  or 
Indian  tribe,  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  President  of  the  United 
States  to  call  forth  such  number  of  the  militia  of  the  State,  or 
States,  most  convenient  tp  the  place  of  danger,  or  scene  of  action, 
as  he  may  judge  necessary  to  repel  such  invasion,  &  to  issue  his 
orders  for  that  purpose  to  such  officer  or  officers  of  the  militia 
as  he  shall  think  proper." 

Similar  power  is  given  to  the  President  by  the  same  act,  in 
cases  of  insurrection,  to  call  forth  the  militia,  on  the  application 
of  a  state ;  &  also  to  call  forth  the  militia,  when  necessary,  to  exe 
cute  the  laws  of  the  United  States. 

The  President  has  the  power  of  deciding  when  an  invasion  ex 
ists,  or  is  threatened,  so  as  to  make  it  proper  to  call  out  the 
militia. 

This  power  was  frequently  exercised,  dur'g  the  last  war  with 
England.  On  the  call  of  the  President,  it  is  the  duty  of  the 
Executive  Government  of  the  State  to  order  out  militia,  in  Regi 
ments,  Battalions  or  Companies,  as  called  for;  &  the  troops  so 
ordered  out,  are  bound  to  obey. 

This  is  the  only  compulsory  military  service  at  present  known 
to  our  laws ;  all  enlistments  into  the  army,  being  voluntary. 

The  power  of  the  President  to  call  forth  the  militia  b'g  limited 
by  the  Constitution  and  the  Act  of  Congress  to  the  three  specified 

1  This  copy  is  taken  from  Webster's  draft  of  the  reply  to  Williams. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  347 

cases  of  Invasion,  Insurrection,  or  forcible  resistance  to  the  laws ; 
it  has  not  been  resorted  to,  in  the  present  war  with  Mexico,  be 
cause  the  service  is  a  foreign  service. 

The  Volunteer  Regiment,  Battalions,  &  companies,  which  have 
tendered  their  services,  &  been  rec'd  in  carrying  on  the  present 
war,  are  placed  on  a  peculiar  ground.  They  do  not  belong  to 
the  regular  army  of  the  United  States,  nor  are  they  militia, 
called  out  in  pursuance  of  the  Constitutional  provision. 

They  are  voluntary  Corps,  either  such  as  were  previously  or 
ganized,  under  the  militia  laws  of  the  state,  or  such  as  have  been 
formed  and  organized  for  the  occasion.  In  either  case,  they  are 
officered  by  the  State  Govt. —  But  then  the  law  of  last  session 
enables  the  President  to  appoint  Superior  officers,  to  command 
the  Volunteer  corps.  It  is  difficult  to  say  that  this  is  unconsti 
tutional  ;  because  the  whole  matter  originates  in  a  call,  which 
leaves  it  optional  with  the  militia  to  come  forth  or  not.  The 
whole  proceed'g  is  rather  anomalous,  as  the  troops  are  not  regular 
troops,  nor  are  they  militia,  called  for,  &  ordered  out,  to  meet 
the  Exigency  provided  for  bv  the  Constitution.  In  short,  this 
invitation  for  the  service  of  Volunteer  corps,  is  but  a  mode  of 
raising,  expeditiously,  a  temporary  or  provisional  army,  des 
tined  for  a  short  service.  It  is  officered,  in  general,  by  the  state 
authorities,  and  should  be  so,  in  all  cases,  as  far  as  possible ;  yet, 
as  the  service  is  voluntary,  as  the  militia  corps  may  enter  into  it, 
or  not,  at  their  pleasure,  I  cannot  say  that  it  is  unconstitutional 
for  the  Genl.  Govt.  to  retain  &  exercise  the  power  of  appointg  the 
High  Field  officers  who  shall  command  them,  or  to  place  them 
under  the  command  of  officers  of  the  regular  army. 

This  mode  of  rais'g  troops  is  suited  only  to  such  occasions  as 
are  expected  to  require  only  a  short  service.  Toward  the  end  of 
the  late  war  with  England,  &  when  it  was  feared  the  war  might 
still  last,  for  some  time,  the  volunteer  system  was  pretty  much 
given  up ;  so  inconvenient  was  it  found  for  troops,  serv'g  under 
state  commissions,  to  be  act'g,  for  any  great  length  of  time, 
mixed  up  with,  &  subordinated  to  troops  of  the  regular  army. 

The  great  advantage  of  the  Volunteer  service,  is,  that  it  is 
generous,  &  patriotic,  entered  into  more  for  the  hope  of  honor 
able  distinction,  than  from  the  hope  of  pay ;  &  that  it  gives  men, 
what  they  like,  an  opportunity  of  bear'g  arms,  under  officers  of 
their  own  choice.  This  should  be  preserved,  as  far  as  possible, 
so  long  as  the  volunteer  system  is  resorted  to  at  all.  If  the  sys 
tem  is  voluntary,  let  it  be  voluntary  throughout.  For  the  Volun- 


348  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

teer  corps  have  a  voice,  in  the  appointment  of  their  highest,  as 
well  as  their  lowest  officers.  Let  him  be  known  to  them,  &  be  an 
object  of  their  confidence,  who  is  to  lead  them  to  the  cannon's 
mouth,  or  scal'g  the  walls  of  the  enemy's  (fortification).  To 
place  others,  by  the  appointment  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  over  the  heads  of  their  own  officers,  degrades  the  volun 
teers,  &  depresses  their  patriotic  ardor.  They  take  the  field,  with 
the  proud  hope  of  serv'g  their  country,  &  doing  honor  to  them 
selves.  As  their  objects  are  not  mercenary,  so  their  character  & 
conditions  should  not  be  subordinate.  If,  in  a  moment  of  emer 
gency  &  peril,  their  patriotism  &  love  of  country  have  called  theni 
to  arms,  let  the  honors,  as  well  as  the  dangers  of  the  field,  be 
theirs.  In  the  past  conduct  of  the  Volunteer  corps,  we  find 
ample  assurances  for  the  future.  Never  did  officers  or  men  sub 
mit  to  evils  &  privations  more  patiently ;  never  did  officers  or  men, 
behave  more  gallantly  before  the  enemy.  The  veterans  of  years, 
have  not  stood  more  firmly  under  a  raking  fire  from  the  enemie's 
batteries,  or  plunged,  more  daringly  in  the  closest,  thickest,  & 
hottest  personal  conflict  with  the  foe. 

In  the  opinions  of  the  Committee,  the  House  ought  to  adopt 
the  following  Resolutions: 

Resolved,  That  in  accept'g  volunteer  militia  corps,  into  the 
service  of  the  United  States,  it  is  consistent  with  the  true  spirits 
of  the  Constitution,  that  the  officers  of  such  corps,  of  every  grade 
should  be  commissioned  by  the  State  authorities. 

Resolved.  That  for  the  purposes  of  a  war,  the  employment 
of  volunteer  corps,  is  the  best  &  safest  mode  of  rais'g  troops: 
most  consistent  with  our  Republican  Institutions,  most  agreeable 
to  the  People,  who  regard  large  stand'g  armies  as  dangerous,  & 
especially  important,  as  it  prevents  the  accumulation  of  an  enor 
mous  military  patronage  in  the  hands  of  the  President  of  the 
United  States. 

It  may  be,  that  they  are  right,  who  think  that  it  would  have 
been  better,  if  the  volunteer  corps  had  been  raised,  by  direct  en 
listment,  for  a  short  period,  with  a  right  to  designate  their  offi 
cers,  but  such  officers,  nevertheless,  to  be  commissioned  by  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  thus  raising  a  provincial  army, 
enlisted  for  a  short  period,  with  officers  designated  by  them 
selves,  instead  of  accepting  the  services  of  the  militia,  in  bodies 
already  exist'g,  or  organized  for  the  occasion.  But  the  Govt. 
has  not  adopted  this  course ;  it  has  called  for  militia  Volunteers ; 
&  hav'g  done  so,  &  invited  them  into  the  field,  it  ought  not  to 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  349 

withhold  from  them  any  part  of  the  honors  or  distinctions  to 
which  they  are  so  well  entitled. — 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Jan.  25.  1847. 
Dear  F. 

It  is  true,  as  you  wrote  me,  that  Edward  has  been  badly  treated. 
On  the  one  hand,  I  think  the  Whigs  in  the  Legislature  are  act'g 
quite  injudiciously,  &  on  the  other  the  party,  locofoco  spirit, 
prevail'g  among  the  officers  is  mean  &  miserable.  Edward  must 
take  care  to  act  with  propriety,  &  look  to  the  end.  I  have  some 
doubts  whether  his  Regiment  will  be  ever  filled.  Bounty  is  given 
to  enlistment  into  the  regular  service,  for  no  longer  term  than 
volunteer  enlistments. 

John  Taylor  writes  me  that  he  has  p'd  you  $200  dollars;  I 
suppose  it  is  the  same  about  which  you  wrote  me.  I  hate  to  lay 
any  new  tax  on  Mr.  Harvey,  but  if  he  could  pick  up  a  few  more 
fees,  I  should  be  glad,  as  I  have  put  off  a  thing  he  knows  about, 
here,  until  April  1st  &  can  put  it  off  no  longer.  If  you  think 
it  not  pushing  his  kindness  too  far,  you  may  show  him  this. 

I  hope  you  will  [look  out  for]  a  just  provision  for  the  volun 
teers,  without  gett'g  into  any  heats  or  quarrels  upon  the  matter. 
The  wisest  th'g  w'd  be  for  Massachusetts  not  to  act  very  differ 
ently,  in  this  respect,  from  other  States. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WEDNESDAY  10  Oclock  [Feb.  1847(?)] 
Dear  Fletcher: 

The  Peace  rumours  continue,  &  there  must  be  someth'g  in 
them.  The  Administration  expects  no  more  fight'g.  They  have 
someth'g,  upon  which  they  are  now  deliberati'g,  &  expect  some- 
th'g  more,  soon.  They  have  lost  all  haste,  about  their  proposed 
measures.  It  is  possible  they  may  be  disappointed;  but  it  i* 
certain  they  expect  peace. 

Yrs     D.  W. 


350  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Saturday  Feb.  6.  1847. 
Dear  Fletcher 

I  reed  yr  letter,  yesterday  mor'g,  &  was  greatly  relieved  & 
gratified  by  it.  I  trust  all  is  well.  I  wrote  to  Edward  yester 
day,  &  may  write  him  again  tomorrow — 

I  have  read  your  speech.  It  is  a  very  good  one,  &  well  spoken 
of  here,  by  all  who  have  read  it.  I  suppose  there  is  no  help  for 
it,  but  it  is  true,  that,  in  some  things,  our  Whig  policy  in  Mass 
is  quite  narrow. 

Yrs     D.  W. 

Mr.  Walker's  policy  is; — if  he  can  get  Congress  [to  make]  to 
grant  a  tea  &  coffee  tax,  to  propose  a  loan ;  if  not,  to  get  along, 
as  well  as  he  can  by  T.  notes 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Feb.  7.  47.  Sunday  mor'g. 
Dear  Fletcher. 

I  reed  your  letter  of  the  4th  this  mor'g  &  am  quite  glad  to 
know  what  is  going  on  among  you.  I  perceive  by  the  newspaper 
that  the  House  has  mitigated  its  infliction  on  Potatoes,  by  strik 
ing  out  64,  &  insert'g  60.  This  will  crowd  them  a  little  less,  in 
the  half  bushel. 

Your  letter  gives  me  the  very  first  information  I  have  reed 
respecting  the  choice  of  a  Senator.  If  the  present  incumbent 
is  out  of  the  question,  as  you  state,  my  notion  of  a  successor  is 
exactly  like  yours.  Mr.  Winthrop  must  wait  a  little,  &  Mr.  A.1 
might  be  my  choice.  Govr.  B.2  nevertheless,  is  a  good  man,  & 
would  make  a  good  Senator.  Nobody  could  object  to  him.  He 
is  true,  &  able,  &  experienced.  Nor  could  the  election  of  Mr. 
Hudson  be  objected  to.  He  is  quite  an  able  man.  I  suppose  his 
location  is  not  quite  far  enough  west. 

If  Gov.  B.  be  elected  Senator,  I  really  hope  my  old  friend 
Lt.  Govr.  Reed  may  be  chosen,  at  least  for  once.  He  is  prudent 
&  discreet,  sensible  &  modest,  &  has  been  a  steady,  good  man,  in 
public  life  for  thirty  years.  If  he  has  no  great  positive  popu 
larity,  he  is  yet  a  man  whom  no  one  can  find  fault  with.  How- 

1  Probably  Geo.  Ashmun.     '  Governor  Briggs. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  351 

ever,  I  am  not  the  best  judge  of  these  things,  &  you  Whigs  of 
the  Legislature  will  set  them  all  right,  I  have  no  doubt. 

The  Massachusetts  law  laying  a  tax  on  passengers,  is  now 
under  discussion  in  the  Supreme  Court.  It  is  strange  to  me  how 
any  Legislature  of  Massachusetts  could  pass  such  a  law.  In  the 
days  of  Marshall  &  Story  it  could  not  have  stood  one  moment. 

The  present  judges,  I  fear,  are  quite  too  much  inclined,  to 
find  apologies  for  irregular  &  dangerous  acts  of  State  Legisla 
tion  ;  but  whether  the  law  of  Massachusetts  can  stand  even  with 
the  advantage  of  all  these  predispositions,  is  doubtful.  There 
is  just  about  an  even  chance.  I  think,  that  it  will  be  pro 
nounced  unconstitutional.  Mr  Choate  examined  the  subject,  on 
Friday,  in  an  argument  of  great  strength,  &  clearness,  Mr.  Davis 
is  on  the  other  side,  &  I  shall  reply. 

P.  S.  I  have  your  kind  letter,  say'g  that  there  had  been  a 
small  caucus,  in  which  Mr.  D.  had  50  votes  out  of  80 ;  but  that 
nothing  was  definitely  settled.  Mr.  Davis'  motives  were  quite 
good,  in  the  course  he  pursued  about  the  Wilmot  proviso.  But 
it  was  not  fortunate.  He  is  a  man  of  good  principles,  &  gener 
ally  very  good  sense.  It  does  not  become  me,  to  interfere,  in  any 
manner,  in  the  pending  election,  or  to  express  any  preference,  or 
any  opinion.  I  wish  all  the  members  of  the  Legislature  to  know 
that  to  be  my  feeling.  All  I  have  said  above,  is  to  this  effect ; 
vz.  that  if  Mr.  D.  is  not  to  be  re-elected,  &  if  position  (in  the 
east  end  of  the  state)  excludes  Mr.  Winthrop,  then  Mr.  A.  pre 
sents  himself  to  me  as  prominent,  though  both  Gov.  B.  &  Mr. 
Hudson  are  also  among  those,  who  are  excellently  well  fitted  for 
the  office. 


(To  Thomas  D.  Grover  et  al.) 

WASHINGTON  Mar;  1.  1847. 
Gentlemen, 

I  had  the  honor  to  receive,  this  morning,  your  very  friendly 
letter  of  the  27th  of  Feby,  inviting  me  to  a  Mass  Meeting  of  the 
People  of  the  First  Congressional  District,  in  Pennsylvania,  on 
the  Evening  of  the  5th  instant,  to  testify  their  sense  of  services, 
rendered  in  procuring  a  Provision  by  Law  for  a  Floating  Dock 
Basin,  &  Rail- Ways,  for  the  Philadelphia  Navy  Yard. 

I  fear,  Gentlemen,  that  I  owe  the  favor  of  this  invitation  to 
too  partial  an  estimate,  which  your  worthy  &  distinguished  Rep- 


352  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

resentative  has  formed,  of  the  value  of  my  cooperation,  in  that 
measure.  I  did  no  more  than  to  support,  with  some  zeal  & 
decision,  an  appropriation,  which  I  deemed  essential  to  the  Pub 
lic  Service,  &  eminently  due  to  the  interests  connected  with  the 
Navy,  in  Philadelphia.  My  aid  is  not  to  be  compared,  in  impor 
tance,  with  that  of  others;  least  of  all,  with  that  so  ably  &  so 
perseveringly  rendered  by  Mr  Levin  himself. 

I  fear,  Gentlemen,  that  it  will  hardly  be  in  my  power  to  reacK 
Philadelphia  by  the  Evening  of  the  Fifth.  I  must  therefore 
pray  you  to  congratulate  the  Meeting,  in  my  behalf,  on  the  ac 
complishment  of  so  desirable  an  object;  &  to  express  to  all  your 
fellow  citizens,  there  assembled,  my  respects,  &  thanks,  &  hearty 
good  Will.1 

DANL,  WEBSTER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.2) 

WASHINGTON  Mar.  17.  '47. 
Dear  Fletcher, 

I  am  detained  here,  beyond  all  my  expectation,  but  the  busi 
ness  is  important,  &  at  an  important  stage,  &  I  must  see  it  thro. 
I  shall  be  able  to  stay  but  a  day  or  two,  in  Boston ;  that  is  to  say, 
if  I  go  south  at  all,  for  I  ought  to  leave  this  place  by  the  first 
of  April.  I  cannot  go  at  all,  unless  progress  be  made,  in  my 
matters,  of  which  Mr.  Mills  &  Mr.  Thayer  have  charge.  I  wish 
you  would  see  Mr.  Thayer,  &  let  him  know  how  short  my  stay 
must  be.  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Mills,  sometime  ago,  to  the  same  effect. 

I  regret  that  Mr  Harvey  has  not  been  this  way.  He  is  my 
reliance,  for  every  thing  kind  &  useful.  I  hope  that  by  his  aid, 
I  may  be  able  to  pick  up  a  few  fees,  to  help  pay  the  expenses  of 
my  journey.  So  much  has  been  said  about  this  journey,  that  I 
must  now  undertake  it,  if  possible.3 

1/2  past  3  O  clock. 

I  have  been  with  Mr  C.  to  the  Depts —  Yr  papers  were  lin- 
ger'g  in  the  Treasury,  but  we  have  hastened  them  along.  A 
Warrant  has  gone  to  the  Treasurer,  &  Mr  McCulloch  said  the  re 
mittance  would  be  made,  in  course,  tomorrow. 

1  This  letter  is  the  property  of  Mr.  Chas.  Roberts,  of  Philadelphia. 

9  In  Webster's  handwriting,  but  unsigned. 

3  Referring  to  the  tour  into  the  South,  which  he  did  take  in  April  and  May. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  353 

(To  Edward  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON,  Feb.  5.  1847. 
Dear  Edward. 

I  write  you  this,  in  the  hope  you  will  get  it  before  saili'g;1 
&  I  trust  I  shall  hear  from  you  every  day  till  you  sail,  &  also 
on  your  first  touching  land,  any  where ;  &  after  that  as  often  as 
you  shall  know  of  conveyances. 

I  feel  interest,  of  course,  My  Dear  Son,  in  your  success,  in 
your  new  call'g.  I  am  afraid  of  no  unbecom'g  conduct,  no  fear, 
on  one  side,  &  no  foolish  recklessness  on  the  other.  But  I  know 
the  accidents  of  war ;  &  what  I  fear  most  of  all,  is  the  climate. 
Pray  study  to  guard  agt.  the  effects  of  climate,  in  every  possible 
form.  Take  good  care  of  Henry.  There  is  no  one  else  he  w'd 
have  gone  with.  I  shall  write  you  constantly. 

Yr  affectionate  father 

DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  Edward  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Feb.  22.  1847. 
My  Dear  Son 

We  hear  of  your  hav'g  been  tow'd  from  the  wharf  on  the  18, 
but  such  has  been  the  weather  that  I  rather  suppose  you  are  at 
this  mpment  on  anchor  in  the  outer  Harbor. —  I  get  Adjutant 
Genl  Jones  to  forward  this,  that  you  may  receive  it  at  Brazos. 
We  are  quite  well.  Noth'g  of  political  importance  has  occurred, 
for  the  last  few  days.  A  warm  Debate  has  spr'g  up  in  the 
Senate,  between  Mr.  Benton  &  Mr.  Calhoun,  but  I  do  not  know 
that  any  thi'g  important  will  come  up  of  it.  Fletcher  is  afraid 
you  committed  an  indiscretion  in  tak'g  a  letter  from  Curzon  (?) 
to  Genl  Almonte —  I  should  think  you  had  better  rid  yourself 
of  it.  I  suppose  it  is  only  a  common  letter,  but  an  American 
officer  should  not  have  in  his  pocket  a  letter  to  one  of  the  enemy. 
I  trust  you  will  write  me,  from  Brazos,  &  on  all  occasions,  after 
wards,  whenever  you  can.  We  shall  be  full  of  anxiety  to  hear 
from  you,  &  you  must  gratify  us  as  frequently  as  possible. 
Henry's  Family  are  all  well. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 

1  Edward  was  on  his  way  to  join  the  army  in  Mexico. 


354  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(From  Edward  Webster.) 

BRAZOS  Santiago  March  17th  1847. 
My  Dear  Father — 

We  arrived  here  night  before  last,  after  a  very  pleasant  and 
quick  passage  of  19  days;  and  we  are  lucky  enough  to  have 
no  sick  men.  We  march  this  morning  for  the  mouth  of  the 
river,  and  then  we  take  steam  boat  for  Camargo,  we  are  to  await 
the  orders  of  Gen  Taylor —  A  part  of  the  Carolina  Regt  left 
yesterday  and  the  last  three  companies  of  Virginia  Regt.  arrived 
last  evening — 

Henry  is  quite  well,  and  sends  his  love  to  Aunt  M —  and 
George,  he  has  been  a  little  home  sick,  I  think —  We  are  all  in 
good  spirits  and  hope  to  have  something  to  do — 

Excuse  this  as  it  is  written  on  my  knees,  with  every  body  speak 
ing  to  me. 

with  much  love  to  all — 
your  affectionate  son 

EDWARD  WEBSTER 


(To  Edward  Everett.) 

PRIVATE. 

WASHINGTON  Mar.  21"  1847 
My  Dear  Sir, 

There  are  two  topics,  on  which  I  have  intended  to  trouble 
you,  for  half  an  hour,  on  my  return  to  Boston.  But  that 
return  has  been  so  long  delayed,  and  the  necessity  of  an  early 
departure  on  a  proposed  visit  to  the  South  is  so  pressing,  that 
if  I  reach  Boston  at  all,  my  stay  can  only  be  for  a  day  or 
two,  and  my  interview  with  you,  if  I  shall  have  one,  must  be 
brief.  I  have  thought  it  might  be  well,  therefore,  before  hand, 
to  signify  the  subjects  about  which  I  wished  to  converse  with 
you. 

Some  friends  of  mine  have  collected  my  official  letters  and 
papers,  written  while  I  was  Secretary  of  State,  and  propose  to 
publish  them  immediately,  in  a  handsome  volume.  You  are 
acquainted,  in  general  with  all  these ;  and  especially  know  every 
thing,  connected  with  English  questions.  In  your  private  letters 
to  me,  you  spoke  kindly  and  favorably  of  some  parts  of  the 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  355 

correspondence  with  Lord  Ashburton,  and  quoted  flattering  say 
ings  of  other  persons.  You  were  also  in  the  way  of  knowing 
what  impression,  if  any,  was  produced,  on  the  Continent,  as  well 
as  in  England,  by  the  letters  on  Impressment,  Maritime  Law, 
Right  of  Search,  &c.  &c. 

Now  it  has  occurred  to  me,  that  out  of  your  own  correspond 
ence,  and  from  other  sources,  you  might  possibly  extract 
something,  which  it  might  be  well  to  print,  in  the  volume.  This 
is  the  first  matter,  on  which  I  wished  a  few  moments  of  your 
reflection.  You  know,  that  owing  to  the  quarrel  between  the 
Whigs  and  President  Tyler,  the  Treaty  of  1842,  and  the  cor 
respondence  accompanying  it  were  more  coldly  received,  by  our 
Whig  friends,  than  perhaps  they  might  have  been  under  other 
circumstances.  Probably  you  have  noticed,  that  in  France, 
Prussia,  and  elsewhere,  where  jealousy  of  English  maritime 
ascendancy  prevails,  the  papers  on  the  subject  of  Impressment 
etc,  were  favorably  received.  Some  of  them,  I  think  also,  were 
well  spoken  of  in  Parliament.  Your  private  letters  to  me  are 
all  safely  boxed  up  at  Marshfield.  Whether  you  kept  copies  of 
such  letters,  I  do  not  know,  but  I  can  easily  put  the  originals 
into  your  hands,  and  will  endeavor  to  do  so,  by  the  first  of  next 
week. 

The  other  subject  is  not  of  so  pressing  a  nature.    It  is  this. 

Fifteen  or  sixteen  years  ago,  a  collection  of  my  speeches  was 
published,  to  which  you  was  kind  enough  to  contribute  an  intro 
duction  to  the  second  volume.  That  collection  has  been  extended 
to  three  volumes,  and  contains  speeches  of  a  date  as  late  as  1840. 
There  are  more  recent  productions,  enough  to  make  another 
volume.  It  is  now  proposed  to  publish  a  new  Edition,  to  include 
all;  with  notes,  some  furnished  by  myself,  and  the  rest  by  other 
hands.  It  is  intended  to  leave  out  the  law  arguments,  and  to 
insert  any  miscellaneous  or  popular  matter,  in  their  place,  which 
may  be  found. 

What  I  now  wish  to  ask,  is,  that  you  would  consider  the 
propriety  of  enlarging  the  introduction,  to  meet  the  new  con 
tents  of  the  volumes,  and  be  a  sort  of  introduction  to  the  whole. 

If  you  will  give  this  subject  a  few  moments  thought,  before  I 
see  you,  I  will  be  greatly  obliged  to  you. 

Yours  always  truly 

DAN:L  WEBSTER     • 


356  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Benj.  F.  Perry.1) 

WASHINGTON  April  5.  47 
My  dear  Sir 

I  wrote  a  short  &  hasty  Answer  to  the  very  flattering  invitation 
from  your  town.2  I  am  well  aware,  My  Dear  Sir,  to  whose  active 
friendship  I  am  particularly  indebted  for  this  signal  proof  of 
respect. 

I  am  afraid,  My  Dear  Sir,  that  too  much  may  be  expected 
from  me,  in  your  quarter  in  the  way  of  public  speaking.  I  must 
really  beg  of  you,  not  to  raise  expectations  in  that  respect. 

Yrs  very  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

SUNDAY  April  18  [1847] 
Dear  Fletcher: 

I  have  yrs  this  morning.  I  think  I  shall  be  able  to  give  some 
idea,  tomorrow,  of  the  time  of  our  departure — &  shall  write,  in 
the  morning,  to  Col  Perkins,  &  Mr  Frothingham,  as  well  as  to 
you.  Pray  get  yr  Bill  thro,  about  the  appointment  of  officers  in 
the  Volunteers. 

Genl  Taylor's  popularity  seems  to  spread  like  wild  fire.  They 
say  it  is  likely  to  break  down  party  division  entirely,  in  the 
south  and  west. —  The  administration  &  its  friends  are  at 
tempting  to  induce  him  to  come  in,  since  they  hardly  expect  to 
be  able  to  keep  him  out,  as  a  "  no  party  "  man. —  So  that  they, 
who  now  have  the  offices,  may  keep  them.  Hence,  it  is  well  to 
place  him  in  opposition  to  the  Administration,  not  only  as  a 
Whig,  but  as  a  Whig  attempted  to  be  injured,  &  kept  down,  by 
Mr  Polk  &  Co— 

rc'd  Int.  of  yesterday 

Yrs  D  W. 

We  are  all — that  is  both — quite  well — 

1  Mr.  Perry  was  at  this  time  an  active  politician  of  South  Carolina,  opposed 
to  nullification  and  secession.  He  was  later  Governor  of  the  State.  See  B. 
F.  Perry's  "  Reminiscences,"  p.  62,  for  an  account  of  Webster  while  in  South 
Carolina. 

s  Columbia,  S.  C. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  357 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

APRIL  81.  '47. 
Dear  Fletcher ; 

I  am  glad  you  do  not  discontinue  your  correspondence,  & 
hope  you  will  consider  me  as  being  here,  until  you  hear  I  am 
gone. 

I  believe  we  are  pretty  much  out  of  Mr.  McCulloch's  hands, 
at  last,  but  he  has  done  us  all  the  mischief  he  possibly  could. 
His  report  against  Mr.  Jebb's  old  claim  is  unfair,  disingenuous, 
bitter,  &  endless. —  How  long  Mr.  W.  will  take  to  come  to  a 
decision,  or  what  the  decision  will  be,  I  have  no  idea,  at  present. 
We  all  wait. 

This  horrid  delay  will  of  necessity  cut  short  my  journey.  It 
will  be  too  late  to  go  to  N.  Orleans. 

It  is  now  likely,  if  I  can  get  away  in  a  week,  that  I  shall  pass 
the  mountains,  in  N.  Carolina,  or  Georgia,  into  Tennessee,  & 
then  home  by  the  Ohio.  Before  I  leave,  I  shall  lay  a  plan,  & 
let  you  know.  I  am  quite  sorry  Mr  Buckingham  acts  so 
strangely — 

Your  proposition  is  not  only  right,  but  necessary. 

Mr.  Schouler  is  a  good  man.  Please  say  to  him,  I  am  glad  of 
his  purchase,  &  shall  be  happy  to  be  useful  to  his  undertaking. 

All  well 

D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  April  27, 1847. 
Dear  Fletcher 

I  have  been  to  the  War  office,  but  can  do  nothing  for  the  Mass. 
Volunteers.  The  10  Regiments  are  all  filled.  There  must  be 
an  election  of  some  sort,  where  the  Regiment  is. — 

I  am  off  tomorrow.  Our  case  is  to  be  decided,  positively,  on 
Monday  the  10th.  Mr.  Berrien  &  Mr  Russell  stay  to  take  care 
of  it.  What  little  may  be  coming  to  me,  will  be  placed  to  my 
credit  in  Bank,  &  I  shall  be  informed —  I  hope  then  to  be  able 
to  remit,  for  Mr  Weston,  &  some  other  little  things,  in  Mr 
Heeley's  hands —  I  have  made  out  to  scrape  together  a  little 
travelling  money,  though  I  hardly  know  how — 


358  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

If  you  written  receipt  of  this,  address  me  at  Charleston, 
where  I  shall  be  till  the  10th  &  then  in  Savannah  till  the  15 — 
I  shall  write  you  from  all  places  where  we  stop  a  day. — 

Affectionately  Yrs  D.  W 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

NORTHAMPTON  July  5.  Monday  P.  M. 

My  Dear  Son  C1848?]' 

I  thank  you  for  yr  letter,  &  am  glad  all  are  well.  I  am  safe 
here,  but  have  had  some  cold,  for  three  days.  I  think  it  is 
goi'g  off. —  We  shall  have  a  long  cause,  &  I  prescribe  to  myself 
patience,  moderation,  $  coolness.  We  begin  tomorrow. 

Mr.  Schouler  is  right.  If  Genl  Taylor  did  that  letter  then 
the  case  is  free  from  all  embarrassment.  We  cannot  support 
him —  I  am  willi'g  to  hope,  for  the  present,  that  he  did  not  do 
so  foolish  an  act.  We  shall  see. 

Mrs.  W.  says  she  goes  to  M.  tomorrow,  &  takes  down  Dan, 
which  is  all  right. 

If  I  have  English  papers,  keep  them  in  Boston. 

— Love  to  the  Ladies  of  your  family. 

Yrs  affectionately 
^^^  D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

MARSHFIELD,  Sep.  26.  (1847) 

Sunday  morning. 
My  Dear  Son; 

It  seems  impossible  for  me  to  go  up  today;  and  as  I  intend 
being  at  Springfield,  I  suppose  my  being  a  little  sooner  or  a 
little  later,  at  Boston,  is  of  no  importance.  Unless  the  storm 
shall  prove  of  unusual  duration,  I  think  you  may  fully  expect 
the  Major  and  me,  at  dinner  tomorrow,  either  at  your  house,  or 
Mr.  Paiges. 

I  shall  probably  go  to  Springfield  in  the  early  train  of  Tues 
day. — 

1  The  year  is  not  written  in  dating  this  letter  but  the  allusion  to  Taylor's 
letter  would  seem  to  place  it  in  1848  though  possibly  the  famous  "  Allison" 
letter  (April  22,  1848)  is  not  referred  to. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  359 

I  wish  the  letter  to  Mr.  Curtis  to  be  placed  in  his  hands,  as 
early  as  possible.  Mr.  Healeys  suggestion  is  of  great  im 
portance —  The  matter  of  the  Resolutions  should  be  closely 
seen  to — . 

Please  send  Mrs.  Bell  this  note,  at  once.  I  should  be  glad 
if  all  the  notes  could  be  delivered  this  evening. — 

I  shall  not  prepare  any  long  speech  for  Springfield — a  few 
words,  of  exhortation  and  encouragement  will  be  all. 

Yours 

D.  W. 


(From  Edward  Webster.) 

NEW  ORLEANS  Nov.  10th — 1847 — 
My  Dear  Father ; 

You  will  be  surprised  to  learn  that  I  am  still  here— but  there 
has  not  been  any  way  for  me  to  go —  My  horses  were  sent  to 
the  Steamer  Alabama,  yesterday,  and  my  trunk  was  on  its  way, 
when  the  Quarter  Master  sent  me  word,  that  if  I  could  wait  till 
today,  he  would  give  me  a  better  place  for  my  horses — so  I 
concluded  to  wait.  It  makes  no  difference,  as  we  shall  have  to 
wait  at  Vera  Cruz — till  a  sufficient  force  can  be  collected  to 
move  with  towards  the  City —  Gen  Butler  arrived  yesterday —  I 
was  introduced  to  him,  and  he  promised  to  give  me  some  thing 
to  do,  when  we  arrive  in  Mexico —  I  go  to  day  by  the  Galves- 
ton —  Gen  Butler  will  leave  tomorrow —  On  account  of  the  long 
delay  here,  I  was  obliged  to  draw  on  you  for  $100.00 — which  I 
hope  will  be  the  last  time  I  shall  trouble  you  in  that  way —  The 
weather  is  oppressively  warm,  thin  clothes  are  very  comfortable. 
The  town  is  filling  up  very  fast,  and  it  begins  to  look  busy. 

With  my  best  love  to  Mother 

I  remain  your  affectionate  Son 

EDWARD  WEBSTER. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

FRIDAY  MORNING  Dec  (7)  1847.   11  O'clock. 
Dear  F. 

I  received  your  note  this  morning,  and  am  glad  you  made  a 
good  stir  among  the  children  of  Marshfield. —  I  have  sent  by  this 


360  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

mail,  "bills  for  the  relief  of  Sylvester  Prince  and  Rufus 
Hathaway  " —  I  also  send  $100.,  by  mail,  to  "  Mr.  O.  Rich, 
Fish  and  Provision  Dealer,  Federal  Street  near  High  Street, 
Boston. 

Yesterday  we  finished  the  argument  in  the  New  York  Passenger 
tax  case,  and  were  to  have  begun  the  Boston  cause,  but  Mr 
Choate  has  a  turn  of  sick  head-ache. 

The  case  comes  on,  on  Monday.  In  these  cases,  I  have  no 
doubt,  whatever,  that  the  law  is  with  us;  but  where  the  Court 
may  be,  I  know  not. 

I  am  glad  to  hear  from  your  family,  and  a  letter  every  day, 
or  day  or  two,  long  or  short,  will  be  always  most  acceptable — 

I  have  seen  nobody,  nor  been  any  where,  but  to  the  Court 
room  and  back. 

Your's  affectionately 

D.  W. 

Is  it  not  time  to  hear  from  Edward  ?  I  get  quite  uneasy  about 
him. 


(From  Edward  Webster.) 

CITY  OF  MEXICO,  Deer  8th  1847. 
My  Dear  Father — 

We  arrived  here  this  afternoon,  and  I  have  just  learned  that 
a  train  will  leave  for  Vera  Cruz,  to  morrow  morning —  We  have 
made  the  march  in  nine  days  from  Perote,  to  this  place,  a 
distance  of  170  miles — and  have  lost  but  two  men  from  our 
Regt.  At  Puebla,  we  joined  Gen  Cushings  Brigade,  which  was 
composed  of  the  1st  Pena  the  Mass — the  4th  Ohio  and  a  Regt 
of  recruits —  Our  Regt  made  as  good  an  appearance  as  any  in 
our  entrance  into  the  City  to  day —  We  are  quartered  in  an  old 
college,  which  we  hope  to  leave  in  a  day  or  two — 

The  news  to  night — is  that  a  portion  of  the  forces  will  [on] 
move  to  Cortrera  (?)  in  a  week — and  that  Genl  Cushings  Brigade 
will  form  a  part,  in  that  case,  in  all  probability  I  shall  still  retain 
command  of  the  Regt —  I  have  not  had  time  to  see  more  of  the 
City,  than  I  noticed  in  marching  through  this  morning —  I 
intend  to  give  you  by  the  next  mail  a  sketch  of  our  march — 

With  much  love  to  Mother — 

Yours  affectionate  son  EDWAKD 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  361 

(To  Edward  Everett.) 

WASHINGTON  Jany.  29  1848. 
My  Dear  Sir : 

I  have  received  yours  of  the  26th  this  morning. 

It  strikes  me  as  being  doubtful,  whether  you  should  deal 
with  the  subject  of  the  maps.1  It  would  not  be  without  interest, 
but  if  gone  into  at  large,  would  necessarily  require  a  good  deal 
of  preface.  If  the  principal  facts  could  be  stated,  in  an 
abridged  or  condensed  form,  I  should  like  it;  but  whether  that 
can  be  done,  I  do  not  know.  I  am  rather  inclined  against  the 
usefullness  of  a  full  and  minute  description. 

The  proof  sheets  are  sent  to  me  here.  In  looking  over  one  of 
them  this  morning,  I  find  that  in  my  letter  to  Genl.  Cass  I  ven 
tured  to  suggest,-  that  our  Treaty,  so  far  as  it  respected  the 
right  of  search  &c,  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  or  rather  substituted 
a  new  and  different  provision  might  be  adopted  elsewhere.  You 
are  aware  what  has  been  since  done,  in  Europe,  and  would 
naturally  take  some  notice  of  it. 

My  letter  to  you,  and  by  you  communicated  to  Lord  Aberdeen, 
in  which  I  discussed  the  attempt  of  Mr.  now  Sir  Charles,  Wood, 
and  Sir  Robert  Peel,  [to  distinguish]  between  "  Visitation  "  and 
"  Search  ",  was  I  think  never  answered.  You  remember  that 
Lord  Brougham  denied  any  such  distinction. 

If  I  can  help  you  in  anything,  please  command  me.  I  sup 
pose  you  have  Mr.  Gallatins  paper,  read  before  the  New  York 
Historical  Society,  respecting  the  maps. 

Are  you  regularly  supplied  with  our  current  documents  here? 

Yours  always  truly 

DANL,  WEBSTER. 

(From  B.  B.  Tibbs.) 

MONONGALEA  COUNTY  Va.  Feb'y  1st  1848. 
My  Dear  Sir. 

I  have  the  honor  of  communicating  to  you  that  your  high  and 
very  commendable  policy  during  the  present  Administration  is 
duly  appreciated  in  North  western  Virginia  And  that  at  a  meet 
ing  of  your  fellow  country  men  I  have  been  empowered  to  express 
the  same  to  you  And  also  to  enquire,  whether  it  would  be  agree- 

1  i.e,  in  getting  out  the  book  concerning  the  Webster-Ashburton  treaty. 


362  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

able  to  you  for  your  humble  fellow  citizens  to  use  your  name  in 
connection  with  that  of  our  ever  Gallant  and  worthy  Taylor,  in 
the  coming  Presidential  canvass. You  may  deem  this  premature, 
but  allow  me  to  say,  that  it  will  not  be  used  any  farther  at  pres 
ent  than  a  few  of  the  discreet  and  politic  Gentlemen  of  our  party, 
and  whom  I  here  represent,  may  think  prudent.  Some  are  un 
willing  that  instruction  should  be  given  to  our  representatives  in 
the  national  convention  whilst  others  strenuously  urge  that  we 
cannot  omit  this  opportunity  of  testifying  our  consideration 
&c  &c 

Excuse  my  uncerimonious  and  hasty  epistle. 

Very  Respectfully 
B.  B.  TIBBS 

(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

WASHINGTON  Feb.  4.  '48 
My  Dear  Sir; 

I  reed  your  kind  letter  of  the  15.  Jany.  &  have  left  it  unan 
swered  so  long,  by  reason  of  engagements,  which  have  occupied 
my  time.  The  Petition,  respect'g  the  weight  &  measure  of 
goods,  I  presented  &  explained  to  the  Senate.  There  will  be  no 
difficulty,  I  think,  in  that  Body,  in  agreeing  to  a  proper  amend 
ment  of  the  law. 

I  shall  be  very  happy  to  be  retained,  by  Mr.  Belknap,  who 
is  an  old  friend.  I  have  a  payment  to  make  the  14th  of  this 
month ;  and  as  Mr  Belknapp  is  a  man  deal'g  in  so  large  affairs, 
that  the  amount  of  a  Lawyers  Retainer  makes  no  great  change, 
in  his  operations,  even  tho'  money  be  "tight,"  perhaps,  at  your 
suggestion,  he  would  place  the  fee  in  your  hands,  before  that 
time. 

I  have  been  thinking,  for  a  week  or  two,  of  say'g  someth'g 
on  the  condition  of  the  country.  But  almost  all  the  Whigs  in 
the  Senate  wish  to  speak,  &  generally  desire  me  to  hold  back. 
Besides,  I  hardly  wish  to  fall  into  the  middle  of  a  procession  of 
Speakers,  half  a  mile  long,  ahead,  &  equally  long  behind.  We 
have  had  good  speeches. 

I  know  not  what  to  make  of  the  Peace  rumours.  The  Ad 
ministration  talks  one  way,  one  day,  as  I  fear,  &  the  other  the 
next.  Before  I  address  the  Senate,  I  wish  to  see  whether  we  are 
to  have  peace,  or  whether  the  war  is  to  continue. 

Mrs.  W.  as  you  will  have  learned,  has  gone  to  Boston.     I  feel 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN 

concerned  about  Mrs.  Appleton.     Let  me  hear  from  you,  when 
you  can. 

Yours  always  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  Fletcher  F-.  19.  (1848(?) 

This  note  is  for  the  last  of  the  acceptances  for  the  Eastern 
lands —  You  must  try  to  beg  &  borrow,  &  take  it  up,  as  you 
alone  are  now  interested.  I  am  very  hard  run —  Edward's  dft 
will  be  paid,  &  it  will  require  all  I  have  here.  I  hope  to  get  some 
small  things  soon,  but  have  seldom  met  with  such  constant  dis 
appointments. 

You  said,  sometime  ago,  that  our  invaluable  friend,  Mr.  Har 
vey,  was  com'g  this  way.  It  appears  he  does  not  show  himself. 
I  was  in  hopes  he  might  have  picked  up  a  few  fees,  as  that  South 
ern  debt,  which  he  knows  about,  annoys  me  so  as  to  keep  me 
awake  at  nights.  But  I  should  be  most  glad  to  see  him  here, 
fees  or  no  fees. 

I  have  a  kind  of  feel'g,  that  we  shall  have  peace  in  the  Spr'g, 
though  I  can  scarcely  give  the  source  of  it.  I  shall  make  a  short 
speech  early  next  week.  Send  on  Mr.  H.  to  hear  it. 

Yrs 

D  WEBSTER 

(From  Chas.  W.  March.) 

DearS.r  f,  WASH.  April  «-[I848] 

I  received  in  due  time  from  Boston  your  frank  covering  Mr 
Ketchum's  letter  to  me.  It  seems  he  is  not  satisfied  with  Mr. 
Everett's  essay  upon  your  services  as  Sec'y  of  State,  &  wishes 
me  to  prepare  another.  But  for  his  suggestion  that  I  should 
consult  you  upon  the  subject,  I  should  hardly  have  supposed 
him  in  earnest. 

The  little  I  can  do,  you  know,  will  be  cheerfully  done.  If  you 
deem  it  necessary,  I  will  come  on  during  the  month,  &  with  your 
guidance,  prepare  what  Mr.  Ketchum  wants,  or  anything  else 
necessary  to  the  attainment  of  the  desirable  object  we  have  in 
view —  I  shall  await  the  direction  of  your  wishes. 


LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

The  Tribune,  I  see,  copies  the  numbers  of  "Whig  from  the 
Start,"  &  I  have  no  doubt  they  will  gain  general  circulation  & 
command  general  approval.  Mr.  Ashmun  &  myself  are  glad 
dened  this  morning  with  an  editorial  in  the  Boston  Courier,  not 
only  written  with  ability,  but  with  more  than  Mr.  Buckingham's 
usual  policy.  A  few  such  will  do  much  good.  The  iron  seems 
sufficiently  heated  &  all  that  is  necessary  for  shaping  our  ends 
is  a  succession  of  well-directed  blows.  Your  friends,  in  my  opin 
ion,  occupy  the  position  that  in  our  school-boy  days  we  were 
wont  to  take  in  one  of  our  sports — one  of  us  would  stand  still  & 
firm  till  the  whole  school  linked  hand-in-hand  together  sur 
rounded  us  in  a  series  of  concentric  circles —  So  will  the  whole 
school  of  Whigs — Clay  men,  Taylor  men,  Scott  men,  Courier 
men, — do  now,  if  this  centre  stand  firm. 

Mr.  Giddings  told  me  a  day  or  two  since  he  was  ready  for  one 
to  come  out  for  "Webster  for  Pres.  Corwin  for  Vice  Pres."  giving 
the  South  to  Taylor  I  am  not  so  confident  but  that  such  a  move 
would  be  our  best — &  even  save  a  check-mate —  Corwin  I  have 
reason  to  know,  is  ready  for  such. 

I  send  you  per  mail  a  parcel  of  your  R.  I.  argument.1  I 
think  I  will  retain  the  rest,  unless  otherwise  directed  by  you,  till 
I  can  find  an  opportunity  of  sending  them  by  some  one  going 
East. 

Fletcher's  friends  here  are  much  gratified  at  the  compli 
mentary  notice  that  appears  in  the  Boston  papers  of  his  effort 
on  the  Boundary  question  before  the  Legislative  Committee. 

*  *  *  Raymond's  edition  of  your  speech  did  not  reach  us 
till  after  Houston's  was  generally  copied;  which  is  to  be  re 
gretted  as  it  was  more  full  &  accurate. 

I  will  write  soon  again 

Every  Truly  &  respy  Yrs 

CHS.  W.  MARCH. 

(From  Millar 'd  Fillmore.) 

ALBANY,  May  2d,  1848. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

Your  private  note  of  the  24th  ult.  came  to  hand,  yesterday, 
and  I  avail  myself  of  the  first  leisure  moment  to  reply. 

1  An  argument  made  in  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  on  the  27th 
of  January,  1848.     See  "Works,"  vol.  vi,  p.  217. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  365 

You  can  not  have  had  more  cause  to  regret  the  coolness  that 
has  some  time  existed  between  us  than  myself.  The  cause  of  it  I 
never  suspected  until  informed  of  it  by  our  mutual  and  esteemed 
friend  Mr.  Fessenden,  some  four  years  since,  when  we  accident 
ally  met  at  the  Astor  House.  I  was  not  aware  of  the  letter  to 
which  you  allude,  addressed  by  me  as  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  Ways  &  Means  to  you  as  Secretary  of  State  which  you  deemed 
(and  no  doubt  truly)  disrespectful.  I  trust  you  will  believe  me 
when  I  say  that  nothing  of  the  kind  could  have  been  intended. 
My  duties  were  so  varied  and  laborious  that  I  was  compelled  to 
intrust  to  the  clerk  of  the  Committee  the  task  of  writing  the  let 
ters  to  the  departments,  from  general  directions.  He  generally 
wrote  them  after  the  adjournment  of  the  committee  for  the 
morning  and  while  the  house  was  in  session,  and  brought  them  to 
me  in  my  seat  for  my  signature.  I  had  seldom  time  to  do  more 
than  sign  without  reading  them;  and  in  this  way  the  accident 
must  have  occurred  of  sending  a  letter  which  never  would  have 
been  sent,  had  I  supposed  it  contained  a  word  or  phrase,  that 
could  by  any  possibility  have  been  tortured  into  seeming  disre 
spect. 

I  am  gratified  to  know  that  you  are  already  appraised  of  the 
substance  of  what  I  have  now  related,  and  to  be  assured  that  the 
explanation  is  satisfactory  and  that  I  still  enjoy  a  portion  of 
your  respect  and  esteem,  which  I  can  assure  you  I  value  very 
highly. 

I  am  frank  to  say  there  is  no  man  in  the  nation  for  whom  I 
have  entertained,  and  still  entertain,  so  high  a  regard.  My  re 
spect  has  bordered  upon  veneration,  and  my  esteem  upon  admira 
tion,  and  though  this  estrangement  to  which  you  allude,  has  pre 
vented  all  correspondence  and  intercourse,  yet  it  has  not  pre 
vented  me  from  noticing  and  admiring  your  uniform  high  and 
statesmanlike  course  in  the  Senate  which  has  uniformly  met  my 
entire  approval. 

I  sympathize  with  you  most  deeply  in  your  domestic  afflictions, 
and  would  that  it  was  in  my  power  to  offer  consolation,  but  that 
must  come  from  a  higher  source. 

I  write  in  much  haste  without  time  to  copy  and  beg  leave  to 
subscribe  myself 

Your  devoted  friend 

MlLLARD   FlLLMORE 


366  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

MONDAY  EVE'  May  15.  '48. 
My  Dear  Son: 

I  have  reed  yours  of  yesterday,  &  a  parcel  of  speeches  from 
Mr  Kingsbury,  which  I  have  franked,  &  shall  send  off  by  this 
mail. 

— It  will  give  me  pleasure  to  oblige  a  son  of  Mr  Shaw,  &  a 
daughter  of  Genl  Lyman;  &  I  shall  not  fail  to  remember  Col. 
Andrews. — 

I  cannot  comply  with  Mr.  Ketchum's  suggestion  to  frank  the 
"address."  It  would  be  out  of  character. 

— Whatever  I  can  properly  do,  I  am  ready  to  attempt ;  but  I 
must  maintain  an  elevated  position 

Yrs     D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

ASTOE  HOUSE  May  25.  48.  Thursday  mor'g 
Dear  Fletcher 

We  must  leave  Albany  to  Mr.  Ketchum,  or  to  chance. 

Mr  Clingman  M.  C.  is  here.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Conven 
tion.  He  says  if  a  Northern  Candidate  be  nominated  at  Balti 
more,  many  Southern  Whigs  will  see  the  necessity  of  nominating 
a  Northern  Whig,  at  Phila.  He  is  among  the  No.  I  rather 
think  he  has  some  preference,  not  very  decided — for  Genl  Scott. 

I  should  be  glad  to  see  you,  &  one  or  two  Boston  friends,  as 
soon  as  you  can  arrive,  leaving  Boston  when  your  trial  is  over. 

We  go  South  this  mor'g. 

Yrs     D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  June  8.  48. 
Dear  Fletcher; 

I  have  yrs  of  yesterday,  11  O  clock.  Before  you  receive  this, 
matters  will  be  all  over.  We  shall  get  a  Telegraphic  dispatch, 
doubtless,  this  P.  M. 

This  letter  to  Mr.  Blatchford  is  highly  important.  It  re 
spects  Marshfield.  If  he  be  not  gone,  put  it  immediately  in  his 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN 

hand.     If  he  shall  have  left,  direct  it  to  him  at  N.  Y.  without 
loss  of  time. 

Yrs  affectionately 
^^^  D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  June  10.  1848. 
My  Dear  Son; 

We  heard  all  the  news  yesterday ;  &  I  have  yours,  this  morn 
ing.1 

I  think  you  did  right  to  go  straight  home.  I  shall  get  away 
as  soon  as  I  can,  without  appearing  to  be  in  a  hurry. — 

As  to  the  future,  keep  entirely  quiet  till  I  see  you.  I  suppose 
there  will  be  an  emeute;  but  it  may  be  quite  a  question,  whether 
you  &  I,  &  our  particular  circle  of  friends  had  not  better  stand 
quite  aloof.  That  is  my  opinion,  at  present,  and  until  we  see 
into  things  farther  than  we  can  at  present.  There  will  probably 
be  enough  others  to  do  the  work.  At  any  rate,  nothing  can  be 
gained  by  sudden  action,  or  movement ;  &  therefore  by  no  means 
commit  me,  or  yourself,  or  our  especial  &  personal  friends,  till  we 
meet,  &  can  consult.  Mr.  Ketchum  advises  strongly  to  a  course 
like  this. 

Mr  Ashmun  has  not  reached  Washington,  nor  has  any  body 
else,  that  I  can  hear  of.  If  I  see  any  body,  I  will  write  you 
again  tomorrow. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

JUNE  16.  48. 
Dear  Fletcher 

I  have  looked  over  the  article  &  believe  I  wrote  a  great  part  of 
it ;  but  I  cannot  separate  what  I  wrote  from  what  I  did  not  write. 
What  makes  this  a  matter  of  any  interest? —  I  really  do  not 
comprehend — 

— I  cannot  get  away  before  Monday,  &  would  not  go  then,  but 

1  Refers  to  the  outcome  of  the  Whig  Convention  at  Philadelphia,  where 
General  Taylor  received  the  nomination  for  President.  See  Curtis'  "Life  of 
Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  339  et  seq.,  for  Webster's  action. 


368  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

from  Mr,  Frothinghams  relentless  pressing  about  his  mortgage  ; 
as  I  am  wanted  here  next  week,  to  keep  along  a  Bill  for  paying 
scrip  of  Mexico,  &c  —  But  Mr  F.  will  not  give  way,  even  for  a 
week  —  &  I  shall  therefore  leave  Monday  —  if  noth'g  further  be 
heard. 

Yrs  affectionately 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  Fletcher  WASHINGTON  June  16.  48. 

I  shall  endeavor  to  steer  my  Boat  with  discretion,  but  it  is  evi 
dent,  that  I  must  say  something,  or  else  it  will  be  said  for  me,  by 
others.  And  I  can  see  no  way,  but  acquiesence  in  Taylor's  nomi 
nation;  not  enthusiastic  support,  nor  zealous  affection;  but  ac 
quiescence,  or  forbearance  from  opposition.  This  is  in  accord 
ance  with  what  I  said  to  the  Whigs  in  Boston,  viz.  that  I  should 
not  recommend  Genl  Taylor  to  the  People,  for  President  ;  but  that 
if  he  were  fairly  nominated  by  a  Whig  Convention,  I  should  not 
oppose  the  nomination.  I  must  stand  here. 

This  northern  movement  will  come  to  nothing  respectable. 
Our  best  friends  in  Ohio  have  made  up  their  minds  to  support 
Genl  Taylor,  &  think  he  will  carry  the  State.  Mr.  Corwin,  who 
has  just  returned  from  that  State,  is  of  the  same  opinion.  In 
N.  Y.  there  seems  to  be  no  Whigs,  opposed  to  the  nomination, 
except  Mr.  Clay's  friends.  The  old  Abolition  party  will  adhere 
to  Mr  Hale. 

The  Barnburners  intend,  some  of  them  to  br'g  forward  Mr. 
Van  Buren  for  President,  &  Marcus  Morton  for  Vice  President. 
Others  nominate  Mr  Wilmot  for  President.  Meantime,  there  is 
certainly,  at  this  moment,  a  fire  spreading  for  the  Whig  nomina 
tion.  How  long  it  may  continue  to  burn,  I  cannot  say,  but  at 
this  moment  it  is  rather  fierce.  There  is  an  entire  confidence 
among  the  Whigs,  that  Taylor  will  be  chosen;  &  many  Demo 
crats  are  of  the  like  opinion. 

I  would  send  you  some  letters  I  have  reed,  if  it  were  not  for 
fear  of  accidental  discovery  or  publicity.  I  attach  no  great  im 
portance  to  them,  but  they  show,  to  some  extent,  what  is  the  true 
state  of  feel'g. 

We  set  forth,  Monday  Eve'. 

Yrs  affectionately 

D.  WEBSTER 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  369 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

My  Dear  Son ;  WASHINGTON  June  19—48 

I  am  sorry  that  I  cannot  see  my  way  clear  to  follow  your  advice, 
entirely.  It  appears  to  me  necessary,  that  I  should  express, 
publicly,  either  acquiescence,  or  dissatisfaction,  with  the  nomina 
tion.  I  have  already  said,  often  that  I  should  not  recommend  Genl 
Taylor;  but  I  have  said,  too,  always,  at  the  same  time,  that  I 
should  not  oppose  his  election  if  nominated.  Beyond  that,  I 
propose  to  say  nothing,  except  in  favor  of  the  general  Whig 
cause. 

These  Northern  proceedings  can  come  to  nothing  useful,  to 
you  or  to  me.  The  men  are  all  low,  in  their  objects.  The  aboli 
tionists  will  adhere  to  Mr.  Hale.  The  Barnburners  will  nominate 
Mr.  Niles.  If  the  Conscience  men,  at  Worcester,  were  to  ask  to 
put  me  on  their  Ticket,  what  w'd  it  all  come  to  ? —  I  could  not 
consent  to  that,  with  so  little  show  of  strength  as  they  now  put 
forth.  On  the  other  hand,  suppose  I  acquiesce  in  Genl  Taylor's 
nomination —  He  will,  or  will  not,  be  chosen —  If  chosen,  (as 
I  incline  to  think  he  will  be)  it  may  be  for  your  interests,  not  to 
have  opposed  him.  As  to  mine,  it  is  quite  indifferent.  I  have,  for 
myself  no  object  whatever. 

If  he  is  not  chosen,  things  can  stand  no  worse. 

Then,  on  the  general  ground;  it  seems  to  me  I  must  not,  in 
consistency,  abandon  the  support  of  Whig  principles.  My  own 
reputation  will  not  allow  of  this.  I  cannot  be  silent,  without 
being  reproached,  when  such  as  Cass  is  pressed  upon  the 
country — 

I  agree,  it  is  a  difficult  &  doubtful  question ;  but  I  think  the 
safest  way  is,  to  overlook  the  nomination,  as  not  being  the  main 
thing,  &  to  continue  to  maintain  the  Whig  cause. 

We  shall  see ;  but  I  think  we  shall  come  out  right. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 

I  take  the  cars  with  this. 

Take  care  of  these  letters,  <§•  keep  them  private. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

IN  THE  SENATE,  Monday  2.  O  clock.   (Aug.  6  1848) 
Dear  Fletcher 

I  have  talked  with  several  persons  this  morning.    Mr.  Grinnell, 


370  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

just  returned  from  N.  Bedford,  says,  the  Whigs,  generally,  & 
a  good  many  Democrats,  of  property,  will  vote  for  Gen.  T.1  to 
keep  out  Gen.  C.2 — thro  fear,  that  the  latter  will  bring  on  War, 
with  some  nation  or  another — 

— On  the  other  hand,  both  the  Senators  from  Pa.,  think  Genl 
T.  has  no  chance  in  Pa.  They  say  Cass  is  popular — &  party 
lines  strict,  &  well  observed.  I  shall  gather  up  opinions  here, 
&  write  you,  from  day  to  day,  &  write  you  daily,  till  I  leave 
for  home.  We  hear  a  rumor  of  a  meet'g  in  Boston,  Saturday 
Eve',  but  no  particulars.  I  suppose  it  is  a  mere  rumor.  Holding 
back,  for  the  present,  is  a  position,  not  without  its  advantages. 

Yrs  D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

PRIVATE. 

Dear  Fletcher.  SUNDAY  MORNING  (Aug.  13),  (1848). 

Somebody  is  needed  here,  of  sufficient  character  &  force  to  go 
directly  to  leading  Whigs  in  Congress,  from  the  South,  &  tell 
them  what  can  be  done  at  the  North,  &  what  cannot.  I  do 
trust  Mr  Stevenson,  with  others,  will  be  here  by  Thursday.  No 
time  should  be  lost,  if  it  be  possible  for  them  to  come. 

I  suppose  you  will  leave  Tuesday  P.  M. 

Yrs  D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

ASTOR  HOUSE,  Wednesday  £  Oclock.    [Aug.  16  1848]. 
Dear  F. 

I  have  got  on,  so  far ;  &  may  stay  here  a  day,  or  so,  to  rest, 
as  I  have  been  quite  feeble — a  better  air  today  brings  me  up  a 
little. 

I  found  yr  letter  at  Phila. —  I  have  made  no  speeches,  &  shall 
make  none.  Still,  I  hardly  understand  yr  earnestness  on  that 
subject.  Other  friends  do  not  write  in  that  strain. 

We  must  talk  the  matter  over.  I  feel,  every  day,  more  &  more 
inclined,  to  withdraw  altogether. 

Your  mother  is  well,  &  sends  her  love.  She,  too,  has  suffered 
from  the  heat. 

Affectionately 

D.  W. 

'  General  Taylor.  2  General  Cass. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  371 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

ASTOE  HOUSE  Wednesday  12.   [Aug.  16  1848] 
Dear  Fletcher 

I  reed  yours,  this  mor'g,  &  shall  endeavor  to  follow  your 
sagacious  advice. 

Mr.  K.  breakfasted  with  me  at  7  this  mor'g.  He  is  to  be 
in  this  House  till  June  7. — 

— I  have  talked  with  Mr  Grinnell,  Mr  Hoffman,  Mr  Nelson, 
&c.  &c.  &c. —  They  are  in  a  state  of  mind,  at  present,  which 
makes  it  important  to  consult  &  conciliate —  They  are  not  badly 
disposed.  They  are  going,  in  force,  to  Phila.  I  hope  you  will 
come  along  in  season,  with  other  Boston  friends,  &  see  them  here. 

I  hear  nothing  from  Albany. — but  will  write  you  again,  before 
leav'g  this  City. 

I  shall  go  tomorrow,  morning. 

Yrs  D.  W. 


(To  E.  Rockwood  Hoar.1) 

MARSHFIELD,  Aug.  23d,  1848. 
My  dear  Sir 

I  am  greatly  obliged  to  you,  for  your  kind  and  friendly  letter ; 
you  overrate,  I  am  sure,  the  value  of  my  speech,2  it  was  quite 
unpremeditated  and  its  merit  if  any  consists  I  presume  in  its 
directness  and  its  brevity.  It  mortified  me  to  see  that  some  of 
the  newspaper  writers  speak  of  it  as  the  "taking  of  a  position  " ; 
as  if  it  contained  something  new  for  me  to  say.  You  are  not 
one  of  them  my  dear  Sir  but  there  are  those  who  will  not  believe 
that  I  am  an  anti  slavery  man  unless  I  repeat  the  declaration 
once  a  week.  I  expect  they  will  soon  require  a  periodical  affidavit. 
You  know  that  as  early  as  1830  in  my  speech  on  Foote's  resolu 
tions,  I  drew  upon  me  the  anger  of  enemies,  and  a  regret  of 
friends  by  what  I  said  against  slavery,  and  I  hope  from  that  day 
to  this  my  conduct  has  been  consistent.  But  nobody  seems  to  be 
esteemed  to  be  worthy  of  confidence  who  is  not  a  new  convert. 
And  if  the  new  convert  be  as  yet  but  half  converted,  so  much  the 
better,  this  I  confess  a  little  tries  one's  patience.  But  I  can 

1  This  letter  is  the  property  of  the  Hon.  Geo.  F.  Hoar. 

8  Speech  on  "  TheExclusion  of  Slaveryfrom  the  Territories/'   See  "  Works," 
vol.  v,  p.  302. 


372  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

assure  you  in  my  own  case  it  will  not  either  change  my  principles 
or  my  conduct. 

It  is  utterly  impossible  for  me  to  support  the  Buffalo  nomina 
tion,  I  have  no  confidence  in  Mr.  VanBuren,  not  the  slightest.  I 
would  much  rather  trust  Genl.  Taylor  than  Mr.  VanBuren  even 
on  this  very  question  of  slavery,  for  I  believe  that  Genl.  Taylor 
is  an  honest  man  and  I  am  sure  he  is  not  so  much  committed  on 
the  wrong  side  as  I  know  Mr.  VanBuren  to  have  been  for  fifteen 
years.  I  cannot  concur  even  with  my  best  friends  in  giving  the 
lead  in  a  great  question  to  a  notorious  opponent  to  the  Cause, 
besides  there  are  other  great  interests  of  the  Country  in  which 
you  and  I  hold  Mr.  VanBuren  to  be  essentially  wrong,  and  it 
seems  to  me  that  in  consenting  to  form  a  party  under  him  Whigs 
must  consent  to  bottom  their  party  on  one  idea  only,  and  also  to 
adopt  as  the  Representative  of  that  idea  a  head  chosen  on  a 
strange  emergency  from  among  its  steadiest  opposers.  It  gives 
me  pain  to  differ  from  Whig  friends  whom  I  know  to  be  as 
much  attached  to  universal  liberty  as  I  am,  and  they  cannot  be 
more  so.  I  am  grieved  particularly  to  be  obliged  to  differ  in 
anything  from  yourself  and  your  excellent  father,  for  both  of 
whom  I  have  cherished  such  long  and  affectionate  regards.  But  I 
cannot  see  it  to  be  my  duty  to  join  in  a  secession  from  the  Whig 
party  for  the  purpose  of  putting  Mr.  VanBuren  at  the  head  of 
the  Government.  I  pray  you  to  assure  yourself,  my  dear  Sir,  of 
my  continued  esteem  and  attachment,  and  remember  me  kindly 
and  cordially  to  your  father.1 

Your's  etc. 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

PRIVATE. 

THURSDAY  2  O  clock  [Sept.  1  1848] 
Dear  F. 

I  see  no  way  but  to  f  all  in — &  acquiesce —  The  run  is  all  that 
way.  We  can  do  no  good  by  holding  out. —  We  shall  only 
isolate  ourselves —  Northern  opposition  is  too  small  &  narrow 
to  rely  on — 

I  must  say  something,  somewhere,  soon. —    My  purpose  is,  to 

1  Was  a  Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  in  1869  became  Attorney-General 
under  Grant. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  373 

enlarge  on  the  necessity  of  a  change  of  Administration,  to  say 
something  of  the  North,  &  its  expectations  —  &,  on  the  whole, 
to  express  a  hope  for  Taylor  —  I  must  either  do  this,  or  go 
right  into  opposition. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON.  Tuesday  noon  Deer  26.  48. 
My  Dear  Son  ; 

My  rheumatism  seems  going  off,  &  I  hope  to  get  away,  either 
this  afternoon  or  tomorrow.  I  have  written  Mr.  Geo.  T.  Curtis 
not  to  let  the  Patent  cause  wait  for  me. 

Saving  &  excepting  a  stiff  back,  I  am  quite  well.  I  suppose 
I  took  cold,  in  the  Court  room,  on  Friday.  When  I  finished, 
the  heat  was  suffocat'g,  the  thermometer  being  at  90.  The  Court 
immediately  adjourned  —  all  the  doors  &  windows  were  opened, 
&  the  damp  air  rushed  in.  I  did  all  I  could  to  protect  myself. 
It  was  just  such  an  exposure,  which  caused  Mr  Pinckney's 
death.  He  had  been  arguing,  against  me,  the  cause  arising  on 
Gov.  Dudley's  will,  the  first  case,  I  think  in  10  or  11.  Wheaton. 
He  came  into  court  next  morning,  pale  as  a  Ghost;  —  spoke  to 
me,  went  to  his  lodgings  at  Browns,  &  never  again  went  out 
alive. 

I  argued  my  cause  well  enough,  &  if  I  were  not  always 
unlucky,  now  adays,  in  such  cases,  I  should  think  I  saw  a  glim 
mering  of  success.  But  tho'  we  shall  get  4  Judges,  I  fear  we 
may  not  a  5th. 

Yrs  affectionately. 

I  am  reading  Lord  Campbells  Lives  of  the  Lord  Chancellors. 
If  you  have  credit  enough,  run  in  debt  for  the  Book,  &  read  it 
the  first  thing  you  do.  —  Do  this,  careful  &  thoroughly,  &  you 
will  imbibe  a  new  love  for  legal  studies. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

MONDAY  2  O  clock. 
[Feb.  1849] 
Dear  F. 

Nobody  can  tell  what  will  be  done  with  the  License  laws,  so 


374  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

great  is  the  difference  of  opinion  on  all  these  subjects  on  the 
Bench.     My  own  opinion  is; 

that  the  License  laws  will  be  sustained  ;x 
that  the  passenger  law  of  Mass2  will  not  be  sustained. 
This,  however,  is  opinion  merely. 

We  are  just  break'g  ground  in  the  Senate,  on  the  war,  the 
acquisition  of  territory,  &c.  Mr  Calhoun  will  probably  come  out 
tomorrow. —  I  shall  say  someth'g  anon;  but  for  14  days  I  have 
been  sitt'g  here,  in  Court  4  /.  hours  every  day.  We  hope  to  beat 
our  adversaries  in  the  Luther  (?)  case. 

Yrs  truly 

D.  W. 
All  well.  

(To  Peter  Harvey.  (?) 

SUNDAY  MORNING,  8  o'clock.    [Feb.  1849.] 
My  Dear  Sir — 

I  passed  half  an  hour  last  evening  with  General  Taylor.  He 
was  pleasant  and  social  enough  and  by  no  means  of  such  a  harsh 
and  stern  countenance  as  the  pictures  represent  him.  Our  con 
versation  was  general.  He  said  nothing  to  me  or  I  to  him  of 
cabinet  appointments.  It  was  said  last  night  that  he  had 
signified  his  purpose  to  decide  nothing  for  two  or  three  days. 
The  last  rumor  gives  Mr.  Binney  to  the  treasury  and  Mr.  Law 
rence  to  the  navy.  I  am  perfectly  satisfied  it  was  arranged  some 
time  ago  with  Mr.  Crittenden  that  Mr.  Lawrence  should  come 
into  the  cabinet  if  Mr.  C.  could  put  him  there.  Everything  in 
dicates  this.  It  is  not  unlikely  that  the  end  may  be  accom 
plished.  Everybody  of  sense  and  character  here  is  the  other 
way  of  thinking,  but  I  fear  that  Mr.  Crittenden's  opinions  and 
views  will  not  be  easily  overcome  by  all  that  others  can  say  and 
do.  General  Taylor  means  well,  but  he  knows  little  of  public 
affairs  and  the  life  of  a  public  man.  He  feels  that  he  must  rely 
on  somebody — that  he  must  have  counsel  even  in  the  appointment 
of  his  counsellors,  and  regarding  Mr.  Crittenden  as  a  fast  per 
sonal  friend  he  feels  safest  in  his  hands.  This,  I  think,  is  the 
present  state  of  things.  What  may  be  the  result  I  do  not 
:know,  and  it  would  be  idle  to  conjecture.  The  various  cliques 
with  their  committees  and  debating  are  around  him  in  force. 

1  See  Howard's  Reports,  vol.  v,  p.  504.  9  Ibid.,  vol.  vii,  p.  283, 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  375 

Of  course   they   feel   different  ways.      The   main   hope   for   a 
favorable  issue  of  things  must  be  that  in  this  scrambling  he  may 
lean  to  the  judgment  of  his  secretary  of  state. 
You  had  better  burn  this  letter. 

Yours  truly, 

D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

PRIVATE. 

MONDAY  EVE,  Mar.  26,  '49. 
Dear  Fletcher 

Things  go  badly.  It  turns  out,  that  the  President,  sometime 
ago,  I  know  not  how  long  since,  promised  the  office  of  Dis. 
Atty.  to  Mr  Lunt.  As  far  as  I  can  learn,  this  promise  was 
extorted  by  Mr.  Gentry,  &  other  members  of  the  Philadelphia 
Convention.  I  saw  the  President,  today,  &  he  said  he  had  made 
the  promise.  He  said  at  the  same  time  that  he  meant  to  do 
something  for  Mr  Fletcher  Webster.  I  told  him,  at  once,  that 
Mr.  L.  was  not  fitted  for  the  office,  by  his  Professional  standing ; 
that  I  said  that,  upon  my  responsibility,  I  should  stand  to  it.  He 
said  he  should  bring  the  matter  before  the  Cabinet;  &  if  the 
Cabinet  was  not  satisfied  with  Mr  Lunts  qualifications,  he  would 
not  be  appointed.  He  expressed  himself  entirely  satisfied  with 
your  testimonials,  &  had  noth'g  to  object,  but  his  promise.  I 
repeated  my  opinion  of  Mr  L's  want  of  qualification,  &  said  I 
should  probably  express  that  opinion,  in  writing,  &  lay  it  before 
the  Cabinet. 

Thereupon,  we  parted,  I  afterwards  saw  Mr  Clayton,  &  Mr 
Ewing.  As  far  as  I  could  judge,  they  knew  noth'g  of  his 
promise.  Mr.  Ewing  thought  I  had  better  suggest  delay,  &  see 
what  could  be  proved  agt.  Mr.  Lunt's  qualification.  For  the 
moment,  I  was  rather  inclined  to  adopt  that  course;  but,  on 
reflection,  think  it  not  consistent  with  my  character — 

The  President  has  seen  your  testimonials.  He  is  satisfied 
with  them.  He  knows  my  wishes.  He  knows  my  opinion  of  Mr. 
Lunt's  qualifications ; —  And  there  I  shall  leave  the  matter,  with 
out  seeking  for  statements,  or  affidavits,  against  Mr  Lunt.—  I 
shall  see  Mr  Clayton,  &  Mr  Ewing,  in  the  morning ;  &  authorize 
them  to  say,  in  Cabinet  Council,  what  I  said  to  the  President. — 
He  will  then  take  his  own  course —  I  shall  ask  for  no  time,  nor 
for  any  thing  else.  Something  was  said  by  somebody  about  a, 


376  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

"  charge  ship  for  you,"  To  which  I  answered,  you  sought  no 
such  employment.  In  the  meantime,  Mr  Rantoul's  resignation 
is  in  my  pocket.  I  shall  enclose  this  to  Mr  Curtis,  &  ask  him  to 
read  it,  &  then  forward  it  to  you.  I  shall  charge  him  to  show  it 
to  no  human  being,  &  I  charge  you,  not  to  communicate  it,  even 
to  your  wife,  or  to  Healey.  Keep  every  thing  to  yourself.  They 
may  find  something  else  to  satisfy  Mr  Lunt.  Let  them  take 
their  own  course.  I  shall  ask  nothing,  for  you,  or  myself —  Of 
course,  I  will  write  you  again,  tomorrow: — to  accompany  this, 
&  perhaps  thro  the  same  channel. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Mar.  29.  '49.  1/2  past  2  O  clock. 
My  Dear  Son. 

Mr  Seward  has  seen  the  President  again  today.  He  says  the 
President  expresses  very  friendly  feelings — that  nothing  is  in  the 
way  but  that  unlucky  promise —  He  says  that  promise  was  made 
to  some  Massachusetts  people,  as  well  as  others.  I  have  no  doubt 
A.  L.  has  had  a  hand  in  the  whole  matter.  The  President  said 
he  would  see  if  nothing  else  could  be  found  satisfactory  to  Mr 
Lunt,  &  his  friends.  If  not,  then  something  should  be  found 
for  you.  He  repeated,  that  if  well  founded  objections  to  Mr 
Lunts  legal  &  Professional  qualifications  appeared,  they  would 
be  decisive. 

I  think  Mr  Ashmun  would  join  in  a  letter  to  the  President, 
confidential,  urging  that  Mr  Lunt's  standing  at  the  Bar  did  not 
justify  the  appointment.  Mr  Choate  ought  to  join,  but  suppose 
he  is  too  timid.  What  would  Joseph  Bell,  Prest.  of  Senate,  & 
F.  B.  Crowningshield,  Speaker  of  the  H.  of  R.  say,  to  joining 
in  a  confidential  letter?  Or  any  other  respectable  person,  known 
here. 

I  shall  remain  here  for  better  weather.  We  are  in  the  midst 
of  a  violent  snow  storm. 

Yrs  affectionately 

D.  W. 

Last  night  I  felt  not  a  little  disturbed.     Today  I  feel  better. 
By  all  means,  observe  absolute  silence  &  secrecy. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  377 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WEDNESDAY  1  O  clock  Mar.  28.  '49. 
My  Dear  Son 

It  has  rained  all  the  morning,  like  a  torrent,  &  I  have  not  been 
out  of  the  House. —  Nor  have  I  heard  a  syllable  since  I  wrote 
you  last,  yesterday. 

Mr.  Winthrop,  as  you  know,  has  certified  that  Mr  Dexter,  Mr. 
Lor'g,  &  Mr  C.  P.  Curtis,  constitute  the  very  front  rank  of  the 
Boston  Bar. 

Now,  if  some  of  these  Gentlemen  would  join  Mr  Ashmun  in  a 
private  &  confidential  letter,  saying  that  Mr  Lunts  professional 
standing  is  not  what  it  should  be,  for  so  important  an  office,  & 
in  which  he  is  to  meet  such  able  opponents,  I  incline  to  think  it 
would  settle  the  matter.  Something  else  would  then  be  found 
for  Mr  Lunt. 

Indeed,  I  very  much  wish  that  Mr  Ashmun  &  Mr  Curtis 
would  come  on  here. 

Can  you  suggest  this  to  Mr  Ashmun? —  He  might  look  a 
little  after  his  Brothers  matter. 

Tell  Mr  Healey  that  his  friend  S.  J.  T.  will  abide,  for  the 
present. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

TUESDAY  MOR'G  10  Oclock — [March  29  '49]. 
My  Dear  Son 

I  did  not  mention  in  my  letter  last  night  that  Gov.  Seward,  who 
has  been  extremely  kind,  went  with  me,  yesterday  to  the  Presi 
dent.  I  staid  in  the  Ante  Room,  while  he  went  in,  &  spoke  to 
him.  I  then  went  into  pay  my  respects,  &  Mr.  Seward  &  I  came 
out  together.  While  going  down  stairs,  he  told  me  the  result 
of  his  interview.  I  then  went  back,  alone,  &  spoke  to  the  Presi 
dent;  expressed  my  regret,  &  disappointment;  &  added,  that  in 
my  opinion  Mr  Lunt  was  not  fit  for  the  office.  He  then  stated, 
that  he  had  befcn  induced  to  promise  it  to  him,  by  the  urgency  of 
members  of  the  Phila.  Convention —  That  he  must,  in  compli 
ance  with  his  word,  bring  his  name  before  the  Cabinet,  that  if  the 
Cabinet  thought  him  not  qualified,  he  should  make  another  nomi- 


378  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

nation.  I  then  went  to  Mr  Clayton  &  Mr  Ewing.  Mr  Clayton 
said  at  once,  it  was  Mr  Gentry's  doings.  Mr.  Ewing  thought  I 
had  better  ask  for  a  postponement,  for  a  month,  to  be  able  to  show 
Mr  Lunts  unfitness —  At  first,  I  thought  I  would  do  this :  but 
have  altered  my  mind,  &  wrote  a  note  this  morning  to  Mr  Clayton 
to  the  following  effect. 

viz. 

That  I  wish  him  to  communicate  to  the  other  members  of  the 
Cabinet  the  opinion  which  I  expressed  to  the  President,  &  to  him, 
respecting  Mr  Lunt's  qualification  for  the  office ; 

also, 

Requesting  him  to  inform  the  President,  and  the  Cabinet,  that 
I  was  authorized  to  say,  that  Mr  Choate  would  take  the  office,  if 
offered  to  him.  I  did  this  to  raise,  a  plain  question,  viz.  whether 
the  President  would  prefer  Mr  Lunt,  not  on  account  of  Massa 
chusetts  support,  but  on  account  of  Tennessee  &  Louisiana  sup 
port,  to  Mr  Choate.  Mr  Seward  has  now  gone  up  with  this  let 
ter,  &  I  should  not  be  surprised,  if  he  should  show  it  also  to  the 
President,  for  he,  Mr  Seward,  is  very  thoroughly  friendly,  & 
Persevering. 

The  President  gave  to  Mr.  Seward,  as  I  believe  I  stated  last 
Eve',  the  same  reason  for  his  promise,  which  he  gave  to  me ;  that 
is,  the  application  of  members  of  the  Phila.  Convention. 

I  have  little  doubt  the  matter  will  be  postponed,  for  some  time. 
And  if  plump  &  strong  declarations  from  authentic  quarters 
could  be  produced,  agt.  Mr  Lunt's  fitness,  on  the  direct  ground  of 
want  of  sufficiently  high  standing  at  the  Bar,  the  members  of  the 
Cabinet,  I  have  no  doubt,  would  all  be  glad  to  reject  him.  A 
confidential  letter,  to  this  effect,  from  any  judge,  or  other  source, 
to  the  President  or  Mr  Clayton,  I  presume  would  produce  the 
effect.  But  whether  any  such  thing  can  be  obtained,  I  know 
not — 

I  shall  cause  it  to  be  suggested,  that  it  will  be  much  easier  to 
find  a  charge'ship,  or  something  else,  for  Mr  Lunt,  than  to  find 
any  other  office  than  this,  for  you  to  take — 

I  send  these  letters  thro  Mr  Curtis,  in  order  that  having  read 
them,  he  may  forward  them,  together  with  his  advice;  or,  if  he 
can,  that  may  run  down  to  Boston  for  a  day  &  see  you. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL,  WEBSTER 

I  shall  remain  here,  sometime. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  379 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

APRIL,  12.  '49.  Thursday  mor'g — 6  O  clock. 
Dear  Fletcher 

I  wrote  you  a  hurried  line  yesterday.  As  nothing  more  was 
expected  from  Boston,  I  thought  it  best  to  go  &  see  the  Presi 
dent.  He  seemed  in  good  humour,  &  we  talked  the  matter  over. 
The  thing  had  not  been  before  the  Cabinet.  He  had  not  seen 
the  letter,  respecting  Mr  Lunts  Professional  standing,  but  had 
heard  there  were  such.  He  said  he  had  been  assured  he  was 
competent,  &  therefore  made  the  promise.  I  told  him  I  thought 
it  would  be  well,  if  it  could  be  done,  to  avoid  raising  such  a  ques 
tion  before  the  Cabinet,  &  afterwards  before  the  Senate.  That  it 
wd  be  better  to  give  Mr  Lunt  something  else,  if  there  were  any 
thing  which  would  satisfy  him  &  his  friends.  He  assented  to 
that.  He  said  he  had  told  all  the  Cabinet,  what  he  had  told  me, 
that  he  intended  to  give  someth'g  to  Mr.  F.  W.  We  then  spoke 
of  the  Marshalship.  He  said  that  was  not  promised,  that  he 
knew  of,  &  he  would  ask  Mr  Ewing  to  look  up  the  papers.  I 
stated  the  reasons  why  you  preferred  the  other  office,  but  said  I 
should  be  satisfied  with  any  thing,  not  disparaging,  which  should 
arrange  all  interests.  At  this  stage  of  the  conversation  Mr 
Ewing  came  in.  We  continued  the  conversation.  Mr  Ewing 
said  he  must  leave  the  City  on  Monday,  to  go  to  Ohio  for  his 
family,  &  should  be  gone  a  fortnight,  and  could  not  possibly  take 
up  this  subject  before  his  departure.  We  had  a  good  deal  of 
further  conversation ;  &  it  was  finally  agreed  that  the  thing 
should  rest,  till  Mr  Ewing  returned,  &  until  I  went  to  Boston. 
So  it  stands,  Mr  Johnson  spoke  to  Mr  Ewing  on  the  subject,  in 
the  morning,  &  asked  who  were  candidates  for  the  Marshalship. 
Mr  Ewing  said  he  did  not  know  &  did  not  care.  I  presume  his 
inclination  is  fixed.  So  is  Mr  Johnsons :  &  I  look  for  no  oppo 
sition  in  the  Cabinet. 

Now — I  think  one  or  the  other  may  be  had,  &  ought  to  be  made 
certain.  I  do  not  know  who  are  candidates  for  the  Marshall's 
office.  But  it  is  best  to  be  strong,  if  we  are  obliged  to  go  for 
that.  I  recommend  that  Mr  Healey,  &  other  friends  get  up  a 
strong  paper,  signed  by  the  Electors,  &  members  of  Congress,  & 
some  other  well  known  men.  It  might  be  somewhat  after  the  en 
closed  form.  Mr  Fearing  should  sign  &  add  "Electors"  &c. — 
There  should  be  twenty  or  thirty  strong  names.  It  wd  not  be  amiss 
to  have  this  done,  right  off. —  Then,  when  I  get  home.  I  will 


380  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

see  whether  Mr  Lunt  will  take  some  thing  else,  &  leave  the  Atty's 
place  to  you ;  &  if  not,  we  will  see  what  is  next  to  be  done.  Let 
us  secure  the  Marshalship.  That  will  be  a  great  office  for  you. 
Its  duties  may  be  performed  very  much  by  Deputy —  You  can 
practice  in  the  State  Courts,  &  so  keep  your  hand  in,  in  the 
Law — 

Now,  take  my  advice — &  let  such  a  paper  be  signed.  Begin 
with  Mr  Fearing,  &  let  him  go  to  Mr  Livermore — get  the  names 
of  members  of  Congress,  where  you  can.  Let  there  be  weight 
enough  to  satisfy  the  President,  over  all  other  comers. — 

I  am  going  to  Norfolk,  to  return  in  a  few  days — say  abt  the 
18 — &  on  the  23. 1  hope  to  leave  for  home. 

I  am  glad  your  wife  &  children  are  all  safe  at  Marshfield. 

The  true  policy,  in  regard  to  your  office,  now  is  to  keep  still — 
&  go  on  &  get  strong  names —  It  is  said  Mr  L.  has  written  let 
ters,  full  of  indignation  at  the  delay. 

Yrs  affectionately — 

D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

MONDAY  MOE'G  April  16.  '49 
My  Dear  Son 

Mr  Lunt,  I  take  it,  is  a  cross-grained  person,  &  at  the  present 
moment,  probably,  particularly  sour,  &  angry.  He  is  doubtless 
a  difficult  subject,  for  negotiation —  Yet,  he  sees  that  delay  has 
occurred,  &  will  find  more  occurring. 

If  he  has  much  sense,  (which  may  be  doubted)  he  will  see  that 
he  may  encounter  difficulties  in  the  Cabinet,  &  more  in  the  Senate. 
Possibly,  these  considerations  might  lead  him  to  think  of  some 
other  place,  if  there  was  any  channel  of  communication,  through 
which  useful  suggestion  could  be  made  to  reach.  I  know,  my 
self,  nothing  of  his  associations.  You  can  think  of  these 
things. —  I  wish  you  to  continue  to  write  to  me,  as  usual,  until 
you  hear  from  me  to  the  contrary  as  my  letters  will  be  forwarded. 

It  is  dreadful  cold — ice  last  night  a  line  thick. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  381 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

MONDAY — 2  O  clock  April  2.  (1849). 
My  Dear  Son 

Mr  Ashmun  has  written  me  an  excellent  letter.  Mr.  Winthrop 
a  very  fair  letter,  in  favor  of  Mr  Geo.  T.  Curtis,  if  you  are  out 
of  the  way — not  otherwise. 

— You  will  not  be  out  of  the  way.  Mr  Johnson  has  written 
Mr  Choate.  If  Mr  Choate's  letter  comes  strong  &  plump,  it  will 
settle  the  matter.  But  he  should  not  only  speak  strong  as  to  Mr 
Lunt's  want  of  standing  &  qualification,  but  should  go  strongly 
for  you.  He  does  no  good — to  any  body — &  only  harm  to  you, 
by  holding  out  any  hope,  or  giving  any  assistance  to  Mr  Brin- 
ley — 

Yrs     D.  WEBSTER 


TUESDAY  April  3.  [1849]  12  O  clock 
My  Dear  Son 

I  hardly  know  whether  I  have  much  to  say  today.  I  told  you 
Mr  Johnson  had  written  Mr.  Choate. 

I  have  reason  to  think  Mr  Brinley  is  sick  of  his  position,  &  will 
help  us,  if  he  can.  Mr  Evans  will  also  have  a  free  talk  with  Mr 
Ewing.  I  trust  we  may  weather  the  storm ;  but  wd  not  have  had 
so  much  anxiety  for  any  thing  in  the  world,  connected  with  my 
self.  We  are  all  pretty  well.  The  claimants  under  the  Mexi 
can  Treaty  are  coming  in  upon  me,  thick,  to  take  charge  of  their 
claims.  They  think  I  am  a  rising  young  man. 

We  have  no  Boston  mail  today,  but  shall  hear  from  you  to 
morrow,  &  know  all  that  has  been,  as  yet,  done  in  Boston. 

Mr  Choates  answer  we  shall  look  for  on  Thursday. 
Yrs,  My  Dear  son,  always  affectionately 

D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WEDNESDAY  1  O  clock.  [Apr.  1849] 
My  Dear  Son; 

I  have  your  two  notes  of  Monday,  and,  as  the  Merchants  say, 
"note   contents."     Tomorrow,   I   presume,   we  shall  hear  from 


382 

Mr.  Choate  &  others,  &  then, 
can  be  done. 

It  looks  to  me,  at  present,  as  if  Mr  Lunt  could  not  be  ap 
pointed.  But  I  cannot  tell  what  may  happen.  I  shall  be  glad 
when  the  business  is  over,  for  it  has  worried  me,  prodigiously. 

Yrs  affectionately 

D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

THURSDAY  3  O  clock  [Apr.  1849] 
My  Dear  Son 

A  letter  has  come  from  Mr.  C. — but  I  have  none  from  you, 
except  one  about  Gloucester  matters —  I  do  not  hear  of  letters 
from  Mr  Fearing  etc — but  have  not  inquired.  I  suppose  they 
must  have  come — Mr  Evans  will  give  a  strong  letter,  &  also  speak 
personally. 

I  do  not  know  what  will  be  the  result,  but  it  will  be  difficult 
to  appoint  Mr  Lunt — 

He  ought  to  be  persuaded,  if  he  has  any  friends,  to  go  for 
some  other  place. 

Yrs  affectionately 

.  D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

PRIVATE. 

SUNDAY  MOR'G. 
Dear  Fletcher, 

I  have  yours  of  Friday.  Mr.  Johnson  was  to  see  the  Presi 
dent,  yesterday,  &  see  if  he  could  arrange  for  a  conversation  on 
your  subject,  tomorrow —  I  suppose  he  saw  him;  but  he  went 
immediately  to  Baltimore,  before  I  heard  the  result. 

Mr.  Evans  is  taking  an  active  &  friendly  part ;  but  I  do  not 
know  whether  any  thing  will  change  the  Presidents  purpose.  I 
think  not.  I  presume  that  Lunt  writes  directly  to  the  President, 
&  tells  40  lies  about  us  all — 

Whether  he  would  give  you  the  Marshall's  office  I  cannot  say. 
But  I  feel  as  if  we  should  be  obliged  to  take  hold  of  Mexican 
claims,  &  passenger  taxes,  &  get  some  money.  I  will  take  care 
of  the  first,  if  you  will  push  the  last — 

— I  will  keep  you  informed;  tho'  I  am  quite  doubtful  as  to 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  383 

having  any  good  news — only  think  of  Mr  Clayton's  appointing 
M-L.  Davis  Express  Agent  at  N.  Y. ! 

Yrs     D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

SUNDAY  2  O  clock 
DearF 

Mr  E.  is  quite  hopeful  of  your  affairs — much  more  than  I 
am.  The  difficulty — ^&  the  only  difficulty — is  the  promise — Mr 
Lawrence  can  do  no  harm  now.  It  is  the  promise.  If  the  Presi 
dent  cannot  fairly  extract  himself  from  that,  he  will  fulfil  it,  at  all 
hazards,  as  I  suppose.  We  shall  see  in  a  day  or  two — 

=====  D<  W> 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

PRIVATE. 

APRIL  11  [1849]  Wednesday 
My  Dear  Son; 

I  have  been  to  H.  Q.  (  ?) —  You  will  have  one,  or  the  other — 
I  am  sure  of  that —  But  nothing  will  be  done,  till  I  get  home^ 
Keep  the  Peace,  profoundly —  Mr  Ewing  is  ftatfooted.  I  will 
write,  at  more  leisure  tomorrow.  I  dare  not  trust  the  wires — 

Yrs  affectionately 
^^^  D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

THURSDAY  2  O  clock  [1849]  .  . 
My  Dear  Son; 

The  Superintendence  of  Attys  &  marshalls  is  transferred  to 
the  Home  Dept. —  That  is  favorable.  I  have  seen  Mr  Ewing, 
&  Mr  Reverdy  Johnson,  today.  It  looks,  now,  as  if  some  agree 
able  result  might  be  arrived  at.  Pray  keep  entirely  still — $• 
silent.  Gov.  Seward  is  going  to  N.  York,  &  I  think  he  will  run 
down  to  Boston.  He  proposed,  of  his  own  accord,  to  do  so.  I 
shall  write  to  you  every  day,  also  to  Mr  Curtis — 

Keep  absolutely  silent  Mr  Lunt  has  gone  home.  — We  are 
sure  of  time  enough  to  arrange  things. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 


384  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

SUNDAY  2  O  clock  (1849) 
My  Dear  Son: 

I  reed.  Mr  Curtis  despatch  yesterday,  &  answered  it.  I  be 
lieve  somebody  will  write  to  somebody  today. —  Yet  it  would 
have  been  better  if  Mr  Choate  &  others  had  come  forward,  with 
out  waiting  to  be  written.  There  came  word  to  me  today,  from 
some  subordinate  official  quarter,  that  the  Marshalship  was  a 
better  office  than  the  Attorney  ship — that  Mr  F.  W.  might  have 
it ;  &  if  he  wd  not  take  it,  Mr  Lunt  must.  I  do  not  know  how 
high  the  spring  was,  from  which  this  rumour,  or  suggestion, 
proceeded. 

In  point  of  profit,  no  doubt,  the  Marshalship  is  worth  twice 
as  much  as  the  other  office.  It  is  especially  important,  just  now 
as  the  Census  is  to  be  taken — &  many  assistants,  of  course,  ap 
pointed. 

There  seems  to  be  no  Boston  mail  today.  I  have  no  letter,  but 
hope  to  hear  tomorrow.  I  think,  that  some  how,  things  will 
work  themselves  clear —  If  not,  you  must  go  to  work,  &  cut 
your  own  fodder ;  &  I  shall  be  relieved  from  a  good  deal  of  labor 
&  responsibility. 

Give  my  love  to  Mr  Curtis.  I  fear  he  suffers  from  his  kind 
ness.  — Remember  me  also  to  Gov.  S.  if  with  you. 

Yrs  affectionately 

D.  W. 

Your  mother  sends  her  love. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

BALTIMORE,  Tuesday,  April  24.  49. 
My  Dear  Son 

I  arrived  here  from  Norfolk  this  morning,  &  shall  go  North 
tomorrow ;  &  hope  to  be  in  Boston,  Saturday  Eve'g. 

You  will  have  considered  what  it  will  be  best  to  do,  in  your 
case.  Mr  Ewing  will  return,  I  suppose,  sometime  next  week ;  & 
on  his  return  the  matter  must  be  settled,  I  suppose,  some  way. 
My  opinion  is,  that  if  we  can,  we  must  persuade  Mr  Fearing  to 
go  Washington,  taking  Mr  Harvey  with  him. 

I  have  no  hope  that  Mr.  Lunt  will  come  into  any  arrangement. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  385 

I  trust  you  will  have  made  up  your  mind  on  what  will  be  a  proper 
course  by  the  end  of  this  week.  I  wish  Mr  Ashmun  would  go  to 
Washington. 

I  must  return  to  Washington  the  1st  of  June. 
Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  F  [SPRING  OF  1849  ?]  Sunday  P.  M. 

Depend  on  it,  Mr  Hudson's  letter  will  make  a  great  noise  here, 
&  be  run  thro  all  changes,  in  both  Houses.  Genl  Taylor  places 
almost  all  his  removals,  on  the  ground  of  interfering  with  poli 
tics.  I  never  knew  so  rash  a  proceed'g. 

I  am  a  little  rheumatic  today. 

^^^  Yrs     D.  W 

(To  Thomas  Ewmg.) 

My  Dear  Sir ;  BOSTON  Ma?  lst  1849' 

I  do  not  find,  on  inquiry,  that  Mr.  Lunt  has,  as  yet,  manifested 
any  disposition  to  waive  his  claim  to  the  office  of  District  Attor 
ney  for  Massachusetts.  He  states,  that  the  President  made  a 
promise,  some  time  ago,  to  give  him  that  office;  &  that  he  is  in 
clined  to  insist  on,  or  that  he  expects,  the  performance  of  that 
promise. 

It  is  extremely  painful  for  me  to  oppose  whatever  the  Presi 
dent  feels  bound  to  do,  or  to  make  the  performance  of  his 
promises  disagreeable,  or  unpleasant  to  him,  by  any  act  of 
mine.  He,  &^his  cabinet  have  already  the  means  of  knowing, 
pretty  well,  the  state  of  things,  &  the  state  of  opinion,  in  Massa 
chusetts,  in  regard  to  this  appointment. 

The  bearer  of  this  is  the  Honorable  Albert  Fearing,  late  Whig 
Elector  for  this  county.  No  man  understands  our  political 
affairs  here  better  than  he  does,  &  no  man  enjoys,  in  a  higher 
degree,  the  confidence  of  the  Whigs  of  this  State.  He  will  seek 
an  opportunity  to  see  you,  and  will  be  glad,  also,  to  have  a 
personal  conversation  with  the  President. 

I  am,  My  Dear  Sir,  with  very  true  regard 

Yours  always 

DANL,  WEBSTER. 


LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(Memorandum . ) 

[MAY  1  1849] 

Mr.  Fearing  will  know,  very  well,  what  to  say  to  the  President ; 
but,  among  other  things,  he  may,  perhaps,  in  his  discretion  state ; 
That  there  has  been  a  general  expectation,  &  wish,  that  F.  W. 
should  be  appointed  Dist.  Atty. 

That  he  is  generally  acceptable  to,  &  popular  with,  the  Whigs 
of  Boston,  (if  Mr.  F.  thinks  so)  &  that  the  leading  men  of  the 
Bar,  (Mr  Loring,  Mr  Dexter,  Mr  Curtis,  Mr  Simmons  &c) 
recommend  him. —  That  there  is  a  prevailing  opinion,  at  the 
Bar,  &  with  the  public,  that  Mr  L's  professional  standing  is  not 
such  as  to  make  it  proper  to  appoint  him  to  that  office — 

— That  a  great  majority  of  the  Boston  Bar,  &  nearly  all  the 
leading  members  are  Whigs,  &  took  an  active  &  efficient  part,  in 
Genl  Taylor's  Election. 

— That  it  is  supposed  many  of  them  might  feel  dissatisfied, 
with  the  comparison  which  the  public  might  naturally  draw,  from 
Mr.  Lunt's  being  selected,  in  preference  to  some  of  themselves. 

— That  there  is  no  Whig  who  has  been  thought  of,  as  a  Candi 
date,  (unless  Mr  Brinly  be  an  exception)  who  has  not  expressed 
his  entire  readiness  to  stand  out  of  the  way,  if  Mr  F.  W.  is  a 
candidate. 

— That  it  might  be  naturally  supposed,  that  if — Mr  Lunt 
understood,  that  the  case  gave  the  President  embarrassment,  he 
would,  at  once,  take  some  other,  &  better  place — 

— That  it  is  highly  important,  &  desirable,  to  the  Whigs  of 
Boston,  &  the  whole  State,  that  controversy  &  schism,  on  this 
subject,  should  be  avoided;  so  that  no  question  may  be  raised, 
any  where,  upon  the  propriety  of  Mr.  Lunt's  nomination  to  the 
office — 

— That  as  to  Mr  F.  W.  himself,  he  would  regret  to  be  the 
occasion  of  any  difficulty ;  &  so  far  as  he  is  himself  concerned,  he 
leaves  it  to  friends  to  suggest,  what  place  shall  be  assigned  to 
him,  if  it  be  the  pleasure  of  the  President  to  appoint  him  to  any 
office.  It  may  also  be  suggested,  that  it  might  be  well  to  ask, 
confidentially,  of  Mr  Winthrop,  &  Mr  Greely,  whether  in  their 
opinion,  Mr.  Lunt's  appointment  would  be  generally  satisfactory, 
or  whether  it  would  be  otherwise — 

There  are  letters  with  Mr  Ewing,  or  Mr  Johnson,  from  Mr 
Choate,  Mr  Evans,  &  Mr  Ashmun,  respect'g  Mr  Lunts  Profes 
sional  standing.  No  doubt,  others  to  a  similar  import,  might  be 
had  for  asking  for. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  387 

— Finally,  it  might  be  put  to  Mr.  Ewing,  as  a  question  for 
the  exercise  of  his  discretion,  whether,  in  his  judgment,  it 
would  be  well — to  fill  the  office  by  the  appointment  of  a  man,  who 
has  no  considerable  Massachusetts  support,  &  who  relies,  mainly, 
on  a  promise  said  to  be  made  by  the  President,  to  persons  out  of 
Massachusetts,  &  in  no  way  connected  with  that  State — 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

FRIDAY  MOB'G  4  O  clock  May.  1849 
My  Dear  Son ; 

I  reed  yours  by  Beals  Express  this  Eve'g —  I  am  glad  you 
going  on,  by  all  means,  &  hope  you  will  do  something.  Take 
care  how  you  commit  me  to  support  Mr  Lunt. —  I  feel  quite 
anxious  that  Mr  Curtis  should  go  with  you.  He  can  do  more 
than  any  body  else —  If  Genl  McNeil  is  not  to  be  removed,  had 
you  not  better  take  the  marshal's  office,  if  you  can  get  it?  Do 
not  hasten  back,  while  there  is  a  chance  of  doing  any  th'g. 

D.  W. 

Be  sure  to  see  the  President  yourself,  &  have  a  free  talk  with 
him —  Do  not  fail  in  this.  I  am  quite  sure  you  will  make  a 
favorable  impression — &  you  should  br'g  things  to  some  point, 
if  you  can. 

All  well  here —     I  shall  write  to  your  mother  today. 

D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Sunday  3  O  clock 

[May.  1849] 
My  Dear  Son, 

Letters  were  reed  from  you  yesterday,  and  again  today, 
respect'g  Genl  McNeil,  &  a  little  about  California —  Mr  Curtis 
will  go  to  the  President,  tomorrow, — if  he  does  not  I  shall,  &  read 
your  letter,  &  ascertain  what  the  President  means  to  do.  Before 
I  go  to  bed  tonight,  I  will  try  to  write  to  Mr  Harvey ;  but  not  in 
season  for  this  mail — 

There  is  nothing  new  about  appointments —  Few  nominations, 
of  persons  appointed  in  the  recess  have  yet  been  reported  from 
Com.ees  At  present,  we  are  engrossed  by  Bradbury's  Resolution, 


388  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Cass'  Resolutions,  &  Clays'  Resolutions,  upon  neither  of  which 
do  I  propose  to  say  a  word.  I  am  in  the  Court,  for  4  days, 
beginning  tomorrow,  &  then  a  little  respite — 

The  fish  were  so  good,  that  if  the  weather  be  cold  when  you 
receive  this,  you  would  send  me  "  a  ditto  of  your  last  respects — " 
viz.  2  good  cod,  &  one  or  two  good  cusks 

I  am  glad  to  hear  from  Mr  Weston  that  your  road  goes  on 
well. 

Yrs          D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

TUESDAY  MOK'G  8  O  clock  [1849] 
Dear  F. 

Mr.  Curtis  saw  the  President  yesterday,  &  read  him  your 
letter.  He  appeared  to  be  quite  pleased  with  it,  said,  those  were 
"  high  sentiments,"  &  that  he  appreciated  them.  He  said  there 
[were]  difficulties,  but  he  inclined  to  think  he  [would]  reappoint 
Genl  McNeil.  Mr.  Curtis  seemed  quite  pleased  with  the  inter 
view. 

Yrs  Affectionately 
D.W. 

(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

NEW  YORK  May  8.  49. 
My  dear  Father, 

I  met  Mr.  Curtis  this  morning.  He  was  rather  opposed  to  my 
going  to  Washington  at  all — 

He  said  it  looked  as  if  I  were  begging  &  that  all  the  papers 
would  remark  upon  it.  However  I  shall  hold  my  course.  I 
mean  to  go  see  for  myself. 

He  says  that  Mr.  Ewing  thinks  that  there  is  not  much  to 
choose,  on  the  score  of  acceptability  to  the  public,  between  Mr. 
Lunt  &  myself,  &  I  hear  from  another  quarter  that  that  he  sup 
poses  Mr.  G.  T.  Curtis  to  be  more  fit  for  the  place  than  either 
of  us. 

I  want  Mr.  Fearing  to  write,  if  he  will  not  go  on,  &  tell  Mr. 
Ewing  that  Mr.  L's  appt.  is  not  acceptable  &  mine  is,  that  is  if 
he  thinks  so. 

I  shall  write  to  him  to  that  effect.     Mr.  Curtis  thinks  he  had 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  389 

better  not  go  on  &  on  the  whole  I  don't  care  to  have  him.  Coming 
from  New  York  he  would  be  likely  to  give  rise  to  many  remarks, 
if  he  interferes  in  a  Boston  appt.  He  says  he  will  write  Mr. 
Ewing. 

I  mean  to  have  a  plain  talk  with  Mr.  Ewing  and  if  I  have  an 
opportunity  with  the  President. 

I  shall  not  remain  long,  unless  you  write  me  to  do  so.  Mr. 
Curtis  says  I  had  much  better  not. 

Mr.  G.  T.  Curtis  is  a  good  lawyer,  but  he  does  not  need  the 
place  and  his  manners  are  most  unpopular,  nor  do  I  know  of 
any  claim  he  has  to  it,  whatever.  Besides  he  is  not  in  my  way. 

I  wish  very  much  Mr.  Fearing  would  either  go  or  write —  I 
do  not  believe  that  the  administration  knows  what  they  are  about 
in  this  matter  &  no  one  in  Boston  seems  to  dare  to  tell  them. 

Yr  affectionate  Son 

FLETCHER. 

Mr.  Lunt  has  left  at  the  Dept.  Judge  Shaw's  letter,  in  which 
he  says  something  about  Mr.  Lunt's  able  argument  &c  &c. 

Could  you  not  write  Judge  Shaw  &  ask  him  if  he  meant  to 
recommend  Mr.  L.  informing  him  of  the  use  to  which  Mr.  L.  has 
converted  his  letter.  It  seems  to  me  you  could  perfectly  well  do 
this. 

Judge  Shaw  I  have  no  doubt  would  disclaim  such  intention  & 
that  might  be  of  service. 

F.  W. 

(From  W.  H.  Furness.1 ) 

Dear  Sir,  PHILA.  Jan  9.  1850 

Pardon  this  intrusion,  &  the  boldness  implied  in  this  address. 
I  deprecate  the  appearance  of  presuming  to  give  counsel  to  you 
whom  I  regard  with  sincere  admiration.  But  I  must  have  the 
folly  of  the  presumption,  for  I  cannot  but  obey  the  impulse, 
that  I  have  very  long  felt,  to  express  to  you,  Sir,  my  deep  con 
viction  that  if  Daniel  Webster  would  only  throw  that  great 
nature,  which  Heaven  has  given  him,  into  the  great  cause  of 
the  world,  the  cause  of  human  Freedom,  his  fellow-citizens,  his 
fellow-men,  would  behold  such  a  demonstration  of  personal  power 
as  it  is  seldom  given  to  the  world  to  witness.  And  yet  no  one 
would  be  more  surprised  than  he.  You  have  given  evidence, 

1  Furness  was  an  eminent  Unitarian  clergyman,  a  voluminous  writer  upon 
religious  subjects  and  an  enthusiastic  exponent  of  the  anti-slavery  movement. 


LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

which  has  filled  us  all  with  pride,  that  you  were  made  for  great 
things,  for  far  greater  things  than  any  office;  but  we  do  not 
know,  Sir,  how  much  you  are  capable  of.  You  do  not  know  your 
self,  &  it  is  impossible  in  the  eternal  nature  of  things  that  you 
ever  should  know,  until,  with  a  devotion  that  makes  no  stipulation 
for  yourself,  you  give  yourself  utterly  to  the  Right. —  You  once 
said  of  a  professional  friend,  "that  when  his  case  was  stated,  it 
was  argued."  Of  no  man  can  this  be  said  with  more  entire  truth 
than  of  you.  If,  taking  Liberty  for  your  light,  you  cast  your 
broad  glance  over  the  history  &  state  of  the  Country,  if  seeing, 
as  many  think  you  could  not  fail  to  see,  how  Slavery  has  inter 
fered  &  is  interfering,  not  with  the  property,  but  with  the  rights, 
with  the  inmost  hearts  of  freemen,  making  them  its  tools  &  sup 
porters,  you  were  then  to  tell  the  country,  in  that  grand  &  simple 
way  in  which  no  man  resembles  you,  what  you  see,  stating  the 
great  case,  so  that  it  would  be  argued  once  for  all  &  forever,  you 
would  not  only  render  the  whole  country,  North  and  South,  the 
greatest  possible  service,  but  you  would  be  conscious  of  a 
compensation  in  your  own  being,  which  even  your  great 
power  could  not  begin  even  to  compute.  The  service  of 
great  principles  is  not  a  whit  more  beneficent  in  its  results  to 
others  than  in  its  influence  on  those  who  undertake  it.  They 
may  witness  no  results  to  others.  They  may  possibly  subject 
themselves  to  inconvenience,  to  suffering.  But  the  redeeming, 
ennobling  effect  on  themselves  they  cannot  miss.  We  have  seen 
again  &  again  how  it  regenerates  ordinary  men.  What  then 
must  be  its  influence  on  one  whom  nature  has  made  great? 

But  I  will  not  trespass  any  further.  Accept  I  pray  you  these 
few  feeble  words  as  an  expression  of  the  earnest  personal  in 
terest  of 

Yours  faithfully  &  respectfully1 

W.  H.  FUBNESS 


(From  Charles  W.  March.) 

My  Dear  Sir.  NEW  YORK  Januy  9'  1850' 

Not  bad  employment,  for. I  am  sending  a  bottle  of  Ceylon,  Just 

1  For  the  reply  see  Private  Correspondence  of  Daniel  Webster,  vol.  ii,  p.  353. 
In  this  reply  Webster  deprecates  slavery,  but  says:  "I  cannot  co-operate  in 
breaking  up  social  and  political  systems,  on  the  warmth,  rather  than  the 
strength,  of  a  hope  that,  in  such  convulsions,  the  cause  of  emancipation  may 
be  promoted.'* 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  391 

separated  from  the  lees,  it  is  fit  for  immediate  use.  This  same 
Wine  on  a  former  occasion  I  believe,  performed  no  unimportant 
service.  If  it  could  be  again  useful  in  giving  peace  and  security 
to  the  South,  how  happy  many  would  be  made.  I  used  to  tell 
my  friends  in  Carolina  that  if  they  wanted  a  man  at  the  head 
of  affairs  who  could  carry  out  the  Compromise  of  the  Constitu 
tion,  they  need  not  look  far  beyond  the  very  one  to  whom  this 
note  will  be  addressed. 

I  am  ever,  and  with  true 

regard,  Sincerely  Yrs 

CHARLES  MARCH 

(To  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Jan.  25,  1850 
My  Dear  Son 

I  should  be  glad  to  aid  you,  if  I  could,  in  your  wish  to  join 
Mr.  Harvey  in  a  little  enterprise  to  California —  But,  really,  I 
have  no  money,  nor  could  I  raise  any,  now,  in  any  way  that  I 
know  of.  I  should  be  willing  to  give  a  note,  for  not  a  large 
sum,  payable  about  the  end  of  the  Session,  say  4  or  5  months, 
if  that  would  be  of  use  to  you.  I  have  earned  a  good  deal  of 
Money,  within  the.  last  year,  but  it  has  all  been  paid  away,  either 
on  Mr.  Frothingham's  mortgage,  or  on  those  old  debts,  which 
we  once  thought  had  been  provided  for. 

The  Court,  with  a  short  recess,  will  probably  sit  here  till  July. 
I  have  a  good  deal  to  do  in  it  and  hope  to  get  some  fees. 

As  to  the  Mexican  claims,  things  look  fair,  at  present;  but 
nothing  can  be  pocketed  from  that  source  for  some  time. 

I  do  not  hear  when  the  Passenger  causes  are  to  be  tried. 

I  hear  nothing  from  Mr.  Ticknor,  in  answer  to  the  letter 
written  to  him,  when  you  were  here. 

Yours  affectionately 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Feb.  1,  '50. 
My  Dear  Son 

The  fish  came  in  good  order,  &  were  perfectly  delicious.     It 
seems  more  like  living,  than  anything  we  have  had  for  a  good 


392  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

while.  I  send  you  a  draft  on  the  Bank  here,  for  $40.  Pay 
$20  to  Mr.  Rich,  &  keep  the  other  twenty  to  pay  for  the  fish  sent, 
&  for  other  fish  that  may  be  ordered.  I  reed,  your  Telegraph 
last  eve  about  the  $500  draft — all  right — 

As  to  petitioning  the  Legislature,  in  regard  to  the  passenger 
tax  business,  I  think  it  is  better  to  wait  a  while,  till  we  see  what 
the  Legislature  of  New  York  shall  do,  who  have  the  subject  now 
before  them,  &  with  whom  better  sense,  as  well  as  better  feeling, 
seems  to  prevail.1 

Mr.  Munroe,  the  Superintendent,  is  now  here,  &  I  have  seen 
him,  &  told  him  that  he  will  find  no  assistance  here  till  the  State 
leaves  off  its  belligerent  legislation.  The  Bill  which  has  passed 
the  Mass :  Senate  was  drawn  last  year  by  Mr.  Joseph  Giles,  "  to 
get  round  the  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court,"  as  he  himself,  I 
understand,  avowed.  While  that  disreputable  policy  prevails, 
Mr.  Giles  &  his  fellow  laborers  may  be  assured  that  the  chance 
for  favorable  measures  here  is  small.  Mr.  Healey  may  safely 
hint  that,  to  whomsoever  he  pleases — 

The  Comee,  the  two  Aldermen  are  also  here,  &  I  shall  see  them, 
probably  today — I  incline  to  think  Mr.  Munroe  will  write  to 
Boston,  today,  advising,  forbearance,  &  proper  temper  *  *  * 
[Torn  off.] 

(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

WEDNESDAY,  13,  Feb.    [1850] 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  have  been  engaged,  since  5  o  clock  this  morn'g,  on  a  Mexican 
claim,  with  the  exception  of  an  hour  in  the  Senate —  I  must 
put  off  my  "  political  letter  "  till  tomorrow.  Meantime,  I  wish 
to  say,  for  your  own  Govt.  that  there  will  be  no  disunion,  or  dis 
ruption.  Things  will  cool  off.  California  will  come  in.  New 
Mexico  will  be  postponed.  No  bones  will  be  broken — &  in  a 
month,  all  this  will  be  more  apparent2 — 

I  reed,  your  Telegraph  last  Eve' ;  &  thank  you,  most  sincerely. 

D.  W. 

1  See  Curtis'  "Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  373.  Both  New  York  and  Massa 
chusetts  passed  laws  imposing  a  tax  upon  vessels  bringing  alien  passengers,  on 
account  of  every  passenger  brought  into  the  State.  This  was  declared  uncon 
stitutional. 

8  Does  Webster  not  refer  to  his  proposed  Constitution  and  Union  speech  de 
livered  on  March  7,  1850  ? 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  393 

(To  Fletcher  Webster.1) 

FEB.  24.  1850 
My  dear  Son 

I  am  nearly  broken  down  with  labor  and  anxiety.  I  know  not 
how  to  meet  the  present  emergency  or  with  what  weapons  to  beat 
down  the  Northern  and  Southern  follies  now  raging  in  equal  ex 
tremes. 

D.  W. 


(Notes  of  7th  of  March  Speech.2) 

Causes  which  have  so  suddenly  produced  this  state  of  things. 

War  declared  May  '46. 

Armies  over  run  Mexico — &  siezed  the  Capitol — 

Navy  siege  her  ports 

— Feb.  48  Treaty — &  cession  of  her  Provinces — 

— 900  miles  of  coast  on  Pacific 

— Revolution  in  California,  meanwhile,  July  1846 

—Col  Fremont 

Soon  as  War  known,  U.  S.  flags  hoisted — 

Great  numbers  rushed  to  Mexico,  in  '46,  '47. 

In  Jan.  48  Mormon  discovd.  gold — 

Same  winter,  or  spring,  Suttlers  &  Marshall's  discoveries — 
In  May  '48  digging  commenced. 
— Success  incredible.     Larkin  letters,  June  1,  &  28. 
Col  Mason's  Kept.  Aug.  17,  48 
On  the  peace,  a  new  rush — 
1000  large  vessels — 70,000  passengers. 
Amt.  of  gold  remitted — &  amt.  merchandize 
via  Aspinwall — 6  Steamers — 4  or  5  small  ones 

—Trade  &  revenue  15  millions  of  gold  to 

Congress  passed  no  law  U.  S.  &  England 

2  or  3  to  Oregon 

a  great  deal  at  home 

1  A  copy  of  this  note,  in  the  possession  of  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York, 
is  all  that  the  editor  has  seen. 

8  These  notes  are  in  Webster's  own  hand,  with  the  exception  of  several 
passages  which  are  excerpts  from  speeches  made  in  the  past.  These  excerpts 
were  copied  by  some  one  for  him.  Curtis'  "Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  403, 
says  there  was  "but  little  written  preparation"  for  this  speech,  only  "two 
small  scraps  of  paper."  There  were,  in  fact,  twenty-eight  sheets  of  foolscap. 


394  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

California  called  a  Convention — Formed  a  Free  Constitution 
— chose  Senators  &  members  of  Congress,  &  now  asks  for  ad 
mission. 

— Her  Constitution  excludes  SLAVERY — 

— War  raged  for  Territory — expected  to  be  Slave  Territory — 
Events  have  decided  the  matter  otherwise  &  hence  the  present 
controversy,  &  the  present  excitement1 

Slavery 

The  North  regards  it  as  a  great  political  &  moral  evil,  &,  in 
its  nature,  founded  in  wrong. 

Slavery  has  existed  from  the  earliest  times. 

Oriental,  Jewish,  Greek,  Roman,  Feudal 

There  is  no  positive  injunction  agt.  it,  in  the  old  Testament 
or  the  new. 

The  Theocracy  of  the  Jews  tolerated  it 

— The  religion  of  the  Gospel  deals  little  with  the  political  rela 
tions  of  men. 

— The  teachings  of  Jesus  Christ  are  addressed  to  the  hearts  & 
consciences  of  individual  men. 

— They  seek  to  purify  the  soul,  &  to  regulate  the  life  But  it 
cannot  be  doubted,  that  the  principle  of  Slavery  is  opposed,  in 
the  abstract  to  the  meek  spirit  of  the  gospel.  It  is  founded  in 
the  power  of  the  strongest. 

It  is  conquest,  a  permanent  conquest  of  man  over  man. 

It  is  against  the  law  of  Nature. 

It  is  like  unjust  war,  or  any  other  form  of  oppression  or  sub 
jugation 

These  are  the  sentiments  of  the  North. 

—It  is  probable  many  in  the  South  are  hardly  prepared  to 
deny  these  truths  in  the  abstract 

— But,  in  general,  they  are  accustomed  to  it ;  born  &  bred  where 
it  exists,  &  taught  to  consider  it  as  no  wrong. 

And  they  are  honest,  &  conscientious,  in  this. 

No  doubt,  there  are  thousands  of  men,  deeply  religious,  & 
whose  consciences  are  as  tender  as  those  of  any  other  Christians, 
see  no  way  for  them  but  to  treat  their  slaves  with  kindness  & 
humanity 

They  are  far  from  thinking,  that  in  all  cases  manumission 
would  be  useful  to  the  Slaves  themselves — 

1  The  above  is  endorsed  "  History  of  Events  that  have  led  to  the  Present 
State  of  Things." 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  395 

The  Methodist  Church  equally  conscientious,  in  both  branches. 

I  have  read  their  proceedings,  &  lamented  the  result. 

When  religious  excitement  takes  place,  men  run  to  extremes — 
Algebra 

Abolitionists.     Fault  finders,  with  the  sun. 

Impatient  waiters,  on  Providence. 

They  do  not  enough  heed  St.  Paul. 

— Mr.  Butler — War-horse! 

— They  think  they  can  draw  light  from  angry  clouds — 

— They  want  candor,  <§•  charity 

And  not  willing  to  leave  things  with  him,  who  sees  the  end 
from  the  beginning. 

How  Slavery  was  considered,  in  1789 ;  &  reason  of  changes. 

In  1789,  when  Constitution  adopted,  everybody  regarded  Sla 
very  as  a  great  evil. 

The  Sentiment  stronger  in  the  South,  or  oftener  expressed, 
because  the  South  had  more  of  it. 

It  is  called  now,  an  "Institution",  a  "good,"  a  "blessing"  a 
"Religious,  moral,  &  social  blessing — 

Then,  it  was  denominated  a  "blight,"  a  "blast,"  a  "mildew," 
a  "curse" — 

Mr.  Campbell's  Speech — see  his  extracts 

The  Ordinance  of  1787 — all  the  South  agreed  to  it 

Contempraneous  with  the  Constitution 

I  honor  the  liberality  of  Va — 

80  millions  of  Dollars 

The  truth  is  that  in  Aug.  '87,  v.  Association  of  1774 

1.  Provision  was  made  for  limiting  the  importation  of  Slaves, 
&  it  was  believed  that  Slavery  would  gradually  die  out. 

Mr.  Madison  &  others  thought  the  time  allowed  too  long. 

2.  That  the  Prohibition  should  be  laid  on  all  the  Territory — 
Mr.  Madison's  reason  for  omitting  the  word. 

3.  Slavery,  as  it  existed  in  the  States,  should  not  be  interfered 
with  in. 

In  the  first  Congress,  this  was  all  reaffirmed,  as  I  have  stated 
Before— 

The  whole  Country  unanimous,  in  all  this. 

But  now :     What  has  caused  the  change? 

In  the  North  a  stronger  religious  feeling,  &  a  horror  at  seeing 
Slavery  increase — 

In  the  South,  Cotton — 

In  1790 — Cotton  hardly  exported — 


LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

— Sudden  growth  of  this  created  eagerness  for  acquisition  of 
Slave  Territory — 

Cession  of  Georgia. 1802 

"  Louisiana 1803 

Florida 1804 

And  Finally  Texas. 

This,  the  great  Consummation. 

And  now  my  Genl.  proposition. 

"There  is  not  a  foot  of  land,  in  any  State  or  Territory  of  the 
U.  S.  the  character  of  which,  as  to  free  soil  or  Slave  soil  by  some 
law — 

1st.  as  to  Texas,  read  the  clause  of  the  £  Resolution — read  it. 

Now  what  is  to  be  said  ag't  this? 

Nothing  can  be  stronger 

Mr  Bell's  Joint  Resolution  adds  nothing  to  it —  And,  looking 
to  the  difficulties  of  getting  any  prospective  Resolution  thro'  the 
House,  I  think  it  best  to  adhere  to  practical  measures — &  make 
no  resolution  for  the  future — 

I  am  obliged  to  Mr  Clay — &  Mr  Bell 

— But,  refering  to  the  difficulties  of  the  case,  I  prefer  to  follow 
the  President's  recommendations. 

But  now 

Texas  was  brought  in  by  Northern  &  new  England  votes — 
in  both — 

But  for  these  votes,  she  must  have  staid  out. 

New  England  could  have  kept  her  out — 

But  N.  E.  Bought  her— 

Con.  N.  H.  &  Maine.     And  New  York.  — 

MR.  Dix  &  MB.  NILES — voted  for  Texas  <§•  then  turned  Free 
Soilers — 

If  they  were  here  now,  could  they  apply  Wilmot? 

They  helped  to  bring  in  every  foot  of  Slave  territory  this  side 
the  Rio  Grande — &  then  turned  Free  Soilers 

Then  set  up  the  symbol — The  empty  symbol  of  the  Wilmot 
Proviso. 

— as  a  gentleman  careless  of  his  stables. 

This  matter  is  now  absolutely  settled  by  Law. 

So  much  for  TEXAS    MY  PREVIOUS  VOTES* 

vid  next  sheet,  page  2 

1  Endorsed  "No.  3 — How  slavery  was  considered  in  '89  and  acquisition  of 
Texas.  ' 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  397 

Now  as  for  California  <Sf  New  Mexico 

This  is  all  Free  Country  by  the  Ordinance  of  Nature.  There 
is  no  slave  there,  in  our  sense  of  that  word,  &  never  can  be — 

It  is  an  arid  formation,  &  scenery — 

Immense  Mountains,  &  deep  valies — 

Especially  New  Mexico 

— Mountains  with  white  tops — parched  vallies — no  culture, 
but  by  Irrigation 

Wilmot,  here,  would  be  perfectly  without  effect. 

Inquire  of  the  California  Senators — &  members — 

— Inquire  of  any  Body — 

It  is  a  point  of  honor  with  the  South — 

I  do  not  wish  to  show  power,  merely  wound  this  point  of  honor 

I  follow  the  example  of  Mr  Polk,  in  Oregon 

My  proposition,  then  is  proved. 

1.  As  to  Texas 

2.  As  to  California  &  New  Mexico. 
Then  what  is  the  value  of  Wilmot — 
I  wish  to  be  distinct — 

I  shall  not  vote  for  Wilmot, 
in  New  Mexico — 
Nor  in  Texas. 

As  to  Texas,  I  shall  not  violate  faith,  &  repeal  the  Law  of  Con 
gress — 

As  to  New  Mexico,  &  California — 

I  will  not  reaffirm  an  Ordinance  of  Nature,  or  attempt  to  re- 
enact  the  Will  of  God. 

Speech  at  Niblo's  Garden  1837 
Admission  of  Texas  1845 

"         Three  Million  Bill  Mar  1.  1847 
"         Springfield  Sept  27.  1847 
"         In  Senate  Mar  23.  1848 

Oregon  Bill  Aug  12. 18481 


(Extract  from  Speech  in  Senate  March  23,  184-8.) 

I  am  against  the  creation  of  new  States.     I  am  against  the 
acquisition  of  Territory  to  form  new  States.2     And  this,  Sir, 

1  Endorsed:     "Various  speeches,  1837  to  1848,  chronologically  arranged." 
9  See,  for  an  interesting  evidence  that  in  his  immature  days  Webster  did  de 
sire  the  acquisition  of  territory,  an  essay  on  the  acquisition  of  Florida,  Dec. 
25,  1800,  found  in  Massachusetts  Historical  Society  Proceedings,  vol.  xi,  p.  329. 


398  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

is  not  a  matter  of  sentimentality,  which  I  am  to  parade  before 
mass  meetings,  or  before  my  constituents  at  home.  It  is  with  me 
no  matter  of  declamatory  regret  or  expressed  repugnance. 

It  is  a  matter  of  firm  unchangeable  purpose  to  yield  to  no 
force  of  circumstances  that  have  occurred  or  that  I  may  consider 
likely  to  occur;  and  therefore  I  say,  Sir,  that  if  I  am  asked  to 
day,  whether  for  the  sake  of  peace  I  will  take  a  treaty  that  brings 
two  new  States  into  this  Union,  on  its  Southern  Boundary,  I  say 
No — distinctly  No!  &  I  wish  every  man  in  the  United  States  to 
understand  that  to  be  my  judgment  and  my  purpose?" 

And  now — as  to  the  aggressions  complained  of. 

1.  By  the  South  ag't.  the  North 
— Fugitive  slaves 

In  this  the  North  is  not  without  blame.  The  duty  is  par 
ticularly  enjoined  by  the  Constitution.  No  man  can,  consist 
ently  with  his  oath,  attempt  to  evade  it,  get  around  it,  or  help 
defeat  it.  I  think  the  language  is  addressed  to  the  States — 
"shall  be  delivered  up —  I  do  not  admit  all  that  Mr  Berrien 
said,  abt.  persons  taking  slaves —  That  is  more  doubtful — vid 
the  words  I  shall  vote  for  Mr  B's  (?)  Bill 

2  Resolutions  of  Legislatures. 
Mr.  Holland 

3  Abolition  Press,  &  abolition  societies.     — what  I  think  of 
abolition  societies,  &  the  Abolition  Presses — 

1  have  expressed  my  opinion  heretofore.     They   have   done 
nothing  but  mischief — 

— State  of  feeling  in  the  So.  Compared  with  1832 — 

They  have  reed,  money  eno.  to  purchase  the  liberty  of  all  the 
Slaves  in  Maryland. 

— by  contribution  on  the  People — the  result  all  bad  But  the 
Press  is  free.  It  cannot  be  restrained  &  Speech  is  free. 

Nothing  is  said,  in  the  Legislature,  nor  by  the  Press,  on  either 
side,  more  violent  than  is  said  every  day  in  Congress.  Our  De 
bates  have  corrupted  the  Vernacular  tongue 

2.  Southern  aggression 

1.  The  eagerness  for  New  Conquests — for  new  Slave  States 

2  The  zeal  with  which  Slavery  is  pressed,  &  the  contumely  be 
stowed  on  Northern  Labor. 

Northern  Grievances. 

1.  The  South  has  changed  Slavery,  from  the  character  in 
which  the  Constitution  tolerated  it,  &  the  South  acknowledges  it, 
in  1789, — i.e.,  an  evil  to  be  tolerated,  till  it  should  wear  out;  into 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  399 

a  cherished  institution,  to  be  strengthened  &  increased  by  all  pos 
sible  means. 

2  The  South  lavishes  as  much  abuse  on  the  Free  Labor  of  the 
North,  as  the  North  does  on  the  Slavery  of  the  South. 

3.  The  South  inclines  to  War,  &  conquest,  eagerly,  in  order  to 
obtain  more  Slave  Territory 

4.  The  So.  insists  on  carrying  her  local  law  into  the  Terri 
tories,  instead  of  the  general  law 

5.  The  South,  tho  quite  a  minority,  insists  on  making  her  in 
terests  paramount — 

Southern  list  of  grievances,  &  aggressions 

1.  The  ordinance  of  1787. 

2.  System  of  Revenue  which  impoverishes  the  South 

3.  Destruction  of  the  original  equilibrium 

4.  The  Govt.  Construes  its  own  powers. 

5.  Abolitionism,  &  the  interference  of  Northern  Legislatures 
respecting  fugitive  Slaves 

Mr.  Doroney.  (?) 

"Northern  Labor." 

Educated — enlightened — free — ear'  g  wages — independent — 
or  living  on  its  own  Capital.  4/5  of  all  ppy.  in  its  hands. 

Is  this  to  be  compared  to  absolute  ignorance,  &  abject  Sla 
very — 

No  wonder  the  North  feels  indignant 

No  wonder  that  it  sometimes  feels,  that  the  power  is  in  its  own 
hands.- — 

(Speech  of  Aug.  12,  1848.) 

Let  me  conclude,  therefore  by  remarking,  that  while  I  am 
willing  to  present  this  as  showing  my  own  judgment  and  position 
in  regard  to  this  case,  and  I  beg  it  to  be  understood  that  I  am 
speaking  for  no  other  than  myself,  and  while  I  am  willing  to 
offer  it  to  the  whole  world,  as  my  own  justification,  I  rest  on 
these  propositions — 

First  that  when  this  Constitution  was  adopted,  nobody  looked 
for  any  new  acquisition  of  territory,  to  be  formed  into  slavehold- 
ing  States. 

Secondly :  That  the  principles  of  the  Constitution  prohibited, 
and  were  intended  to  prohibit  and  should  be  construed  to  prohibit 
all  interference  of  the  General  Government  with  Slavery  as  it 
existed  and  as  it  still  exists  in  the  States.  And  then  that  look- 


400  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

ing  to  the  effect  of  these  new  acquisitions,  which  have  in  this 
great  degree  enured  to  strengthen  that  interest  in  the  South  by 
the  addition  of  these  five  States,  there  is  nothing  unjust,  nothing 
of  which  any  honest  man  can  complain,  if  he  is  intelligent ;  and  I 
feel  there  is  nothing  which  the  civilized  world,  if  they  take  notice 
of  so  humble  a  person  as  myself  will  reproach  me  with,  when  I 
say,  as  I  said  the  other  day,  that  I  had  made  up  my  mind,  for 
one,  that  under  no  circumstances  would  I  consent  to  the  further 
extension  of  the  area  of  Slavery  in  the  United  States,  or  to  the 
further  increase  of  Slave  Representation  in  the  House  of  Repre 
sentatives. 

Secession. 

I  am  utterly  astonished  at  the  idea — 

Secession  is  disunion —  Who  is  for  disunion?  It  is  worse 
than  nullification,  because  more  insidious,  &  asserts  that  the 
Union  may  be  severed,  without  breach  of  law 

"Peaceable  Secession."     We  shall  see  no  such  miracle 

— Dismemberment  of  this  Republican  Empire  without  com 
motion  ! 

— Breaking  up  of  the  fountains  of  the  deep,  without  ruffling 
the  surface — 

— Planets  starting  from  their  spheres,  &  jolting  agt.  each 
other,  without  producing  the  Crush  of  the  Universe. 

— Voluntary  &  peaceable  Secession ! 

All  such  ideas  are  founded  in  a  totally  incorrect  idea  of  the 
Nature  of  the  Govt. 

It  is  a  Govt.  instituted  by  the  People — not  a  confederacy  of 
States. 

It  has  just  as  popular  a  basis,  as  the  State  Govts — 

This  is  too  plain  to  be  disputed. 

It  claims  the  allegiance  of  individuals  &  holds  them  to  that 
allegiance  by  their  oaths — 

It  does  judge,  Jr.  its  proper  Department,  of  the  extent  of  its 
own  powers. 

If  it  did  not,  it  could  not  exist.     This  has  been  always  so. 

All  officers,  National  &  State,  must  take  an  oath  to  support 
this  constitution. 

Now,  where  is  secession  to  begin?  Who  is  to  take  the  first 
step?  — What  is  that  step  to  be? 

It  must  be  some  violation  of  law. 

To  secede  from  the  operation  of  law — is  to  resist  the  law. 

The  object  is  to  separate  the  Slave  states  from  the  free 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  401 

It  cannot  be  done 

Take  the  case  of  the  Mississippi  Fa.  #  Maryland.  Who  to 
possess  &  defend  the  Chesapeake 

What  States  is  it  to  embrace 

Where  is  the  frontier  of  Slave  Confederacy  to  be. 

What  States  are  to  join  the  Confederacy? — 

What  is  to  be  America? —     The  flag,  the  Eagle — 

— What  is  become  of  the  Army?  the  Navy?  the  public  lands? 

Where  is  this  City  to  belong? 

The  States  must  have  standing  armies 

They  must  have  separate  systems  of  Commercial  regulations 

They  must  plunge  into  chaos 

I  am  sorry  Mr.  Calhoun  suggests  the  possibility  of  secession. 

It  affects  the  honor  &  credit  of  the  Country.  There  can  be  no 
such  thing. 

Secession  is  civil,  Sf  servile  war — 

There  can  be  no  secession — 

Nashville  Convention 

Mr.  Windham 

The  dismemberment  of  America! 

How  wd.  it  strike  Europe! 

And  the  way  to  prevent  this,  is,  to  restore  the  equilibrium. 

To  give  the  minority  as  much  power  as  the  majority. 

This  is  impossible. 

I  agree,  there  may  be  a  case,  in  which  a  majority  so  oppresses 
a  minority,  as  to  justify  rebellion  &  revolution.  But,  then,  it 
must  be  rebellion  &  revolution — 

Within  a  Govt.,  founded  on  the  preamble  of  majority,  the 
majority  must  rule. 

Any  attempt  to  give  equal  forces  to  majorities  &  minorities  is 
plainly  preposterous — 

There  will  be  no  secession,  or  either  disruption  of  the  Union 
by  any  causes  now  existing 

— The  South  enjoys  all  her  original  guaranties,  &  securities — 

The  complaint  is,  that  the  North  has  outgrown  her. 

And  she  wishes  the  major  vote  to  be  placed,  still  in  her  hands. 

Boundaries  &  Constitution  of  California — 

&  Constitution 

1  Boundaries 

2.  Constitution 

Case  of  Mexican  Treaty — 

3  There  now  two  observations  to  make. 


402  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

1st.  If  Texas  shall  be  inclined  to  dispose  of  a  part  of  her  vast 
domain  bordering  on  New  Mexico  to  the  United  States,  at  a  rea 
sonable  price  or  for  proper  compensation,  I  know  no  objection 
to  making  the  purchase  and  paying  the  same  out  of  the  public 
Treasury — 

2d.  In  speaking  of  the  Slavery  of  the  coloured  race  in  the 
United  States,  I  have  expressed  no  opinion  upon  the  manner  in 
which  it  might  be  practicable  &  for  the  benefit  of  all  parties  to 
reduce  the  number;  but  it  has  occurred  to  me  that  a  system  of 
colonization,  undertaken  by  Govt. 

Conclusion. 

I  have  gone  thro'.  If  I  can  serve  the  Country,  with  these 
opinions — ready  to  do  so —  If  not,  still  glad  to  have  expressed 
them 

We  need  no  amendment  of  the  Constitution  — 

We  need  only  a  just  administration  of  it 

We  need  forbearance  &  moderation — 

3  Tennessee 

Let  us  raise  ourselves  to  a  just  conception  of  duties. 

The  maintenance  of  this  Constitution  is  one  of  the  greatest 
trusts  conferred  on  man. 

It  is  a  great,  popular,  Constitutional  Govt.  defended  by  Law, 
&  Judicature,  &  the  love  of  the  People 

Its  daily  respiration  is  liberty,  patriotism,  &  the  public  good 

— No  monarchical  throne  presses  its  parts  together 

— No  military  power  encumbers,  with  crown  lands. 

All  kind  influences,  have  favored  it 

The  world  admires,  what  we  enjoy 

Let  us  show  ourselves  equal  to  the  demand,  which  this  high 
trust  makes  upon  us. 

—Let  our  Comprehension  be  as  broad  as  the  country 

— Our  aspirations,  as  high  as  her  destiny ! 

— Not  pygmies,  where  men  are  wanted — 

— Let  us  make  our  generation  a  subject  of  admiration  here 
after,  in  a  strong  &  bright  link  of  this  glorious  chain. 

— The  world  has  nothing  to  contemplate,  surpassing  this  our 
America,  in  its  present  grandeur  &  its  prospects  for  the  future 

Every  day,  this  fortune,  head  resplendent,  increases  in  bright 
ness 

Every  morn'g,  the  horizon  is  gilded  with  new  beams — 

Meantime,  a  vast  accession  of  Territory — 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  403 

So  that  this  vast  Territory  is  marked,  on  the  one  side,  &  on  the 
other,  by  the  two  great  seas  of  the  world 

We  realize,  on  a  mighty  scale,  the  description  of — Achilles' 
Shield 

:Now  the  broad1 


(From  Calvin  Hitchcock.) 

RANDOLPH  Mass.  March  13,  1850. 
Hon.  Daniel  Webster, 

Dear  Sir; 

I  give  you  many  thanks  for  your  late  speech.  The  inquiry 
has  arisen  in  my  own  mind,  as  a  professed  student  and  expounder 
of  the  Bible,  what  was  the  ratio  legis  of  such  prayers  as  Leviticus 
25:44,  45.  From  the  fact  that  the  Jew  has  to  circumcise  his 
bondman  thereby  taking  on  himself  a  covenant  obligation  to  give 
him  the  same  religious  instruction  which  he  was  bound  to  give 
his  son,  and  from  the  well  known  treatment  of  bondmen  by  pious 
Jews  from  Abraham  downward,  in  this  particular,  and  the  good 
effects  of  this  treatment,  especially  on  the  servants  of  David,  I 
hold  to  the  following  suggestions. 

1.  It  was  important  to  secure  human  belief  in  the  Messiah,  in 
all  ages,  that  the  Jews  should  remain  a  separate  people  till  his 
advent. 

2.  So  important  was  the  monotheism,  and  other  doctrines  of 
the  Jews  to  the  souls  of  men,  which  they  would  not  go  forth  to 
carry  to  other  nations,  on  account  of  their  distinctive  character, 
that  the  love  of  God  enjoined  it  upon  the  wealthy  Jew  to  bring  in, 
by  purchase,  those  already  bondmen,  among  the  Gentiles,  for 
their  religious  benefit, 

There  was  probably  no  other  way  to  bring  them  to  the  knowl 
edge  of  the  truth,  as  to  retain  them  under  its  influence,  except 

1  These  notes  have  been  given  in  full  because  of  the  insight  they  afford  into 
Webster's  method  of  preparation  fora  speech.  They  are  written  in  a  hurried, 
nervous  hand,  with  irregular  lines  and  half-spelled  words.  In  different  collec 
tions  of  Webster's  papers  the  editor  has  seen  the  original  notes  for  nearly  all 
of  Webster's  formal  speeches.  The  notes  for  the  reply  to  Hayne  are  scattered. 
Part  of  them  are  in  the  New  Hampshire  Historical  Society  collection,  part  in 
the  possession  of  C.  P.  Greenough,  of  Boston,  and  part  are  the  property  of 
Hon.  Geo.  F.  Hoar.  For  interesting  testimony  upon  his  method  of  work  see 
Private  Correspondence  of  Daniel  Webster,  vol.  ii,  p.  232.  See 
A  Memoir  of  Robt.  C.  Winthrop,  p.  Ill,  for  the  story  that  Winthrop  called 
the  night  before  March  7th  and  found  Webster  dictating  his  speech  to  his  son 
Fletcher.  The  notes  here  printed  are  in  Webster's  own  hand. 


404  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

by  purchase,  and  the  perpetuity  of  the  relation.     Was  not  this 
the  ratio  legis  of  Jewish  proselytism  ? 

3.  When  Christ  gave  the  common  Go  ye  mto  all  the  world,  and 
preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature,  was  not  this  a  destructive 
blow  at  the  rationem  legis  of  purchasing  bondmen?  and  if  so, 
and  it  was  so  understood  by  the  Jew,  who  received  the  word  of 
Christ,  who  seems  to  have  been  well  versed  in  the  science  of 
proselytism,  was  it  not  the  most  effectual  repeal  possible  of  the 
Law  itself,  as  it  existed  among  the  Jews?  We  are  not  now  to 
bring  men  in,  to  teach  them  saving  truth,  but  to  go  and  carry 
the  Doctrine  to  them;  and  will  not  this  explain  the  reason  that  no 
specific  statute  is  contained  in  the  N.  T.  against  slavery?  * 

Pray,  Sir,  excuse  the  liberty  of  the  above  hints.  I  am  not  a 
technical  abolitionist,  and  perhaps  ought  therefore  to  think  and 
say  the  more. 

Your  most  sincere  friend, 

CALVIN  HITCHCOCK. 


(From  Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey.) 

WASHINGTON  D.  C.  March  15th.  1850 
My  dear  Sir — 

All  your  letters  have  been  very  interesting  and  very  cheering — 
We  do  not  see  the  Atlas,  but  learn  from  the  other  Boston  papers 
that  it  shows  its  teeth — very  well — the  day  will  soon  come  when 
its  bite  will  not  hurt  Mr.  Webster  nor  his  great  speech — 

All  you  can  do  at  home  to  strengthen  &  sustain  Mr.  Webster, 
makes  his  speech  so  much  the  more  powerful  &  useful —  It  is 
very  important  that  the  people  should  pack  into  Faneuil  Hall 
some  night,  and  say  they  approve  of  it —  The  wave  of  appro 
bation  &  applause  from  the  West  &  South,  in  the  shape  of  letters 
and  Newspaper  laudation  is  strong,  and  the  waters  are  yet  ris 
ing.  Don't  let  the  Faneuil  Hall  meeting  fall  through —  Get 
out  Mr.  Everett,  if  possible.  In  a  letter  to  Mr.  Webster,  Mr. 
Everett  says  he  will  attend  such  a  meeting,  if  his  health  permits. 
'Tis  important  that  Mr.  Everett  should  take  part.  His  repre- 

1  This  letter  is  important  because  of  its  indication  of  the  nature  of  the  argu 
ments  offered  by  the  clergy  in  this  crisis.  See  Webster's  reply,  Private  Cor 
respondence,  vol.  ii,  p.  359.  At  the  same  time  James  R.  Lowell  was  writing 
to  a  friend:  "I  should  like  to  tack  something  to  Mr.  Webster  (the  most 
meanly  and  foolishly  treacherous  man  I  ever  heard  of)  like  the  tail  which  I  fur 
nished  to  Mr.  John  P.  Robinson."  Letters  of  James  R.  Lowell,  vol.  i,  p.  187. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  405 

sentation  is  National,  &  so  have  been  his  politics.  From  his  life, 
his  learning,  &  his  eloquence,  as  well  as  his  public  character,  there 
is  great  good  to  be  had  from  his  voice  &  face — 

I  wish  I  could  send  you  the  tons  of  Southern  &  Western  pa 
pers  that  are  filled  with  glorification  of  the  Speech — they  would 
do  you  such  good —  The  letters  from  Clergymen  all  over  the 
Country  and  from  Democrats  in  all  the  States  concurring  in 
the  strongest  approbation  of  the  Speech  have  filled  Mr.  Web 
ster's  Office,  so  that  there  is  no  room  to  sit  down.  If  Boston  wd. 
give  $250,  I  wd.  guarantee  &  pay  $250  from  New  York,  to  be 
devoted  to  the  purchase  of  Speeches  to  be  sent  by  Members  of 
Congress  through  the  length  &  breadth  of  the  land —  That  sum 
($500),  would  procure  at  Washington  prices,  Five  hundred 
thousand  Copies,  and  no  better  seed  can  be  sown  among  the  peo 
ple.  A  great  Union  &  Webster  crop  would  spring  up  from  that 
kind  of  planting —  What  do  you  say? 

Your's  truly 

EDWARD  CURTIS. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Mar:  21,  '50 
My  Dear  Son; 

I  think  the  idea  of  a  letter  is  a  very  good  one.  If  it  come,  I 
shall  write  an  answer,  and,  as  you  say,  "take  up  a  few  stitches." 
On  receipt  of  this,  please  call  on  Messrs  Redd'g  260  &  see  how 
they  get  on,  with  their  edition.  I  shall  send  copies  of  the  hand 
some  edition  to  the  members  of  the  Legislature,  under  my  own 
frank. 

The  clamor  for  Speeches,  So.  &  West,  is  incredible.  Two  hun 
dred  thousand  will  not  supply  the  demand. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

FRIDAY,  3,  P.  M.  [Mar.  22,  1850  (  ?)] 
Dr  Sir 

Letters  come  in  thick ;  &  all  one  way.  As  soon  as  we  can  get 
a  decent  Edition  out,  I  mean  to  send  a  copy  to  the  members  of  the 
Mass.  Legislature,  &  every  Judge,  Lawyer,  Justice  of  the  peace, 


406  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Doctor,  &  Clergyman  in  the  Commonwealth.  And  I  would  send 
thousands  more,  under  my  own  frank,  if  I  could  afford  it.  But 
other  people  will  send  many  also. 

Yrs 
D.  W. 

(Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey.) 

WASHINGTON  D.  C.  22d.  March  1850 
My  dear  friend — 

We  are  greatly  gratified  to  hear  that  you  are  going  ahead 
with  a  good  letter,1  &  that  the  best  of  Boston  will  sign  it — 
Perhaps  that,  in  some  respects,  is  better  than  a  Meeting  at  Fan- 
euil  Hall —  It  will  give  Mr.  W.  a  chance  to  trip  you  less  in 
reply,  &  to  clap  in  anything  omitted —  The  letters  of  thanks, 
admiration  &  glorification  daily  reed,  by  the  mails,  would  aston 
ish  you —  Mr.  W.  will  have  a  specimen  of  a  good  edition  gotten 
up  here —  I  expect  to  hear  from  you,  in  reply  to  a  line  written 
the  other  day.  Mr.  W.  has  a  bad  cold  but  is  in  good  spirits. 

Truly  yours, 

E.  CURTIS. 

(From  T.  H.  Perkins  et  al.2) 

MARCH  25,  1850. 
To  the  Honorable  Daniel  Webster. 
Sir; 

Impressed  with  magnitude  and  importance  of  the  service  to  the 
Constitution  and  the  Union,  which  you  have  rendered  by  your 
recent  speech  in  the  Senate  in  the  United  States  on  the  subject 
of  Slavery,  we  desire  to  express  to  you,  our  deep  obligations  for 
what  this  speech  has  done  and  is  doing  to  enlighten  the  public 
mind  and  to  bring  the  present  crisis  in  our  national  affairs  to  a 
fortunate  and  peaceful  termination. 

As  Citizens  of  the  United  States  we  wish  to  thank  you  for  re 
calling  us  to  our  duties  under  the  Constitution,  and  for  the 
broad,  national  and  patriotic  views  which  you  have  sent,  with  the 
weight  of  your  great  authority  and  with  the  power  of  your  un 
answerable  reasoning  into  every  corner  of  the  Union. 

1  Referring  probably  to  the  letter  of  March  25,  1850,  signed  by  about  T50 
citizens  of  Boston. 

2  This  was  taken  from  the  original  address.     See  Boston  Daily  Advertiser, 
April  3,  1850,  for  this  letter  with  about  750  names. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  407 

It  is,  permit  us  to  say,  Sir,  no  common  good,  which  you  have 
thus  done  for  the  country.  In  a  time  of  almost  unprecedented 
excitement  when  the  minds  of  men  have  been  bewildered  by  an 
apparent  conflict  of  duties,  and  when  multitudes  have  been  un 
able  to  find  solid  ground  on  which  to  rest  with  security  and  peace, 
you  have  pointed  out  to  a  whole  people  the  path  of  duty,  have 
convinced  the  understanding  and  touched  the  conscience  of  a 
nation.  You  have  met  this  great  exigency,  as  a  patriot  and  a 
statesman ;  and  although  the  debt  of  gratitude  which  the  people 
of  this  country  owe  to  you  was  large  before,  you  have  increased 
it,  by  a  peculiar  service,  which  is  felt  throughout  the  land.  The 
desire,  therefore,  to  express  to  you  our  entire  concurrence  in  the 
sentiments  of  your  speech,  and  our  heartfelt  thanks  for  the  in 
estimable  aid  it  had  afforded  towards  the  preservation  and  per 
petuation  of  the  Union.  For  this  purpose  we  respectfully  pre 
sent  to  you  this  our  addresses  of  thanks  and  congratulation  in 
reference  to  this  most  interesting  and  important  occasion  in  your 
public  life. 

T.  H.  PERKINS  et  al. 


(Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey.) 

WASHINGTON  28 — March.  [1850] 
My  dear  friend — 

We  are  getting  along  here  pretty  well  with  distributing  the 
Speech.  More  than  one  hundred  thousand  Copies  have  been 
printed  &  sold  in  Washington.  Our  chief  anxiety  is  to  see  your 
letter  &  its  suggestions,  at  the  earliest  possible  day.  How  shall 
we  get  the  Speech  extensively  circulated  in  Mass,  since  your 
Whig  Committee  is  [in  favor  of  the]  Atlas?  So  far  as  I  learn 
the  most  vindictive  of  all  opponents  are  in  Mass.  Cannot  some 
thing  be  done  to  distribute  to  all  the  towns  of  Mass  some  copies 
of  the  Speech?  If  Reddings  Edition  be  too  good  &  too  dear, 
then  a  cheaper  edition  might  be  gotten  up.  In  New  York,  I 
will  be  responsible  for  a  most  thorough  circulation.  The  money 
to  do  it  with,  is  now,  chiefly,  subscribed,  &  the  showering  of  the 
interior  of  New  York  with  that  speech  will  begin  next  week. 

This  letter  is  written  at  the  dictation,  &  in  the  presence  of 
Mr.  Webster,  in  his  office. 

Truly  your's 

E.  CURTIS 


408  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(From  Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey. (?) 

WASHINGTON  12"  April  [1850] 
My  Dear  Sir — 

You  told  me  I  might  depend  on  300  from  Boston  to  be  laid 
out  in  speeches — 

I  have  got  rising  of  $1200  worth  of  Speeches  and  my  $700 
from  New  York  will  not  pay  it —  I  can  send  you  any  amount 
of  Speeches  (cost  one  cent)  that  you  may  want  out  of  my  pur 
chase,  in  return  for  your  money —  You  say  you  can  distribute 
from  Boston —  Is  it  not  better  to  have  them  go  to  the  people 
of  Mass  under  the  frank  of  Mr.  W.  He  franks  any  amount 
wanted.  Some  people  think  he  don't  sign  his  name  on  the 
speeches  quite  so  well  as  he  used  to,  but  it  does  very  well,  though 
only  written  by  his  authority,  that  is  the  fashion  in  the  Senate, 
but  I  think  it  best  to  mention  it  to  nobody — so  don't — 

Mr.  Webster  goes  for  California  separate  &  alone,  &  apart 
from  all  other  questions,  &  has  set  that  matter  right  in  the  Sen 
ate  to  day. 

The  Gold  Watch  &  Chain  are  here1 — the  latter  about  as  big  as 
your  leg,  above  the  knee, 

We  shall  have  a  burst  up  in  the  Cabinet  of  old  Tayler,  in  a 
few  days  I  think — 

Clayton  &  Crawford  will  probably  set  out  for  their  respective 
homes,  having  done  enough  for  their  Country,  &  Galphin  Claim 
ants  to  be  entitled  to  discharge —  *  *  * 


(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

THURSDAY  3  o'clock  April  1850. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  received  your  very  acceptable  note  this  morning,  but  have 
not  time  to  honor  it  today.     Mr.  Curtis  or  myself  will  write  you 
tomorrow.     I  do  not  care  what  a  portion  of  the  Press  may  say, 
if  we  can  only  get  the  Speech  into  the  hands  of  the  People. 
It  is  impossible  to  meet  the  demands  here,  under  some  time. 

Yrs.     D.  WEBSTER 

1  Referring  to  a  gift  to  Webster  by  some  prominent  New  York  men.     See 
Daniel  Webster's  Private  Correspondence,  vol.  ii,  p.  361. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  409 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

[Apr.  3  1850] 

Private  IN  COUET,  Wednesday  1/2  past  2 

My  Dear  Son 

I  have  reed,  yrs,  &  will  send  1000  Speeches  by  Express  to 
morrow. — 

The  Senate  has  vote  to  send  a  Comee.  with  Calhouns  remains  to 
Charleston —  Of  course,  I  shall  be  much  pressed  to  be  one — 
Should  I  go — ?  think  of  it,  two  days,  &  say  little  to  anybody — 
&  then  send  me  a  Telegraphic  Despatch — saying  "aye"  or 
"No"—  But  think  deep. 

^^^  Yrs     D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  April  8,  '50 
Dear  F. 

I  shall  not  go  [to]  the  South,1  on  the  whole,  First,  because  it 
might  be  thought  I  was  carrying  my  Southern  courtesy  too  far, 
considering  my  age  &  status:  Second,  because  I  should  hear  a 
great  deal  of  commendation  of  Mr.  Calhoun's  particular  opin 
ions,  in  which  I  could  not  concur,  &  to  which  I  could  not,  de 
cently  reply:  Third,  because  I  shall  [have]  no  better  time  to 
go  home — 

If  I  am  well,  &  nothing  happens,  I  shall  be  with  you,  sooner 
than  you  expect.  I  shall  go  right  down  to  Marshfield,  &  if  I 
stay  at  all  in  Boston,  shall  stay  on  my  return. 

Yrs     D.  W. 

Is  there  any  objection  to  my  coming  now?  or  soon?  I  mean 
to  get  the  answer  off  tomorrow. 


(Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey.) 

WASHINGTON — 21,  April  1850 
My  dear  Sir — 

Mr.  Webster  expects  to  leave  Washington  on  Friday  next,  on 
his  journey  to  Boston.      He  will  lodge,  that  night,  at  Baltimore, 

1  That  is,   with  the  congressional  committee  accompanying  Calhoun's   re 
mains. 


410  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

and  on  Saturday  reach  New  York,  where  he  will  pass  Sunday. 
On  Monday,  the  following  day,  the  29th.  inst,  he  will  proceed 
by  the  Rail  Way  to  Boston.  If  his  friends  intend  to  notice  his 
arrival  in  Boston,  in  any  public  manner,  Mr.  Webster's  arrival  by 
the  Rail  Way  train  will  be  at  a  convenient  hour,  &  it  is  thought 
that  a  public  reception  or  greeting  may  well  be  gone  through 
with  at  the  Depot  in  Boston,  immediately  on  his  arrival —  If 
anybody  shall  address  him,  on  behalf  of  the  People,  as  he  alights 
from  the  Cars,  it  may  be  well  to  let  Mr.  Webster  have  a  note  or 
idea  of  what  is  likely  to  be  said,  by  the  Boston  speaker —  Mr. 
Webster  expects  you  to  reply  to  this,  by  addressing  him  a  letter 
at  the  Astor  House,  New  York —  If  you  have  a  word  to  say 
here,  &  reply  to  this  on  receipt  of  it,  that  reply  will  reach  us  on 
Friday  morning  &  before  Mr.  Webster  goes —  Mr.  W.  will 
depend  on  hearing  from  you  at  the  Astor  House —  If  the  idea 
put  forth  some  time  ago,  of  a  public  reception  has  gone  to  sleep 
don't  take  any  trouble  to  awaken  it.  Mr.  W.  would  incline 
to  enter  Boston,  like  other  people,  unless  the  public  feeling  de 
mand  some  demonstration,  as  the  prints  have  suggested. 

Very  truly  your's 

EDWAIID  CURTIS. 

P.  S.  Mr.  Webster's  letters  of  congratulation  are  from  the 
distinguished  men  of  all  parties  &  all  parts.  The  mail  today 
brought  a  very  remarkable  one  from  the  North —  Mr.  W.  will 
tell  you  about  it — 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

IN  THE  SENATE,  Wednesday,  24.  of  April  (1850) 
My  Dear  Son 

I  reed.  yrs.  this  mor'g. —  The  Comee-  of  13  will  neither  do 
me  or  any  body  else  any  harm ;  nor  need  be  alarmed  at  anything 
touching  Mr.  Clay.  I  rather  suppose  the  course  of  proceeding, 
in  California  &  the  Territories,  which  I  proposed  in  a  Speech 
some  ten  days  ago,  will  be  followed. 

My  expectation  is,  to  leave  this  City  on  friday  P.  M.  &  reach 
N.  York  on  Saturday  Eve' —  To  stay  at  Astor  House,  till 
Monday  Mor'g,  &  be  in  Boston  on  Monday  Eve,  on  the  N.  Y. 
train — 

I  think  I  shall  stay  over  Tuesday,  in  Boston — &  go  to  Marsh- 
field  on  Wednesday —  Stay  there  till  the  close  of  the  week — so 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  411 

as  to  leave  Boston,  on  my  return  hither,  about  the  6th.  or  7th. 
inst. 

I  am  glad  that  things  are  alive  at  Green  Harbor. 

Yrs.     D.  W. 


(From  Richard  Rush.1) 

SYDENHAM,  near  Philadelphia,  April  26,  1850 
My  dear  Sir, 

Pray  accept  my  best  thanks  for  the  beautiful  edition  of  your 
speech.       I  was  going  to  say  it  now  comes  before  the  public  in  a 
form  worthy  of  it — but  no  I  wont;  for  if  we  come  to  that,  it 
ought  to  be  printed  on  leaves  of  silver  in  letters  of  gold. 
I  remain  my  dear  Sir,  yours  very  faithfully,  and  obliged, 

RICHARD  RUSH. 

(From  Thomas  G.  Clemson.2) 

BRUSSELS  May  5th,  1850 
My  dear  Sir, 

The  consolation  &  satisfaction,  which  Mrs.  Clemson  &  myself 
derived  from  reading  the  remarks  it  pleased  you  to  make  in  the 
Senate,3  on  the  death  of  our  venerated  parent,  the  late  Hon.  J.  C. 
Calhoun,  is  sufficient  cause,  I  am  convinced,  for  the  liberty  I  now 
take,  in  expressing  to  you  our  gratitude  for  the  feeling  manner 
in  which  you  did  justice  to  the  long  &  emminent  life,  passed  & 
ended  in  the  service  of  our  common  country.  May  we  hope  that 
what  he  has  left  may  endure,  to  its  usefulness  &  glory. 

If  you  could  feel  &  say  so  much  of  his  public  life,  what  must 
we,  of  his  family,  feel,  when  to  all  that,  we  add  a  boundless  love 
and  admiration  for  the  manifold  virtues  he  exercised  in  the  bosom 
of  his  dearly  beloved  family. 

He  there  practised  a  world  of  goodness  &  tender  philosophy, 
unknown  to  the  public,  the  loss  of  which  we  can  not  yet  realize 

It  was  my  lot,  in  the  discharge  of  my  humble  duties,  to  be  far 
from  him  when  he  closed  his  eyes,  &  to  have  been  denied  the 
melancholy  satisfaction  of  soothing  his  dying  moments.  May 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  the  Hon.  Geo.  F.  Hoar.     Only  a  few  of  the  many 
letters  of  congratulation  on  the  7th  of  March  speech  have  been  included,  and 
those  representative  of  varying  interests. 

2  Son-in-law  of  John  C.  Calhoun. 

s  See  Webster's  Works,  vol.  v,  p.  368. 


412  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

those  you  love,  Sir,  surround  you  at  that  awful  moment,  &  thus 
be  spared  our  sufferings.  But  I  hope  that  time  is  still  far  dis 
tant.  That  you  may  long  continue  where  you  are,  "to  serve 
your  country,"  is  the  prayer  of  your  friend  & 

obedient  servant 

THOS.  G.  CLEMSON 

(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

ASTOE  HOUSE  Saturday  Morning  May  11  6  o'clock 
My  Dear  Sir, 

*  *  *  i  rjijjg  j,jew  Yorkers  have  sent  Mr.  Curtis  seven 
hundred  dollars,  for  the  distribution  of  the  Speeches,2  all  of  which 
and  a  good  deal  more  has  been  expended,  and  the  demand  is  far 
from  being  satisfied.  If  our  Boston  friends  feel  like  doing  some 
thing  in  the  same  way,  it  would  like  keeping  up.  It  might  be 
best  to  send  whatever  might  be  collected  to  Mr  Curtis,  who,  I 
doubt  not,  is  already  a  good  deal  in  arrears  with  the  Print 
ers.  *  *  *  3 

Yrs  truly 

DANL.  WEBSTER 

(To  J.  Prescott  Hall.) 

WASHINGTON  May  18.  '50 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  love  you  sincerely,  &  always  receive  what  you  say,  not  only 
kindly  but  thankfully.  I  feel  neither  indifferent,  or  distant 
towards  our  good  President.  He  is  an  honest  man,  &  a  good 
Whig,  &  I  wish  well  to  his  administration,  for  his  sake,  &  the 
Country's.  But  what  can  I  do  ?  He  never  consults  me,  nor  asks 
my  advice ;  nor  does  any  one  of  his  Cabinet,  except  Mr  Meredith. 
His  Cabinet  was  wholly  formed,  originally,  without  asking  any 
opinion  of  mine,  &  while  some  are  friendly  en0'  others  are  cross- 
grained  towards  me,  &  excessively  jealous.  I  shall  support,  cor 
dially,  the  President's  measures  whenever  I  can ;  but  I  have  been 
in  Public  life  some  time  longer  than  the  President,  or  any  of  his 

1  Personal  health  comments  omitted. 

2  Seventh  of  March  speech  in  pamphlet  form. 

8  The  remainder  of  this  letter  appears  in  Fletcher  Webster's  edition  of  his 
father's  correspondence.  This  paragraph  was  omitted  without  indicating  the 
omission. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  413 

advisers,  &  suppose  I  shall  not  be  much  blamed,  if  on  great  public 
questions,  I  feel  as  much  confidence  in  my  own  judgment  as  I  do 
in  theirs.  Personally  I  esteem  the  President,  &  like  him  very 
well.  But  I  cannot,  like  Mr  Truman  Smith,  and  Mr  Seward, 
swing  my  arms  in  the  Senate,  &  proclaim  myself  a  champion  for 
the  Administration,  in  regard  to  all  it  has  done,  does  now,  or 
hereafter  may,  could,  should  or  would  do. 

The  truth  is — My  Dear  Sir,  that  with  a  good  deal  of  regard 
for  some  members  of  the  Cabinet,  the  Country  has  not  confidence 
in  it,  as  a  whole,  nor  has  the  Whig  party.  Hence  I  fear,  that 
the  administration  is  doomed,  &  the  Whig  Party  doomed  with 
it —  Nevertheless,  I  shall  do  all  I  can  to  avert  the  catastrophe — 

My  Dear  Sir — You  have  sometimes  very  hot  fires  at  the 
Astor —  Throw  this  letter,  immediately,  into  the  very  hottest 
of  them.1 

^^^          Yrs  D.  W. 

(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

WASHINGTON  May  29,  1850. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

The  Courier  and  the  Daily  Advertiser,  should  lose  no  time  in 
coming  out  decidedly,  in  favor  of  some  plan  of  adjustment  and 
settlement.  They  should,  at  first,  take  strong  ground  against 
carrying  on  the  foolish  controversy  about  Slavery  in  New  Mex 
ico — -,  further,  and  should  rebuke  such  politicians  as  Mr.  Mann 
and  Mr.  Hale,  with  emphasis.  They  may  be  assured  that  the 
side  of  Union  and  conciliation  is  getting  to  be  the  strong  side. 
Mr.  Linus  Childs  of  Lowell,  is  here,  and  he  is  as  strong  as  a  lion 
in  favor  of  a  compromise.  He  talks  to  the  Massachusetts  mem 
bers  strong ;  and  has  written  for  other  Massachusetts  men  to  come 
on  and  join  him. 

It  is  just  as  I  knew  it  would  be,  with  the  Whig  Senators  of  the 
South.  They  will  not  give  a  single  vote  for  the  Tariff  until  this 
Slavery  business  is  settled.  A  very  leading  individual  among 
them,  told  Mr.  Childs  yesterday,  that  so  far  as  depended  on  him, 
and  his  friends,  the  Lowell  mills  might  and  should  all  stop,  un 
less  the  North  quit  this  violence  of  abuse — and  showed  a  dispo 
sition  to  be  reasonable  in  the  present  exciting  questions.  I  be 
lieve  I  told  you  this  a  month  ago. 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Mr.  C.  P.  Greenough,  of  Boston. 


LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Depend  upon  it  our  Northern  members  are  getting  into  a  tight 
place.  If  they  defeat  a  compromise,  their  responsibility  will  be 
great.  If  they  oppose  it  and  it  still  should  succeed  they  will  not 
belong  to  the  class  of  Peace  makers. 

I  believe  Mr.  Childs  tells  them  some  plain  truths.  I  write 
again  soon.  We  have  no  Boston  mail  this  morning 

Yrs  truly 
DANL  WEBSTEK, 

(To  Peter  Harvey. (?) 

WASHINGTON  May  29,  '50 
My  Dear  Sir 

Will  you  have  the  kindness  to  ask  Mr.  T.  B.  Curtis  to  sign  & 
endorse  this,  &  request  Mr.  Haven  to  place  proceeds  to  my  credit. 
My  acceptance  of  his  draft  for  $500  becomes  due  on  Saturday, 
&  will  of  course  be  paid 

Yrs  truly 

D.  W. 

I  have  not  heard  how  you  like  my  letter.  Mr.  Mann1  does 
not  like  it. 


(Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey.) 

WASHINGTON  D  C  30  May  1850 
My  dear  Sir, 

Mr.  Webster  showed  me  your  letter  suggesting  that  /  should 
manage  the  speech  money —  I  am  willing  &  expect  to  pay  twice 
the  amount  that  any  man  has  subscribed,  but  as  I  wrote  you,  I 
can't  stand  the  whole —  We  have  sent  off,  an  immense  number 
of  the  Speeches,  &  have  now  nearly  twenty  thousand  Copies  in 
the  folding  room —  *  *  * 

Have  you  seen  anvthing  of  Hosea  Mann's  "hoss".  You  will, 
if  you  come  across  him,  be  at  liberty  to  put  on  a  halter,  upon 

1  Horace  Mann.  Webster  here  facetiously  alludes  to  Mann's  well-known 
antipathy  to  compromise,  and  to  the  fact  that  in  the  "  Newburyport "  letter 
Webster  had  ridiculed  his  knowledge  of  the  Constitution. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  415 

taking  out  a  Habeas  Corpus,  but  don't  undertake  to  bridle  him, 
without  a  Jury  Trial.1 
Let  me  hear  from  you 

Truly  your*s 
EDWD.  CURTIS. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

My  Dear  Son  FRIDAY  MOR'G  7  O  clock  [June,  1850] 

I  do  not  think  we  can  arrange  the  inscription  for  Dear  Julia's 
monument  till  I  go  home.  We  must  have  three  monuments,  one 
for  Julia,  one  for  Edward,  &  one  for  your  mother.  I  incline  to 
have  them  all  of  the  same  pattern,  but  the  last  mentioned  rather 
larger,  so  as  to  bear  the  names  of  Grace  &  Charles.  These  monu 
ments  might  all  be  in  preparation,  &  when  I  am  next  at  Marsh- 
field  we  will  arrange  the  inscriptions. 

I  shall  not  get  away  till  we  finish  the  present  business. 

It  is  now  warm,  but  I  keep  as  cool  as  I  can. 

Your  mother  had  a  headache  yesterday,  but  is  pretty  bright 
this  mor'g. 

I  hope  you  will  write  every  day,  &  let  me  know  how  Caroline 
<§•  the  children  are. 

I  suppose  my  Medford2  letter  is  printed,  &  that  you  have  seen 
the  Bill  ab't  fugitive  Slaves,  which  was  in  my  Drawer  when  I 
made  my  Speech — 3  The  rod  came  safe  to  hand.  I  shall  hardly 
use  it,  unless  for  a  perch,  or  a  small  rock,  at  the  Little  Falls. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL,  WEBSTER 

Give  my  love  to  Mr.  A.  &  his  children,  &  Mr.  Paiges  family. 


(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

Dear  Sir  WASHINGTON,  June  2,  '/50 

I  wrote  you  this  morning,  and  now  have  your  letter  of  Friday. 

1  This  letter  and  others  which  follow  from  Curtis  to  Harvey  have  an  im 
portance  aside  from  the  information  they  contain,  because  Edward  Curtis  was 
practically  Webster's  mouthpiece,  being  intimately  acquainted  with  all  his 
plans  and  ideas. 

8  To  the  citizens  of  Medford,  June  3,  1850.  See  Daniel  Webster's  Works, 
vol.  vi,  p.  563. 

3  He  must  refer  to  his  7th  of  March  speech,  and  his  bill  was  a  modification 
of  the  Fugitive  Slave  bill  then  discussed  and  of  that  finally  passed. 


416  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

The  Editor  of  the  Courier  is  all  right  in  his  final  idea ;  let  him 
come  out,  clear  and  strong,  and  follow  the  matter  up —  He  will 
thereby  gain  readers  and  friends.  All  our  friends,  who  can 
write,  ought  to  aid  him,  if  he  should  need  aid.  But  he  writes 
very  well  himself. 

Mr.  Stuart's  l  pamphlet  is  here,  and  we  have  read  eighty  pages 
of  it.  It  is  capital,  capital.  It  is  one  of  the  most  important 
productions  of  our  time,  and  I  think  will  make  a  great  and  dur 
able  impression  on  this  generation.  Abolitionism  cannot  stand 
before  it.  He  must  get  a  copy-right,  and  the  book  ought  to  be 
published,  in  thousands  and  hundreds  of  thousands.  I  wrote  in 
my  letter  this  morning  that  we  are  in  a  crisis :  we  are  so,  if  "con 
ciliation"  makes  no  progress.  I  do  not  know  how,  even  the  ap 
propriation  bills  for  the  support  of  the  Government  are  to  be 
got  through.  Will  not  the  Whigs  of  Massachusetts  think  of 
this? 

Yrs  D.  WEBSTEB. 


'(To  Peter  Harvey.(f) 

IN  THE  SENATE — Monday  June  3,  '/50 
My  Dear  Sir, 

The  Courier  article  of  Saturday  is  admirable  indeed.  I  have 
already  heard  it  spoken  of  highly,  here.  Let  the  Editor  follow 
up  his  hand. 

The  Atlas  whines,  and  growls,  and  abuses  people.  It  reasons 
nothing,  it  argues  nothing.  It  only  rails  at  Mr.  Webster.  It 
denies  no  fact,  It  controverts  no  matter  of  law.  "An  old 
whig"  is  dead  and  buried.  There  is  no  discussion  in  its  columns, 
no  fair  opposition  to  other  men's  opinions.  But  it  rails  and  rails. 
Its  present  topic  seems  to  be,  that  Mr.  Webster's  Newburyport 
letter  contains  matters  derogatory  to  the  Commonwealth  of 
Massachusetts.  He  derides  the  State,  and  holds  her  up  to  the 
reproach  of  other  States ;  and  she  must  be  defended. 

God  keep  the  poor  old  Commonwealth,  if  the  defence  of  her 
character  and  conduct,  is  to  rest  on  the  Atlas ! 

Mr.  Webster  assaulting  the  honor  of  Massachusetts,  and  the 
Atlas  defending  her!  Who  would  not  hasten  to  the  scene,  and 
look  on,  to  see  the  end  of  such  a  contest. 

Now  according  to  our  apprehension,  Mr.  Webster  has  never 

1  Moses  Stuart,  of  Andover. 


THE  NATIONAL  STATESMAN  417 

said  one  word,  derogatory  to  the  character  of  Massachusetts.  He 
has  too  much  respect  for  himself,  if  not  for  the  State,  to  do  any 
such  thing.  The  State  has  honored  Mr.  Webster.  It  is  gen 
erally  thought,  we  believe,  that  he  has  not  dishonored  her.  It 
is  not  likely  that  the  efforts  of  the  Atlas  will  shake  the  con 
fidence  of  either  of  them,  for  the  other. 

Yrs  always 

DL.  WEBSTER 


(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

THE  SENATE,  2  o'clock  Tuesday — [June  4, 1850] 
Dear  Sir 

You  will  see  by  the  Intelligencer,  that  I  have  laid  my  proposed 
"fugitive  Slave  Bill"  before  the  Senate.  It  is  printed,  in  word 
and  letter,  just  as  it  was,  when  lying  in  my  Desk  the  day  I  made 
my  Speech.1  I  sent  my  letter  to  the  Gentlemen  of  Medford,2 
yesterday. 

Mr.  Stuart's  Book  has  arrived,  and  I  have  read  a  part  of  it. 
If  I  do  not  mistake,  it  will  make  a  great  impression  on  the  public 
mind. 

I  hope  I  may  be  able  to  run  up  to  Harper's  ferry  about  Thurs 
day — but  it  is  uncertain. 

Yrs     D  WEBSTEE 


(To  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  June  10,  12  o'clock.  [1850] 
My  Dear  Son ; 

I  reed,  yr's  this  mor'g,  enclosing  one  to  yr  mother ;  we  are  well, 
but  your  mother  is  greatly  distressed  by  Mrs.  Morris'  death. 
She  was  greatly  beloved. 

I  hope  you  will  get  along  with  Mr.  Coffin,  without  a  quarrel. 
Of  course,  he  can  do  nothing  here,  unless  he  steals  a  march. 

Mr  Harvey  writes  me  about  political  matters.  You  see  my 
little  Medford  letter — I  am  now  writing  one  for  the  Kennebeck 

1  The  7th  of  March  speech. 

2  In  a  letter  dated   "  The  Senate.    June  3,    1850,"   Webster   wrote   Peter 
Harvey:  "In  the  midst  of  a  considerable  warm  debate  I  have,  at  my  desk 
here,  written  an  answer  to  the  signers  of  the   Medford  letter."     See  Works  of 
Daniel  Webster,  vol.  vi,  p.  563. 


418  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

people,1  with  a  little  more  care. —     It  will  go  down  East,  in  a 
day  or  two. 

Mr.  Benton  is  speaking  on  his  motion  for  Indef .  p-ponement. 

Yr  D.  WEBSTER 


(Daniel  Webster  Toast.2) 

JUNE  17, 1850 

"Bunker  Hill  Monument, — May  it  crumble  to  the  dust  before 
it  shall  look  down  upon  a  country  dishonored,  disgraced,  and 
ruined  by  the  breaking  up,  by  sacrilegious  hands,  of  that  Union 
which  has  secured  its  liberty,  fostered  its  prosperity,  and  spread 
its  glory  and  renown  throughout  the  world." 


(To  the  Citizens  of  New  York.3) 

Gentlemen:  WASHINGTON,  June  19,  1850. 

Your  letter  has  been  received  and  read  with  very  strongly  ex 
cited  feelings.  The  terms  in  which  your  approbation  of  my 
speech  of  the  7th  March  is  expressed,  are  so  warm,  and  so  mingled 
with  sentiments  of  personal  regard,  that  when  I  look  at  the  names 
of  the  persons  who  have  given  utterance  to  those  sentiments,  I 
feel  that  what  will  become  me  most,  is,  to  confine  my  answer  to 
the  expression  of  my  profound  thanks,  and  to  the  assurance,  that 
your  letter  will  be  treasured  up  among  those  memorials  of  respect 
which  are  to  be  most  cordially  cherished  by  me  to  the  end  of  life. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  your  highly  obliged  fellow-citizen  and  obedi 
ent  servant, 

DANIEL,  WEBSTER. 

(To  Samuel  Lawrence.) 
Confidential 

My  Dear  Sir,  [JUNE  18,  1850] 

It  is  the  opinion  at  the  White  House,  today,  that  the  Com- 

1  See  the  Works  of  Daniel  Webster,  vol.  vi,  p.  566. 

4  Sent  to  the  company  celebrating  the  seventy-fifth  anniversary  of  the  battle 
of  Bunker  Hill.  Printed  in  Hist,  of  the  B.  H.  M.  A.,  p.  349. 

8  This  letter  is  taken  from  a  newspaper  clipping  cut  from  the  Traveller,  June 
27,  1850,  and  now  in  possession  of  the  Harvard  Library. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  419 

promise  Bill  will  become  a  law.  I  cannot  say  myself  what  the 
result  may  be.  The  Mass.  Delegation  could  settle  the  whole 
question,  this  day. 

I  have  read  the  letter  from  Lawrence,  signed  by  300  good  men. 
I  hope,  ( with  Mr.  Hudson's  permission )  that  the  business  will  go 
on,  as  fast  as  may  be  convenient;  for  this  is  the  very  moment. 
Should  not  the  papers  be  sent  to  others  of  the  Delegation,  and 
not  to  me?  Do  not  mention  what  I  have  said  about  the  White 
House. 

Yrs 
^^^  D.  W. 

(To  Rev.  Hubbard  Wvnslow.) 

My  Dear  Sir WASHINGTON,  June  23,  1850. 

I  am  quite  obliged  to  you  for  your  kind  and  encouraging  let 
ter.  What  is  to  come  of  the  present  commotions  in  men's  minds 
I  cannot  foresee;  but  my  own  convictions  of  duty  are  fixed  and 
strong,  and  I  shall  continue  to  follow  those  convictions  without 
faltering — "Nil  time,  nisi  male  facere."  l 

Yours  with  true  regard, 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 

(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

Dear  Harvey  JuLY  9'  '50 

I  have  yrs  this  morning,  &  shall  expect  another  tomorrow — 
Mr.  Eliot's  nomination2  is  excellent.  Make  him  accept.  We 
want  him  here.  I  am  mortified  abt.  Mr.  Marstons  recall.  I  knew 
nothing  about  it. 

^^^  Yrs     D.W. 

(D.  Fletcher  Webster  to  Peter  Harvey.) 

Private 

Dear  Harvey,  WASHINGTON  July  15,  1850 

I  wrote  you  yesterday  before  I  had  heard  any  thing  direct 
from  Fillmore.  I  have  heard  today. 

1  This  letter  <s  taken  from  a  newspaper  clipping  in  the  collection  of  C.  E. 
Bliss,  of  Bangoi ,  Me. 
8  For  Representative  in  place  of  Robt.  T.  Winthrop. 


420  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

He  has  decided  on  nothing — not  even  the  removal  of  the  pres 
ent  Cabinet ;  though  public  opinion  will  probably  effect  that. 

He  will  likely  enough  offer  Mr.  W.  the  State  Dept.  but  not, 
I  am  inclined  to  think  in  such  a  way  as  he  would  accept  it. 
Mr.  F.  does  not  seem  to  be  aware  of  the  crisis — I  infer  from  what 
I  heard  that  he  would  prefer  Winthrop  to  Webster —  At  all 
events,  if  he  doubts  on  this  point  it  shows  that  he  does  not  take 
that  view  of  matters  which  almost  every  one  else  does. 

It  is  enough  to  determine  my  own  opinions  as  to  what  Father 
ought  to  do,  to  know  that  Mr.  F.  hesitates  a  moment —  Don't 
you  think  it  decisive? 

The  universal  truth  that  men  like  to  be  surrounded  by  none 
greater  than  themselves  is  like  to  be  made  manifest  in  this  in 
stance. 

Mr.  F.  says  he  is  wholly  uncommitted,  &  means  to  remain  so 
for  some  days  as  to  all  points  of  his  policy. 

This  puts  a  new  face  on  things,  &  the  conduct  of  parties  inter 
ested  must  be  changed  accordingly.  Mr.  W.  will  hold  himself 
aloof — take  "high  ground"  as  Livermore  says  &  wait  events. 

Please  show  this  to  Mr.  Haven,  &  I  would  not  to  any  one  else 
except  Mr.  Paige — 

Yrs  F.  W. 

Mr.  Clay  is  very  anxious  to  have  Father  go  into  the  Cabinet. 
This  alarms  me —  He  would  not  do  it  unless  he  thought  it  would 
dispose  of  Mr.  W.  out  of  his  way. 

I  am  afraid  of  the  kisses  of  an  enemy. 

F.  W. 

(Memorandum.1 ) 

[JULY  11.  1850] 

Sec  of  State,  x  x 

Do.    "  Treas.  Mr.  Graham  2  Vinton. 

Do.    "  Interior  Mr.  Graham. 

Do.    "  War  Mr.  Bates, 

Do.    "  Navy  Mr.  Conrad,      (Graham)  3 

P.  M.  Gen.  Mr.  Pennington.      (Dayton)  3 

Atty.  Gen.  Mr.  Crittenden. 

1  Guaranteed  an  exact  copy  by  G.  J.  Abbott.     It  was  written  first  in  Daniel 
Webster's  hand. 

2  The  erasure  of  Mr.  Graham's  name  was  in  the  original. 

3  Graham  and  Dayton  are  written  in  lead  pencil. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  421 

This  will  come  near  being  a  North  Eastern  appointment,  & 
is  better,  I  think  on  that  account.  Mr.  Bates  is  well  known,  not 
only  to  the  People  of  Missouri,  &  Iowa,  and  I  believe  highly  re 
spected  by  the  Whigs  in  those  states.  This  point,  I  think,  is 
better  than  one  farther  South  especially  if  there  shall  be  a  mem 
ber  from  Louisiana. 

I  will  call  between  1  &  2  o'clock. 


(To  Mttlard  Fillmore.) 

Private 

WEDNESDAY,  1  o'clock.  [July  12.  1850.] 
My  Dear  Sir, 

So  far  as  I  hear  the  "First  Message"  is  quite  well  rec'd.  No 
doubt  it  will  give  satisfaction  to  the  North,  and,  I  believe  also  to 
all  the  Union  men  of  the  South. 

Gen.  Foote  commended  it  strongly  in  the  Senate. 

Yrs.  truly 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

Private 

FRIDAY  4  o'clock.  [July  19,  1850] 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  acknowledge  my  stupidity,  in  not  at  once  appreciating  the 
value  of  your  suggestion,  in  relation  to  giving  the  P.  Office  to 
Mr.  S.  B.  Ruggles.1  I  was  thinking  of  the  appointment  of  vil 
lage  Postmasters,  and  little  interior  mail  routes,  &c.  &c. 

I  forgot  that  a  high  duty  of  that  official  this  day  is  to  arrange 
communications  with  foreign  countries,  &  propose  large  plans, 
or  execute  them,  for  postal  intercourse  with  all  the  world. 

I  believe  he  is  the  very  man ;  &  I  have  reason  to  think  he  will 
take  the  office. 

I  shall  see  you  before  six  o'clock. 

Yrs.  truly, 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 

I  know  him  to  be  entirely  independent  of  all  cliques. 

1  Webster  had  now  accepted  the  office  of  Secretary  of  State,  and  his  advice 
was  sought  in  these  matters. 


422  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

DEFT.  WEDNESDAY  2  O'clk. 

[July  24  (?)  1850] 
Dear  Fletcher 

I  have  hardly  done  anything  today  but  sign  Passports,  & 
Certificates,  &  let  all  the  world  know,  at  home  &  abroad,  that  I 
am  Sec.  of  State.  This,  you  know,  is  a  necessary,  but  a  tedious 
business. 

It  was  rather  [thought]  this  morning  that  there  was  more 
chance  for  the  Compromise,  than  there  was  a  day  or  two  ago. 

Yrs  affectionately 


(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

DEPARTMENT  OF  STATE,  July  30,  1850. 

Is  it  not  time  the  answer  to  the  Governor  of  Texas  was  pre 
pared,  considered,  and  accomplished?  The  Legislature  of  Texas 
meets  at  Austin  on  the  12th.  prox.  I  shall  in  the  course  of  the 
day,  send  a  draft 1  for  your  examination.  It  will  be  well,  I 
think,  to  put  in  as  many  soft  words  as  we  can,  to  soothe  the  irri 
tation  of  Texas,  which  seems  to  have  taken  offence  at  the  military 
aspect  of  the  proceedings  at  Santa  Fe.  I  doubt  whether  the 
President  expected  Col.  Mc'Call  to  take  the  lead  in  forming  a 
State  Constitution  for  New  Mexico,  or  to  act  in  that  respect  in 
his  military  character. 

Nevertheless,  it  is  desirable  that  we  should  avoid  every  thing 
which  might  look  like  a  reprimand  to  him.  I  think  it  will  be 
necessary  to  send  the  answer  by  express. 

Yours  truly, 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

WASHINGTON  Friday  August  2,  1/2  past  3.  [1850] 
Dear  Harvey, 

I  have  found  time  to  write  a  short  line  to  Mr.  Fearing.2    He 
must  come;  we  want  him  and  must  have  him.     I  pray  you  take 

1  See  Webster's  Works,  vol.  vi,  p.  479. 

2  Probably  Albert  Fearing,  a  wealthy  Boston  philanthropist. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  423 

no  denial.  In  the  times  which  are  coming,  and  in  the  business 
which  is  before  us,  his  mercantile  knowledge  would  be  of  very 
great  importance. 

Besides  he  is  a  practical  man,  who  seeks  only  to  bring  about 
good  results.  He  does  not  spit  in  a  man's  face,  or  knock  him 
down,  and  then  say,  "Kind  friend,  be  good  enough  to  give  me 
your  vote,  in  a  matter  essential  to  my  well  being  "  We  are  all 
busy — I  hope  we  shall  straighten  things  out,  but  I  cannot  tell. 

Yrs  always  truly 

DANL,.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 
Private. 
My  Dear  Sir,  DEPT  OF  STATE.  Aug.  3, 1850 

Some  things  will  keep  me  here  until  a  little  after  10  o'clock; 
and  in  the  mean  time  I  wish  the  papers  in  your  hands  may  be  read 
to  the  other  Gentlemen.  It  is  important  that  all  of  us  should 
bring  our  minds  seriously  &  independently  to  the  subject. 

And  in  regard  to  yourself,  particularly,  I  wish  you  to  take 
nothing  out  of  courtesy  to  me. 

The  crisis  is  important,  all  the  North  is  in  commotion  at  the 
loss  of  the  Compromise  Bill.  A  good  message  from  you  would 
do  a  world  of  good. 

Yrs  truly 
DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 
My  Dear  Sir  TUBS.  MORNING  Aug.  6.  1850 

On  examination  &  consultation,  I  thought  it  best  that  the  let 
ter  to  Governor  Bell 1  should  be  from  me  by  your  direction.  It 
is  sent  by  bearer  for  your  perusal,  if  you  think  another  perusal 
necessary.  It  has  been  carefully  revised,  &  examined,  and  no 
alterations  made  except  to  accommodate  the  language  to  the 
Writer. 

The  Message  will  be  ready  in  twenty  minutes.  I  will  bring 
them  up.  I  hope  they  may  reach  the  two  Houses  before  12 
o'clock. 

Yrs.  always 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 

1  Governor  of  Texas. 


424  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  Samuel  Lawrence.) 

WASHINGTON,  Aug.  10,  '50. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  thank  you  for  your  letter.  Mr.  Eliot's  nomination  was  an 
excellent  one.  He  &  you  were  among  the  very  first  to  write  me, 
after  the  7th.  of  March,  that  the  People  of  Massachusetts  would 
support  me. 

The  Machine  of  the  Government  seems  beginning  to  move 
again.  The  Senate,  as  you  see,  has  passed  the  Texas  Bill,  &  the 
House  is  getting  on  with  the  annual  appropriations.  Abolition 
ism  &  disunion  are  a  little  less  rampant. 

Yrs 

D.  WEBSTER. 
I  like  your  letters.     They  are  short,  &  to  the  point. 


(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

AUG.  14  (1850)  3  o'clock  P.  M. 

Dear  Sir 

I  have  your  letter,  &  thank  you  for  it.  The  very  best  thing 
in  the  world  would  be  for  you  &  Mr.  Fearing  to  come  on  here, 
for  two  or  three  days.  The  weather  is  growing  cooler —  Give 
your  votes  for  Mr  Eliot,  &  then  come  South.  You  will  easily 
adjust  all  the  things  about  which  you  write. 

Yrs  D.  W. 

News  from  the  Capitol,  is,  that  Mr.  Ashmun  is  making  a  mas 
terly  speech,  in  answer  to  the  Southern  Extreme  Doctrines,  &c.  on 
the  Texan  question. 

(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

WASHINGTON  Aug.  16,  '/50 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  received  a  letter  from  you  yesterday,  and  two  others  today. 
They  are  all  interesting  and  excellent.  Mr.  Curtis  devours 
them,  as  if  they  were  bits  of  ripe  watermelons.  I  think  your 
conversation  with  Mr  Draper  was  exactly  right.  He  is  person 
ally  friendly — but  has  had  quite  inadmissible  ideas  on  some  sub 
jects. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  425 

Mr  Clay's  conversation  was  strong,  I  wish  he  could  be  induced 
to  visit  Boston  and  see  our  Whig  friends. 

O 

I  have  written  Mr.  Eliot  to  be  here  by  Wednesday.  His  vote 
will  be  needed.  I  wish  there  was  hope  for  Mr.  Thompson.  I 
much  like  the  decision  of  Mr  Mills  If  a  few  other  important 
men  will  follow  his  example,  things  will  soon  come  right. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER 
The  Cabinet  is  now  complete. 


(Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey.) 

My  dear  Sir—  WASHINGTON,  16th.  Aug:  (1850) 

You  see  how  gloriously  every  thing  has  gone  thro,  the  Senate ; 
but  after  all,  there  is  great  danger  that  all  will  be  lost  in  the 
House,  by  the  perverse  opposition  of  a  few  Northern  members — 
Nobody  has  had  any  hope  of  Horace  Mann,  but  all  the  other 
members  now  here  from  Massachusetts  except  the  Rev.  Orrin 
Fowler  of  Plymouth  District  are  expected  to  vote  in  favor  of 
peace  and  conciliation,  by  voting  for  the  Bill  to  settle  the  bound 
ary  between  Texas  &  New  Mexico,  &  for  the  other  Bills  from  the 
Senate.  It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  gain  every  Northern 
Whig  vote  that  can  be  gained —  The  Bill  first  in  order,  of  all 
the  Bills  from  the  Senate  now  pending  in  the  House,  is  the  Texan 
boundary  Bill — our  friends  are  waiting  to  rally  their  forces  to 
vote  upon  this  Bill, — and  will  not  take  the  question  until  after 
Mr.  Eliot  gets  here.  My  purpose  in  writing  to  you,  now,  is  to 
request,  if  you  know  any  Boston  people  who  are  acquainted  with 
the  Revd.  Fowler,  that  you  should  get  letters  written  to  him 
urging  him  to  vote  for  the  Boundary  Bill — being  a  clergyman 
he  may  well  go  in  for  peace  &  harmony —  If  you  cannot  reach 
Mr.  Fowler  you  will  do  good  by  getting  the  Courier  to  print 
an  article  or  two  calling  upon  the  Representatives  from  the  Bay 
State  to  sustain  the  Administration  by  voting  in  favor  of  the 
Boundary  Bill.  If  we  can  any  way  get  the  Revd.  Orrin  how 
well  Massachusetts  would  stand — Rockwell,  Grinnell,  Ashmun  & 
Duncan,  you  know,  are  all  right. 

It  is  possible  that  Mr.  Upham  may  be  elected  &  get  here  in 
time —  We  hope  he  is  not  coming  here  to  take  part  with  Mann 
&  Giddings — 


426  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Yesterday  I  dined  with  General  Scott.  All  the  Cabinet  were 
present —  They  are  very  agreeable  &  cheerful  persons — 

PRIVATE. 

Mr.  Webster  appears  among  them,  like  a  father  teaching  his 
listening  children —  Even,  Genl.  Scott,  who  has  never  been 
known  give  way  to  any  person  in  conversation,  any  more  than  to 
an  enemy  in  Battle,  was  full  of  deference,  and  maintained  a  rea 
sonable  silence. 

The  weather  is  warm  here,  but  not  so  scorching  as  it  was  last 
month — -  I  have  given  Gideon  the  Printer  a  draft  on  you  for 
that  $250 —  We  have  had  so  many  of  the  Speech  of  the  17th. 
July  printed  &  distributed,  that  I  am  now  in  debt,  over  &  above 
your  $250,  to  the  tune  of  Four  hundred  &  twenty  five,  which  I 
fear  will  have  to  be  paid  out  of  my  very  small  private  purse. 
But  I  have  great  consolations — many  hundreds  of  thousands  of 
Mr.  W's.  letters  &  speeches  have  been  sent  all  over  the  land — the 
seed  taken  root,  &  I  see  it  springing  up  every  where,  &  promis 
ing  an  abundant  harvest  in  due  time. 

I  am  glad  to  observe  that  you  speak  well  of  the  rich  in  your 
parts —  If  they  were  here  to  see  how  incessantly  Mr.  W.  labors, 
(&  has  labored  all  the  session)  how  patiently  he  goes  about  to 
convince  men  of  the  error  of  their  ways,  and  does  convince  & 
convert  them,  how  the  present  good  prospects  of  the  Country  for 
conciliation  &  internal  peace  are  distinctly  the  result  of  his  exer 
tions,  &  how  cheerfully  he  gives  up  Marshfield  for  the  hot  rooms 
of  his  small  dwelling  house  at  Washington,  they  would  feel  that 
they  can  never  pay  for  such  services. 

I  am  glad  to  say  that  although  the  great  heat  has  on  some 
days  prostrated  him,  Mr.  W.  has  had  no  malady,  and  is  as  well, 
&  active  &  cheerful  as  ever  I  knew  him  to  be. 

Your's  very  truly 

EDWD.  CURTIS: 

(To  Denning  Jarves.) 

WASHINGTON  D.  C.  August  19.  '/50. 
Dear  Sir 

I  have  received  your  favor  of  the  17th  inst.  informing  me  that 
you  have  done  me  the  honor  to  send  to  my  residence  at  Marshfield, 
a  flint  glass  Bowl,  the  largest  ever  made  in  any  part  of  the  world, 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  427 

and  that  you  design  it  as  a  gift  to  me,  and  a  token  of  your  re 
spect  for  myself,  and  of  your  confidence  in  my  public  conduct 
during  my  past  life. 

I  have  no  doubt  that  this  is  a  brilliant  specimen  of  American 
art,  and  it  is  not  the  less  welcome  to  my  house,  certainly,  for 
your  having  named  it  the  "Union  Bowl." 

But  I  am  most  especially  indebted  to  you,  for  the  kind  opinion 
you  entertain,  of  my  public  services  in  the  Senate,  during  the 
present  session  of  Congress —  For  any  exertions  I  have  made 
to  promote  conciliation  and  peace  throughout  the  Nation,  I  can 
derive  no  more  satisfactory  reward,  than  the  approbation  of  the 
people  of  Massachusetts  whom  I  have  represented  and  our  fellow 
citizens,  generally,  throughout  the  country. 

It  is  now  many  years,  My  dear  Sir,  since  you  and  I  first 
formed  an  acquaintance  with  each  other,  at  the  beautiful  village 
of  Sandwich,  to  which  place  I  went  for  the  trifling  but  healthful 
operation  of  fishing  in  "Marshpee  Brook;"  you,  to  establish  a 
most  important  manufactory.  As  those  years  have  rolled  on,  I 
have  had  equal  pleasure  in  cultivating  and  cherishing  your 
friendship,  and  in  witnessing  the  great  success  of  your  undertak 
ing.  It  is  not  from  a  stranger,  therefore,  nor  from  one  indif 
ferent  to  me,  but  from  a  friend  long  known  and  esteemed,  that  I 
accept  the  present  which  your  kindness  bestows.  And  I  offer 
you  in  return  my  warmest  thanks. 

I  am  dear  Sir,  Very  truly  your  obt.  st. 

DANL.  WEBSTZE 


(To  Mittard  Fillmore.) 

MONDAY  MORNING,  9  o'clock — Aug.  26,  1850. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  had  an  attack  of  rheumatism  yesterday,  caused,  I  suppose, 
by  the  late  weather,  &  I  doubt,  as  I  was  obliged  to  take  medicine, 
whether  I  shall  be  able  to  leave  my  house  today. 

I  have  been  through  much  of  the  subject  of  the  appointment  of 
a  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  &  will  state,  with  your  leave,  my 
present  impressions. 

In  the  first  place,  I  think  it  very  important  to  find  a  proper 
man  in  Georgia.  That  seems  to  be  the  fit  location,  on  all  ac 
counts,  &  as  the  Whigs  of  that  State  doubtless  feel  a  good  deal 
of  mortification  at  the  manner  in  which  Mr.  Crawford  has  closed 


428  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

his  career,1  the  selection  of  another  Head  of  Department  from 
the  State  would  probably  be  very  well  received  by  them. 

Charles  J.  Jenkins  is  a  Lawyer  living  in  Augusta,  not  far 
from  forty  years  old,  of  good  standing  in  his  profession,  &  of 
excellent  character  in  all  respects.  He  may  not  be,  and  I  pre 
sume  is  not,  so  distinguished  a  Lawyer  as  Judge  Berrien,  or 
Judge  Law,  and,  in  some  respects,  not  quite  equal  to  another 
Gentleman,  whom  I  shall  next  name.  But  I  understand  he  is 
emulous,  industrious,  and  very  confidential.  I  saw  a  good  deal 
of  him  at  Augusta  in  1847 — and  was  much  pleased  with  him. 
He  was  then  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives  in  Georgia, 
&  had,  at  that  time,  a  very  agreeable  family ;  but  his  wife,  &  both 
his  children,  all  he  had,  are  since  dead.  He  has  very  amiable  and 
gentlemanly  manners.  In  his  present  condition,  I  presume  he 
would  accept  the  appointment  at  once, 

Charles  Dougherty  is  a  highly  respectable  Lawyer,  &,  I  be 
lieve,  a  very  good  Whig.  He  has  a  family,  is  forty  seven  or 
forty  eight  years  old,  &  lives  at  Athens.  Not  so  likely,  per 
haps,  to  accept  the  place  as  Mr.  Jenkins,  yet  probably  he  would 
accept.  He  was  a  candidate  for  the  Senate  against  Mr.  Berrien, 
and  in  the  Whig  caucus  Mr.  Berrien  led  him  but  one  vote. 

I  would  suggest  to  your  consideration,  My  Dear  Sir,  the  ap 
pointment  of  one  of  them,  unless  objections,  not  now  known 
to  me,  should  be  stated  against  one  or  both,  as  I  know  Mr.  Jen 
kins,  &,  as  I  believe  that  on  the  whole,  he  would  be  the  better  ap 
pointment,  I  should  prefer  him.2 

Yours,  sick  or  well, 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

TUESDAY  MORNING,  September  3d.  1850 

The  bearer  of  this  note  is  William  J.  Hubbard,  Esquire,  a 
highly  respected  gentleman  of  the  bar  in  Boston.  Mr.  Hubbard 
is  the  Head  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Foreign 
missions,  &  in  that  capacity  has  lately  been  addressed  by  Mr. 
Judd,  late  Commissioner  from  the  Sandwich  Islands  to  this  Gov 
ernment.  The  letter  was  written  at  Panama  and  refers  to  an 

1  Referring  to  the  "  Galphin  claim  "  scandal.     See  Rhodes'  History  of  the 
United  States,  vol.  i,  p.  202. 

2  Alexander  H.  H.  Stuart  finally  took  the  office. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  429 

expected  visit  of  certain  French  ships  of  War  to  the  islands  with 
no  very  peaceful  purpose.  Mr.  Hubbard  will  show  you  a  copy 
of  this  letter.  He.  had  also  a  letter  from  Mr.  Judd  written  at 
the  same  time,  which  is  sent  herewith.  England  has  offered  to 
mediate  between  France  and  the  Sandwich  Islands,  which  offer 
France  declines,  as  would  seem  from  Mr.  Judd's  letter. 

On  the  5th  of  July  last,  Mr.  Rives  was  instructed  by  this  De 
partment  to  offer  the  mediation  of  this  government  for  the  pur 
pose  of  adjusting  the  controversy.  At  the  time  the  instruction 
must  have  reached  Paris,  however,  he  had  just  left  there  on  a 
visit  to  England  where  he  expected  to  stay  several  weeks,  &  we 
have  heard  nothing  from  him  upon  the  subject.  He  was  at 
Edinburgh  on  the  9th  of  August  under  which  date  he  wrote  me 
from  that  city.  I  send  the  letter  to  you  for  your  perusal 
although  I  believe  it  has  already  been  in  your  hands.  It  makes 
no  mention  of  the  matter  of  the  proffered  mediation. 

I  should  attend  Mr.  Hubbard  in  his  call  on  you  to  day,  but 
my  cold  is  very  bad  and  I  ought  to  be  at  home.1 

Yours,  always,  truly, 

DANL  WEBSTER. 


(To  Don  Mariana  Arista.2) 

WASHINGTON  3d.  September  1850 
Sir: 

I  have  received  your  Excellency's  communication,  under  date 
the  19th.  of  July  last,  announcing  that  as  President  of  the  Geo 
graphical  and  Statistical  Society  of  Mexico,  you  had  done  me 
the  honor,  at  a  meeting  of  that  Body  held  on  the  18th  of  July 
to  propose  me,  and  that  I  was  chosen,  a  corresponding  member. 
Your  Excellency's  letter  was  also  accompanied  by  a  Diploma  and 
by  a  printed  copy  of  the  regulations  of  the  Society. 

In  reply,  I  have  the  honor  to  acquaint  your  Excellency,  that 
the  distinction  thus  conferred,  is  cordially  accepted. 

The  utility  of  such  Associations  is  generally  acknowledged, 
and  I  trust  that  the  labors  of  yours,  in  collecting  and  diffusing 

1  Accompanying  this  letter  is  a  note  of  G.  J.  Abbott,  who  was  at  this  time 
Webster's  private  secretary.  A  summary  of  the  Sandwich  Islands  question 
appears  in  the  New  York  Express;  the  article  was  prepared  after  a  conversa 
tion  with  Mr.  Webster  by  E.  Brooks.  Mr.  Abbott  does  not  inform  us  of  the 
date  of  this  article. 

•  President  of  the  Mexican  Republic,  a  year  later. 


430  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Statistical  and  Geographical  information,  especially  with  refer 
ence  to  your  own  magnificent  country,  will  be  viewed  with  lively 
interest  by  intelligent  men  of  all  nations.  The  judicious  man 
ner  in  which  your  Society  has  been  organized  and  the  eminent, 
Mexicans  who  appear  to  have  taken  part  therein,  are  favorable 
omens  for  its  success.  It  will  at  all  times  be  a  pleasure  to  me  to 
do  any  thing  which  I  can,  officially  or  personally,  towards  con 
tributing  to  that  success. 

I  avail  myself  of  this  occasion  to  offer  to  your  Excellency  the 
assurance  of  my  high  regard. 

D.  W. 


(To  MUlard  Fillmore.1) 

SEPTEMBER  11  1850. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

Mr.  Samuel  Adams  is  what  he  represents  himself  to  be  an  old 
merchant  of  Boston ;  and  he  is  quite  a  respectable  man,  under  no 
bias,  I  suppose,  of  politics,  or  party,  such  as  would  lean  him  to 
any  considerable  misrepresentation. 

The  Collector  of  the  Customs  at  Boston  is  Philip  GREELEY,  Jr. 
He  is  rather  a  young  man,  not  many  years  ago  a  merchant  of  the 
firm  of  Guild  &  Greeley.  The  House  failed ;  Mr.  Greeley  having 
nothing  to  do,  was  employed  as  Secretary  to  the  "Whig  Central 
Committee."  He  is  active  and  plausible,  and  not  content  with 
out  some  information.  In  this  situation,  he  made  friends,  &  for- 
stalled  opinion,  so  that  when  a  change  of  administration  came, 
he  presented  a  very  large  list  of  names,  and  many  of  them  very 
respectable,  as  a  candidate  for  the  collectorship.  I  had  no  idea 
he  would  be  appointed  because  Gen.  Taylor  told  me  he  should 
restore  Gen.  Lincoln.  Mr.  Greeley  ought  not  to  have  been  ap 
pointed.  He  did  not  possess  the  proper  weight  of  general  char 
acter  &  reputation.  His  firm  have  neither  paid  their  debts  or 
compounded  with  their  creditors.  It  is  true  that  he  is  sued  for 
small  debts;  and  I  have  understood  has  lately  taken  the  poor 
debtor's  oath. 

In  politics,  he  adheres  to  the  Boston  Atlas,  which  is  just  such 
another  "Whig"  paper  as  the  Albany  Evening  Journal.  Very 

1  This   letter   and   a  number  of  the  kind  have  been  given  as  examples  of 
Webster's  criticism  of  men  proposed  for  office. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  431 

likely  the  Senate  may  reject  the  nomination.     If  that  should 
happen  I  should  recommend  the  nomination  of  MR.  ASHMUN. 

He  would  take  the  office,  as  he  means  to  retire  from  Congress. 
He  is  one  of  the  most  popular  men  in  the  State.  He  has  sub 
stantial  friends  in  Boston,  to  give  his  bonds,  &,  in  my  opinion, 
much  more  effect  would  come  from  his  appointment  than  from 
that  of  any  other  person. 

The  Postmaster  at  Boston  is  WILLIAM  HAYDEN,  a  man  of 
fifty,  or  upwards,  and  was  many  years  Auditor  of  the  city.  He 
is  a  very  upright,  honest  man,  &  is  regarded  as  a  good  man  of 
business.  He  is  a  sound  Whig,  &  quite  right,  on  pending  ques 
tions.  But  he  is  sometimes  blunt,  in  his  manners.  He  was  in 
the  Legislature  of  Massachusetts,  at  the  time  of  Gen.  Jackson's 
death  &  made  some  remarks  on  that  occasion,  which  were  in  very 
bad  taste.  On  this  ground  there  is  opposition  to  him,  and  he 
may  be  rejected.  There  really  was  no  malice  operating  to  pro 
duce  what  he  said,  but  it  indicated  indiscretion. 

I  have  not  heard  any  complaint  of  the  manner  in  which  he  has 
discharged  the  duties  of  his  office.  As  to  his  "fondness  for  even 
ing  festivals"  I  have  never  heard  anything  of  that  kind  alleged 
against  him.  He  would  not  have  been  my  choice  for  Postmaster, 
yet  I  have  rather  wished  he  might  be  confirmed ;  and  it  was  per 
haps  on  my  recommendation  that  General  Rush  reported  favor 
ably  on  his  nomination. 

If  Mr.  Hayden  should  be  rejected  my  present  opinion  is,  that 
the  best  recommendation  for  the  place  would  be  that  of  Geo  W. 
Gordon.  Mr.  Gordon  was  appointed  Postmaster  in  1841,  &  a 
year  or  two  after  removed  by  Mr.  Tyler.  I  believe  his  conduct 
in  office  was  universally  acceptable.  When  he  was  removed  he 
was  complimented  with  the  Consulship  at  Rio  from  which  Mr. 
Polk  recalled  him. 

There  will  be  time,  if  there  should  be  rejections  to  consider  of 
what  I  have  suggested.  . 

Yrs  always  truly 

DANL,  WEBSTER. 

(To  Millar d  Fillmore.) 

SUNDAY  MORNING  (Sept  19  1850) 
My  Dear  Sir, 

The  Bill,  settling  the  Texan  boundary  passed,  as  you  will  have 
seen,  on  Friday,  through  the  Senate  by  a  good  vote.  The  Cali- 


432  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

fornia  Bill  will  probably  pass  the  same  body  tomorrow.  So  far, 
so  good.  The  Govt.  seems  to  get  a  little  power  of  motion. 
Gen.  Cass  says,  that  there  has  been  no  administration,  since 
March,  '49.  That  since  that  time,  the  Ship  of  State  has  had  no 
headway :  but  that  She  now  begins  to  feel  her  helm. 

The  Texan  Boundary  Bill  will  be  violently  opposed  in  the 
House,  by  the  usual  concurrence  and  cooperation  of  Extremes. 
It  is  said,  Gov.  Seward  is  taking  great  pains  to  defeat  it.  The 
Massachusetts  vote,  I  presume,  will  be  equally  divided.  Ashmun, 
Grinnell,  and  Duncan  for  the  measure,  Mann,  Allen,  and  Fowler, 
against  it.  For  my  part,  I  much  prefer  to  see  a  respectable 
Democrat  elected  to  Congress,  than  a  professed  Whig,  tainted 
with  any  degree  of  Free  Soil  doctrines,  or  abolitionism.  Men 
who  act  upon  some  principle,  though  it  be  a  wrong  principle, 
have  usually  some  consistency  of  conduct;  and  they  are  there 
fore,  less  dangerous  than  those  who  are  looking  for  nothing  but 
increased  power,  and  influence,  and  who  act  simply,  on  what 
seems  expedient,  for  their  purposes,  at  the  moment. 

I  see  a  good  many  of  the  members  every  day,  and  do  all  I 
properly  can,  towards  helping  the  good  work  on.  I  hope  we 
shall  succeed,  but  expect  a  good  deal  of  controversy  yet.  I 
hope  the  Editor  of  the  Courier  will  come  immediately  on  here.  I 
think  we  owe  a  great  deal  to  his  independent  spirit,  and  inde 
pendent  conduct.  I  should  be  most  happy  to  make  him  known 
to  the  Department.  He  well  deserves  all  the  help  he  can  fairly 
get. 

I  looked  for  a  letter  from  you  both  yesterday,  and  today,  but 
none  came. 

Yrs  truly 

D.  WEBSTEB 

No  word  yet  from  McKennan. 


(To  Peter  Harvey.1) 
Private 

WASHINGTON  Oct.  2,  '50 
My  Dear  friend ; 

I  feel  well,  &  in  good  spirits.  My  cold  is  going  off,  &  al 
though  it  leaves  me  weak,  my  eye  &  head  are  clear,  &  that  awful 
depression  which  accompanies  the  disease  has  disappeared.  It 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  A.  F.  Lewis,  of  Fryeburg,  Me. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  433 

will  return,  occasionally,  for  a  fortnight,  perhaps;  but  not  for 
long  visits. 

My  main  relief,  however  is,  that  Congress  got  thr°  so  well.  I 
can  now  sleep  onights.  We  have  gone  thr°  the  most  important 
crisis,  which  has  occurred  since  the  foundation  of  the  Govern 
ment  ;  &  whatever  party  may  prevail,  hereafter,  the  Union  stands 
firm. 

Faction,  Disunion,  &  the  love  of  mischief  are  put  under,  at 
least,  for  the  present,  &  I  hope  for  a  long  time.  Another  effect 
of  recent  occurrences  is  the  softening  of  political  animosities. 
Those  who  have  acted  together,  in  this  great  crisis,  can  never 
again  feel  sharp  asperities  towards  one  another.  For  instance,  it 
is  impossible  that  I  should  entertain  hostile  feelings,  or  political 
acrimony,  towards  Genl  Cass,  Dickinson,  Shield,  Bright,  Rusk, 
&c.  &c.  in  the  Senate.  We  have  agreed,  that  as  we  are  never 
likely  to  be  called  on  to  act  in  a  matter  of  so  much  moment  to 
the  Country,,  again,  so  we  will  not  mar  the  joy,  or  the  honor  of 
the  past,  by  any  unnecessary  quarrels  for  the  future. 

Another  thing  is  not  altogether  improbable.  And  that  is,  a 
remodelling  of  Parties.  If  any  considerable  body  of  the  Whigs 
of  the  North  shall  act  in  the  spirit  of  the  majority  of  the  recent 
Convention  in  N.  York,  a  new  arrangement  of  Parties  is  un 
avoidable.  There  must  be  a  Union  Party,  &  an  opposing  party 
under  some  name,  I  know  not  what,  very  likely  the  Party  of 
Liberty. 

Many  good  men  among  our  Whig  friends  of  the  North  could 
not  make  up  their  minds  to  renounce  their  old  ideas,  &  support 
the  great  measures.  Very  well ;  &  if,  now  that  the  measures  are 
adopted,  &  the  questions  settled,  those  will  support  things  as  they 
now  are,  &  resist  all  further  attempts  at  agitation  &  disturbance, 
&  make  no  efforts  for  another  change,  they  ought  still  to  be 
regarded  as  Whigs.  But  those  who  act  otherwise,  or  shall  act 
otherwise,  &  continue  to  talk  about  Wilmot  Provisos,  &  to  resist, 
or  seek  to  repeal,  the  Fugitive  Slave  Bill,  or  use  any  other  means 
to  disturb  the  quiet  of  the  Country,  will  have  no  right  to  con 
sider  themselves  either  as  Whigs,  or  as  friends  of  the  Administra 
tion.  Because  there  is  one  thing  that  is  fixed,  &  settled,  &  that  is, 
that  the  present  Administration  will  not  recognize  one  set  of 
Whig  Principles  for  the  North,  &  another  for  the  South.  In 
regard  to  the  great  questions  of  Constitutional  Law,  &  Public 
Policy,  upon  which  the  Whig  Party  is  founded,  we  must  all  be 
of  one  faith,  &  that  can  be  regarded  as  no  Whig  Party  in 


434  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

N.  York,  or  Mass.,  which  espouses  doctrines,  &  utters  sentiments, 
hostile  to  the  just,  &  Constitutional  rights  of  the  South,  &  there 
fore  such  as  Southern  Whigs  cannot  agree  to. 

You  will  be  glad,  that  I  have  reached  the  bottom  of  the  4th 
page. 

Yrs  truly     DANL,  WEBSTER 


(To  MiUard  Fillmore.) 

BOSTON,  Oct.  19th  1850. 
My  dear  Sir, 

Since  writing  you  this  morning  I  have  received  your  obliging 
letter  of  the  14th  instant.  I  think  Mr.  Crittenden's  opinion  is 
entirely  sound  in  all  points,  and  I  understand  that  Judge  Wood- 
bury,  in  a  charge  to  the  Grand  Jury,  in  this  City  last  week  drew 
the  fugitive  slave  law  to  their  attention,  recommending  in  the 
strongest  terms,  their  enforcement  of  its  provisions.  I  hope  to 
get  this  charge  published. 

It  may  be  true  that  all  the  provisions  of  this  Bill  were  not 
expedient,  but  I  think  that  some  Bill  &  that  an  efficient  one,  had 
become  necessary.  If,  I  get  such  health  as  to  enable  me  to  ad 
dress  a  public  assembly,  I  shall  say  something  on  this  whole 
subject. 

As  to  the  Charge-ship  at  Brussells,  Mr.  Bayard  informs  me 
by  letter,  that  if  He  has  the  appointment,  he  should  like  to  pro 
ceed  to  his  post  early  in  December —  As  there  is  no  vacancy  & 
one  must  be  made,  &  as  there  is  no  emergency  calling  for  the 
change  I  think  it  would  be  on  the  whole,  more  prudent  to  make 
no  appointment  till  the  meeting  of  Congress. 

In  the  meantime  I  shall  write  to  Mr.  Derrick  today,  requesting 
him  to  speak  to  you  on  the  subject,  and  with  your  permission,  to 
write  to  Mr.  Clemson,  that  a  change  is  contemplated,  as  soon  as 
Congress  shall  again  assemble,  and  that  in  the  meantime  he  may 
retain  his  present  situation  &  fulfil  its  duties  until  his  successor 
shall  arrive. 

Mr.  Walsh  has  written  a  very  dissatisfied  letter  a  copy  of  which 
I  enclose  to  you.  When  we  last  spoke  upon  the  subject,  I  had 
nobody  in  my  mind  for  that  place,  but  Mr.  Goodrich,  who,  you 
know,  was  very  anxious  for  it,  nor  have  I  thought  much  of  any 
other  person  since.  But  there  are  some  things  respecting  Mr. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  435 

Goodrich  which  I  wish  to  enquire  about  before  I  am  prepared  to 
recommend  him — 

I  send  you  a  copy  of  the  last  letter  from  Mr.  I.  B.  Clay.  It 
gives  me  some  embarrassment —  He  expresses  a  willingness  to 
return  to  Portugal,  provided  his  return  can  be  made  "with  all 
honor,"  at  the  same  time  he  says  that  in  his  opinion,  Portugal 
ought  to  make  some  acknowledgment  of  wrong  done  in  the  cases 
in  which  she  proposes  to  pay,  or  at  least  to  withdraw  the  virtual 
protest  she  made —  It  may  perhaps,  be  inferred  from  this,  that 
he  would  make  it  a  point  of  honor  to  obtain  one  or  the  other  of 
these  things  from  the  Government  of  Portugal ;  and  if  so,  a  great 
protraction  of  the  negotiation  is  to  be  expected.  In  my  judg 
ment  our  true  course,  as  practical  men,  it  to  pay  no  regard  to  her 
protests,  by  which  she  does  dishonour  to  no  body  but  herself, 
and  to  accept,  as  we  have  accepted,  her  actual  offer,  and  to  pro 
ceed  at  once  to  the  preparation  and  execution  of  the  proper  con 
vention.  It  is  to  be  considered  that  Mr.  Clay  would  not  be  quite 
cordially  received  by  the  Portuguese  Government,  if  he  were  to 
return  to  Lisbon. 

Under  these  circumstances  the  question  arises,  whether  it  is 
best  to  direct  Mr.  Clay  to  return  immediately  to  Lisbon  &  com 
plete  the  negotiation,  upon  the  simple  basis  of  the  actual  offer, 
without  regard  to  any  acknowledgment  expected  to  be  made  by 
Portugal,  or  any  withdrawal  of  her  protest,  or  whether  it  is  best 
to  signify  to  him,  that  he  may  consider  himself  recalled  at  his 
own  request,  with  the  intimation,  that  proper  public  notice  will  be 
taken  of  the  fidelity  and  ability,  with  which  he  conducted  the 
negotiation,  while  in  his  hands — either  of  these  courses  would  be 
honorable,  perhaps  both  equally  honorable,  to  Mr.  Clay.  All 
this  is  for  your  consideration.  If  you  feel  ready  to  come  to  a 
decision  on  the  point,  you  may  signify  that  decision  at  once  to  me 
here,  or  perhaps  things  may  remain  ten  days  longer  as  they  are 
without  much  inconvenience,  by  which  time  I  hope  to  see  you. 
My  own  inclination  of  opinion  rather  is,  that  it  is  better  that  Mr. 
Clay  should  return  home,  and  his  successor  be  at  once  appointed ; 
but  there  are  causes  which  may  perhaps  influence  my  judgment 
in  this  respect  improperly,  and  I  therefore  prefer  leaving  the 
matter  entirely  to  your  own  discretion. 

As  to  an  Agent  to  St.  Domingo,  we  will  be  prepared  to  act 
upon  that  as  soon  as  I  reach  Washington — 

I  know  not  what  we  can  do  about  California  Judges.  I  fear 
no  fit  men  will  take  the  offices  at  the  Salaries  now  provided.  Mr. 


436  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Healy  has  not  absolutely  decided,  but  I  am  afraid  he  will  decline. 
I  shall  know  in  a  day  or  two,  and  I  will  endeavor  to  learn  whether 
there  is  any  body  in  this  region  fit  for  the  office,  who  will  accept 
it.  Perhaps  some  fit  man  without  a  family  may  be  found. 

Yours  always  truly — 

Postscript — Sunday  noon  Oct  20th —  I  am  better  today  in 
health  &  strength  than  I  have  been  since  I  left  Washington  & 
hope  another  week  will  complete  my  recovery.  They  talk  of 
asking  me  to  an  Union  meeting  at  Concord,  New  Hampshire — 


(From  Millar d  FUlmore.) 

WASHINGTON,  Oct.  23.  1850. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  19th  came  to  hand  yesterday,  &  I  am  much 
gratified  to  hear  of  your  improved  health. 

I  have  received  a  copy  of  Judge  Woodbury's  charge  on  the 
Fugitive  Slave  Law,  and  the  Report  of  Judge  Grier's  opinion  in 
a  case  before  him,  all  manfully  sustaining  the  constitutionality  of 
the  law,  and  manifesting  a  determined  resolution  to  carry  it  out. 
I  have  also  just  received  a  joint  letter  from  Judge  Grier  and 
Judge  Keane,  stating  that  a  case  has  occurred  before  a  commis 
sion  in  Pa.  where  the  execution  of  a  warrant  under  that  act  was 
"forcibly  and  successfully  resisted;  the  posse  summoned  to  aid 
the  officer  having  refused  to  act,"  and  "inquiring  whether  upon 
the  recurrence  of  an  obstruction  to  his  Process  he  will  be  entitled 
to  call  for  the  aid  of  such  troops  of  the  U.  S.  as  may  be  acces 
sible." 

This  you  perceive  presents  a  very  grave  and  delicate  question. 
I  have  not  yet  had  time  to  look  into  it  and  regret  much  that  so 
many  of  my  cabinet  are  absent,  and  especially  yourself  and  the 
attorney  general.  These  judges  ask  for  a  general  order  author 
izing  the  employment  of  the  troops  in  such  an  emergency ;  and  I 
am  disposed  to  exert  whatever  power  I  possess  under  the  consti 
tution  and  laws,  in  enforcing  this  observance.  I  have  sworn  to 
support  the  constitution. —  I  know  no  higher  law  that  con 
flicts  with  it ;  and  that  constitution  says,  "the  President  shall  take 
care  that  the  laws  be  faithfully  executed."  I  mean  at  every  sac 
rifice  and  at  every  hazard  to  perform  my  duty.  The  union  must 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  437 

and  shall  be  preserved,  and  this  can  only  be  done,  by  a  faithful 
and  impartial  administration  of  the  laws.  I  can  not  doubt  that 
in  these  sentiments  you  are  with  me.  And  if  you  have  occasion 
to  speak  I  hope  you  will  give  no  encouragement,  even  by  impli 
cation,  to  any  resistance  to  the  law.  Nullification  can  not  and 
will  not  be  tolerated. 

It  seems  to  me,  with  all  due  deference  to  your  superior  wis 
dom  that  the  true  grounds  for  our  friends  to  take  is  this;  that 
the  law,  hav'g  been  passed,  must  be  executed.  That  so  far  as 
it  provides  for  the  surrender  of  fugitives  from  labor  it  is  ac 
cording  to  the  requirements  of  the  constitution  and  should  be 
sustained  against  all  attempts  at  repeal,  but  if  there  be  any  pro 
vision  in  it  endangering  the  liberty  of  those  who  are  free,  it 
should  be  so  modified  as  to  secure  the  free  blacks  from  such  an 
abuse  of  the  object  of  the  law,  and  that  done  we  at  the  North 
have  no  just  cause  of  complaint. 

We  must  abide  by  the  constitution.  If  overthrown,  we  can 
never  hope  for  a  better.  God  knows  that  I  detest  Slavery,  but 
it  is  an  existing  evil,  for  which  we  are  not  responsible,  and  we 
must  endure  it,  and  give  it  such  protection,  as  is  guaranteed  by 
the  constitution,  till  we  can  get  rid  of  it  without  destroying  the 
last  hope  of  free  government  in  the  world.  But  pardon  me  for 
saying  so  much.  I  thought  possibly  you  might  desire  to  know 
my  sentiments,  and  I  can  assure  you,  I  am  very  anxious  to  know 
yours,  as  to  the  answer  to  be  given  to  the  Judges'  letter.  I  will, 
finally,  send  a  copy  of  it. 

I  will  add  something  in  another  letter. 

With  the  highest  consideration  &  Respect,  I  am  in  great  haste 

Truly  yours 

MlLLARD  FlI/LMORE. 


(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

FRANKLIN,  N.  H.  Oct.  24,  1850. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  have  been  here  five  days,  with  evident  improvement ;  but  am 
concerned  to  say,  I  am  not  yet  strong,  nor  has  my  cough  entirely 
ceased.  In  dry  weather  I  feel  nothing  of  it,  but  it  returns  with 
rain  and  damp, — I  shall  have  to  go  straight  to  Washington,  as 
soon  as  I  feel  any  way  able. 

The  politics  of  Massachusetts  are  in  a  state  of  utter  confusion. 


438  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Many  Whigs  are  afraid  to  act  a  manly  part,  lest  they  should  lose 
the  State  government.  They  act  a  most  mean  part  in  their 
courtship  of  abolitionism. 

You  see  from  Mr.  March's  letter,  how  the  Whig  State  Com- 
mitteei  Convention  (?)  is  acting.  With  this  Committee,  the 
Atlas  most  vigorously  cooperates,  'tho'  it  endeavors  to  save  ap 
pearance,  &  so  do  Greely  &  Charles  Hudson,  especially  the  latter. 
Seven  imported  Unitarian  Priests  are  now  candidates  for  public 
office — viz.  members  of  Congress;  besides  a  host  of  others  who 
offer  for  the  Legislature, —  These  are  all  free  soil,  or  abolition 
men.  The  Postmaster  at  Lowell  is  represented  to  be  a  brawling 
abolitionist, — preaching  daily,  the  duty  of  resistance  to  the 
fugitive  slave  law, — I  shall  inquire  into  this — when  I  return  to 
Boston. 

I  have  been  able  to  make  a  draft  of  a  reply  to  Mr.  Hiilsemann, 
which  I  hope  you  will  approve. 

I  have  also  made  some  notes  for  that  part  of  your  Annual 
Message  which  may  relate  to  foreign  affairs. 

Yours  always  truly  Whether  sick  or  well, 

DANL,  WEBSTER 

(From  Mttlard  Fillmore.) 

WASHINGTON,  Oct.  28.  1850. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  have  yours  of  the  24th.  from  Franklin,  N.  H.  and  am  greatly 
gratified  to  hear  of  your  improved  health ;  and  hope  soon  to  learn 
that  your  cough  has  entirely  left  you.  I  infer  that  you  have  not 
received  my  letters  of  the  23d  inst.  addressed  to  you  at  Boston. 
We  have  had  two  Cabinet  meetings,  the  last  this  morning,  on  the 
authority  and  duty  of  the  president  to  use  the  Military  force  in 
aid  of  the  civil  officer  to  execute  the  fugitive  slave  law,  and  have 
concluded  when,  necessary,  to  do  it.  We  were  somewhat  em 
barrassed  by  the  legislation  of  Congress  on  the  subject,  in  1807. 
and  subsequent  acts,  which  would  seem  to  imply  that  this  was  a 
power  to  be  conferred  by  Congress,  but  after  a  careful  examina 
tion  of  the  subject,  I  came  to  the  conclusion  that  it  was  an  inher 
ent  Executive  power  enforced  by  the  constitution,  when  it  made 
the  President  commander  in  chief  of  the  Army  and  Navy,  and 
required  him  to  take  care  that  the  laws  be  faithfully  executed. 
In  this,  however,  the  whole  cabinet  were  not  agreed,  some  think 
that  the  Marshall  might  summon  the  Army  as  citizens  and  part 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  439 

of  the  Comitatus,  but  all  agree  that  the  aid  should  be  given,  and 
the  only  question  was  when?  We  concluded  to  give  it  to  the 
Marshall  whereas,  he  was  unable  to  sustain  the  laws  by  the  civil 
authority,  and  to  the  special  deputies  in  the  same  cases  when  a 
judge  of  the  District  or  Justice  of  the  Sup.  Court,  should  certify 
that  in  his  opinion  it  was  necessary.  This  direction  is  given  to 
the  commanding  officer  of  the  Marines  at  Philadelphia. 

Congress  having  authorized  the  Marshall  to  provide  tempo 
rary  jails,  where  the  Sheriff  refuses  to  admit  the  U.  S.  prisoners, 
we  did  not  think  it  advisable  to  grant  the  use  of  the  Receiv 
ing  ship  at  Boston  for  that  purpose.  But  I  mean  at  all  hazards 
to  do  my  part  towards  executing  this  law.  I  admit  no  right  of 
nullification  North  or  South.  My  object  however,  has  been  to 
avoid  the  use  of  military  force  as  far  as  possible,  not  doubting 
that  there  is  yet  patriotism  enough  left  in  every  State  North  of 
Mason's  and  Dixon's  line  to  maintain  the  Supremacy  of  the  laws ; 
and  being  particularly  anxious  that  no  state  should  be  disgraced, 
by  being  compelled  to  resort  to  the  army  to  support  the  laws  of 
the  Union,  if  it  could  be  avoided.  I  have  therefore  commenced 
mildly — authorizing  this  force  only  in  the  last  resort,  but  if 
necessary,  I  shall  not  hesitate  to  give  greater  power,  and  finally 
to  bring  the  whole  force  of  the  government  to  sustain  the  law. 
But  the  mail  is  closing  and  I  can  not  say  more. 

I  have  also  yours  of  the  25th  inst.  and  am  gratified  to  hear 
that  you  are  preparing  an  answer  to  the  Dist.  Atty.  of  Missi. 
and  to  the  Austrian  minister. 

I  can  sympathise  with  you  in  the  melancholy  feelings  which 
are  inspired  by  looking  upon  the  grave  of  your  ancestors  and 
kindred  but  I  hope  soon  to  welcome  you  back  to  the  busy  scenes 
of  active  life  where  your  absence  is  so  much  deplored  and  your 
counsels  so  much  wanted 

I  am  truly  your  friend 

MlI/LARD  FlLLMORE 

f  Have  not  time  to  read  over. ) 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

NEW  YORK,  Tuesday  12  O'clock  November.  3.  [1850.] 
Dear  Fletcher, 

I  see  with  much  pleasure  that  Mr  Sumner  declines.     This,  I 
suppose  will  break  the  force  of  the  new  opposition  to  Mr.  Win- 


440  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

throp,  and  so  render  the  meeting  on  Friday  Evening  less  impor 
tant.  I  can  see  nobody  today,  on  account  of  the  Election,  and 
the  rain.  It  is  understood  here,  that  the  Banks  do  not  touch  Mr. 
Walker's  loan.  They  would  do  it,  probably,  but  for  that  most 
miserable  of  all  pieces  of  Legislation,  the  Sub.  Treasury  Law. — 

If  anything  should  be  known  of  the  State  of  the  polls,  at  the 
closing  of  the  mail  (1/2  past  3  O'clock)  I  will  give  you  another 
note. 

Mrs.  W.  and  Julia  would  have  gone  home  today  if  the  weather 
had  cleared.  But  at  this  moment,  it  is  thick,  rainy  and  foggy. — 

Your's 

D.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Wm.  Prescott,  M.  D.1) 

MARSHFIELD  Nov.  7.  '50 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  rec'd  your  letter  of  the  third  instant,  which  is  quite 
proper,  &  respectful,  but  really  I  must  be  excused  from  answer 
ing  the  question  proposed.     I  have  not  time  at  present  to  say 
even  so  little  as  you  propose,  respecting  myself. 
Very  respectfully  yr.  ob.  servt. 

DAN'L  WEBSTER. 

I  ought  to  add  my  sincere  thanks,  for  the  kind  manner  in 
which  you  speak  of  my  public  services.  My  object  has  been,  & 
is,  to  preserve  the  Institutions  of  our  Fathers ;  &  I  feel,  deeply, 
that  those  institutions  can  only  be  preserved  by  conciliation,  & 
the  cultivation  of  friendly  sentiments  between  the  different  parts 
of  the  country.  What  my  efforts  have  cost,  or  may  yet  cost,  me, 
is  of  little  moment.  If  the  country  is  benefited,  I  have  my 
reward.  

(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

Private  <§•  confidential. 

,.     ,       „.  (BOSTON)  Nov.  15.  1850. 

My  dear  Sir. 

For  two  days  I  have  been  endeavoring  to  do  something  to  put 
this  business  of  the  attempt  to  arrest  Crafts  into  a  better  shape. 
We  are  unfortunate  here,  the  District  Attorney  here  has  no  tal- 

1  This  letter  is  in  the  possession  of  Judge  Corning,  of  Concord,  N.  H. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  441 

ent,  no  fitness  for  his  place,  &  no  very  good  disposition.  The 
Claimant,  in  this  Craft  case  called  on  him  for  assistance  or  advice, 
which  he  declined  to  render.  This  claimant  or  agent  has  used  no 
great  discretion,  but  has  acted  clumsily.  It  became  immediately 
known,  that  a  person  was  here,  to  arrest  slaves ;  &  it  is  supposed, 
I  cannot  say  how  truly,  that  this  news  spread  from  Mr.  Lunt's 
office.  Mr.  Lunt's  associates  with  him  in  nearly  all  his  business 
a  young  lawyer,  by  the  name  of  Sauger,  This  Mr.  Sauger  is 
rather  clever,  of  much  more  ability  no  doubt  than  Mr.  Lunt,  & 
is  a  professed  &  active  free  soil  man,  as  you  will  see  by  one  out 
of  a  string  of  resolutions  introduced  by  him  into  a  political  meet 
ing  at  Charleston. 

[Here  the  resolutions  are  pasted  into  the  letter.] 

The  Marshall,  Mr.  Devins,  is,  as  I  believe  very  well  disposed, 
but  I  fear  not  entirely  efficient.  I  sent  for  him  yesterday,  & 
told  him  he  must  either  execute  his  warrant  or  give  some  good 
reasons  for  not  executing  it,  &  that  that  reason  should  be  made 
public,  in  order  that  persons  interested  in  the  matters,  at  the 
South,  might  not  have  it  in  their  power  to  say  that  U.  S.  officers 
in  the  North  were  not  disposed  to  do  their  duty. 

The  Marshall  has  obtained  the  opinion  of  Mr.  B.  R.  Curtis  on 
the  subject  of  the  Fugitive  Slave  Law.  It  is  well  drawn  & 
argues  well  that  which  hardly  seems  to  require  any  argument. 
The  opinion,  however  will  do  good.  Mr.  Curtis'  reputation  is 
high,  &  his  opinion  will  silence  the  small  lawyers.  It  will  be 
publish  in  the  Courier  of  Tomorrow  at  my  request. 

I  am  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  say  that  the  general  weight  of 
U.  S.  officers  in  this  District  is  against  the  execution  of  the  Fu 
gitive  Slave  Law.  I  hear  this  when  I  go  into  the  streets  from 
every  sound  Whig,  and  every  Union  man  I  meet.  Mr.  Greeley, 
the  collector,  is  more  than  indifferent,  and  Mr.  Hudson,  without 
any  doubt,  has  acted  for  the  election  of  Mr.  Mann,  with  all  his 
power.  Our  General  State  Whig  Committee  has  been,  &  is 
composed  of  just  such  men.  The  Atlas  has  lent  the  aid  of  all 
its  force,  in  the  same  direction,  &  Mr.  Mann's  re-election  is  fairly 
enough  to  be  attributed  to  the  joint  operation  of  these  agencies. 

I  do  not  wish  to  annoy  you  with  these  local  matters,  in  the 
midst  of  your  pressure  under  other  &  greater  duties ;  but  ere  long 
the  condition  of  the  public  offices  of  the  U.  S.  in  this  District 
must  be  inquired  into. 

Yrs.  always 

DANL,  WEBSTER. 


442  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  B.  F.  Ayer.1) 

BOSTON,  Nov.  16, 1850. 
My  Dear  Sir, — 

When  I  received  yesterday  the  invitation  of  the  committee  to 
attend  the  meeting  at  Manchester,  my  expectation  was,  that  I 
should  immediately  leave  this  city,  and  I  contented  myself,  there 
fore,  with  a  very  brief  reply.  The  weather  having  detained  me 
for  a  few  days  I  have  time  to  write  a  more  respectful  acknowl 
edgment  of  your  communication,  and  to  express  more  distinctly 
as  well  the  gratification  it  would  afford  me  to  attend  the  meeting 
as  my  pleasure  that  such  a  Convention  is  to  be  convened.  A 
*Union  Meeting,  without  distinction  of  party,'  holden  in  the 
largest  town  or  city  in  the  State,  can  hardly  fail  to  be  attended 
with  good  consequences.  There  is  evidently,  abroad,  a  spirit  of 
disunion  and  disobedience  to  the  laws  which  good  men  ought  to 
meet,  and  to  check  if  they  can.  Men  are  to  be  found  who  pro 
pose  as  their  own  rule  of  conduct,  and  recommend  the  same  rule 
to  others,  'peaceable  resistance  to  the  laws' ;  that  is  to  say,  they 
propose  to  resist  the  laws  of  the  land  so  far  as  they  can  do  so 
consistently  with  their  own  personal  safety.  Their  obligations  to 
support  the  Constitution  go  for  nothing;  their  oaths  to  act,  if 
they  hold  any  public  trust,  according  to  law,  go  for  nothing ;  it 
is  enough  that  they  do  not,  by  forcible  resistance,  expose  them 
selves  to  dangers  and  penalties.  This  is,  certainly,  quite  a  new 
strain  of  patriotism.  We  have  never  before  this  day  known 
such  sentiments  to  be  circulated,  commended  and  acted  upon  by 
any  who  professed  love  for  their  country  or  respect  for  its 
institutions.  A  still  more  extravagant  notion  is  sometimes  ad 
vanced,  which  is,  that  individuals  may  judge  of  their  rights  and 
duties,  under  the  Constitution  and  the  laws,  by  some  rule  which, 
according  to  their  ideas,  is  above  both  the  Constitution  and  the 
laws. 

You  and  I,  sir,  and  our  fellow-citizens  of  New  Hampshire,  have 
not  so  read  the  books  of  authority,  either  religious  or  civil.  We 
do  not  so  understand  either  the  institutions  of  Christianity  or  the 
institutions  of  government.  And  we  may  well  value  more  and 
more  highly  the  government  which  is  over  us,  when  we  see  that 
the  weapons  aimed  against  its  preservation  are  also,  for  the  most 
part,  equally  directed  against  those  great  fundamental,  moral 

1  This  letter  is  taken  from  a  newspaper  clipping  from  the  Liberator,  Dec.  13, 
1850.  It  is  headed  "  Letters  from  the  Sham  Patriot  and  Betrayer  of  Liberty." 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  443 

and  political  truths  upon  which  all  good  government,  and  the 
peace  of  society,  at  all  times,  must  essentially  rest. 

I  have  the  fullest  belief,  sir,  that  in  the  State  of  New  Hamp 
shire,  this  disorganizing  spirit  will  meet  such  a  rebuke  as  shall 
put  it  to  flight.  The  representation  of  the  State  in  Congress 
generally  supported  the  peace  measures  of  the  last  session,  and 
by  these  measures  I  doubt  not  the  State  will  stand.  It  is  time 
that  discord  and  animosity  should  cease.  It  is  time  that  a  better 
understanding  and  more  friendly  sentiments  were  revived  be 
tween  the  North  and  the  South.  And  I  am  sure  that  all  wise 
and  good  men  will  see  the  propriety  of  forbearing  from  renew 
ing  agitation,  by  attempts  to  repeal  the  late  measures,  or  any  of 
them.  I  do  not  see  that  they  contain  unconstitutional  or  alarm 
ing  principles,  or  that  they  forbode  the  infliction  of  wrong  or 
injury.  When  real  and  actual  evil  arises,  if  it  shall  arise,  the 
laws  ought  to  be  amended  or  repealed;  but  in  the  absence  of 
imminent  danger  I  see  no  reason  at  present  for  renewed  con 
troversy  or  contention. 

My  dear  sir,  the  Union  will  be  preserved,  and  the  laws  will  be 
obeyed  and  executed.  Let  us  take  courage,  and  that  sort  of 
courage  which  prompts  men  to  a  resolute  discharge  of  their 
duties.  We  will  save  the  Union  for  our  own  sake,  for  the  sake 
of  the  country,  for  the  honor  of  free  governments,  and  even  for 
the  benefit  of  those  who  seem  ready,  with  ruthless  hands,  to  tear 
it  asunder.  I  am,  my  dear  sir, 

With  true  regard,  Your  friend  and  obed't  servant, 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 


(To  Millar d  Fillmore.) 

BOSTON,  Nov.  16  '50 
My  Dear  Sir. 

You  will  see  that  the  N.  Hampshire  Whigs  are  all  right.  We 
can  kill  off  Freesoilism,  in  the  whole  of  N.  England,  by  energy 
&  decision. 

We  have  been  ready  to  take  the  Sound  Boat  this  evening-  -but 
the  weather  will  not  allow. 

I  rejoice  greatly  that  Pettigrew  has  taken  the  Att'yship.  He 
is  fit  for  any  thing. 

Yrs  always  truly 

DANL.  WEBSTER 


444  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

MONDAY,  Dec.  2  1850 
My  Dear  Sir 

No  doubt  exists  of  forming  a  quorum  in  each  House  to  day,  & 
I  incline  to  think  it  will  be  well  to  send  in  the  message,  if  the 
Committee  shall  come  to  you  with  the  ordinary  announcement, 
before  the  hour  be  too  late. 

There  is  enough  of  nullification  reading  in  the  papers  of  the 
morning.1 

Yrs  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER. 


(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

3  O'CLOCK.  [Dec.  0  1850] 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  learn  from  sundry  sources  that  nothing  could  be  better  than 
the  manner  in  which  the  message  was  received,  so  far  as  could  be 
judged  by  the  two  Houses. 

The  most  absolute  attentiveness  was  observed,  &  general  satis 
faction  very  evident. 

In  my  judgment,  My  Dear  Sir,  you  have  laid  the  foundation 
for  a  distinguished  and  fortunate  administration — no  matter 
what  South  Carolina  may  say  or  do. 

Yrs  truly 

DANI,.  WEBSTER. 


(To  J.  S.  Spencer.) 

WASHINGTON  Dec.  21,  '50. 
My  dear  Sir, 

You  are  quite  at  liberty  to  publish  my  letter,2  if  you  think 
proper.  If  you  value  it  so  highly  as  to  desire  to  preserve  it,  I 
have  thought  you  might  like  to  have  it  in  my  own  handwriting. 
The  letter  was  dictated  to  my  clerk,  who  happened  to  take  a  copy. 
I  did  not  peruse  the  manuscript,  &  in  the  enclosed  have  altered  a 

1  An  omitted  phrase  from  one  of  Webster's  letters  to  Blatchford,  Dec.  10, 
1850,  reads:  "And  northern  fanatics  are  encouraged  to  pour  forth,  more  and 
more,  their  loathsome  ebullitions."  See  Private  Correspondence,  vol.  ii,  p.  406. 

2  Published  in  New  York  Observer  Feb.  6,  1851. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  445 

word  or  two.  The  date  was  omitted  in  the  copy.  Dr.  Cox  called 
to  day,  but  I  was  not  at  home.  I  hope  both  to  see  &  to  hear  him 
before  he  leaves  Washington. 

I  am  obliged  to  you  for  your  little  volume  of  "Sketches," 
which  I  have  not  yet  opened,  but  shall  not  fail  to  read. 

I  am,  my  Dear  Sir,  With  my  true  regard  Yours 

DANL  WEBSTER. 


(To  Asabel  Huntington.) 

WASHINGTON  Deer.  21.  '50. 
My  dear  Sir. 

I  thank  you  cordially  for  your  friendly  letter,1  which  I  value 
highly,  as  I  know  your  good  judgment,  and  have  no  doubt  of 
your  sincerity — 

I  can  not  well  describe  to  you,  my  dear  Sir,  what  my  feelings 
were,  for  five  months,  during  which  no  one  of  my  colleagues 
manifested  the  slightest  concurrence  in  my  sentiments,  and  at  the 
same  time  I  knew  that  sincere  men,  and  good  Whigs,  at  home 
disapproved,  or  doubted.  It  was  natural  enough  that  the  speech 
of  March  7th  should  produce  a  shock.  The  letter  which  I  en 
close  with  this  I  rec'd  this  morning,  and  send  it  only  that  you 
may  see  that  other  zealous  Whigs  were  as  slow  and  cautious  as 
yourself. 

You  may  return  the  letter,  as  I  have  not  answered  it —  It  is 
but  a  specimen  of  several  hundreds. 

Yours  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

WEDNESDAY,  11,  o'clock.  Jan.  11,  1851. 
To  the  President, 

The  last  ballotting  yesterday  left  Sumner  in  want  of  ten 
votes.     His  wants  seem  to  be  increasing. 

Yrs  truly  always 

DANL  WEBSTER. 

1  A  rather  belated  letter  approving  of  the  7th  of  March  speech,  with  the  con 
fession  that  he  at  first  disapproved.  Huntington  was  later  Mayor  of  Salem, 
Mass. 


446  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  MUlard  Fillmore.) 

My  dear  Sir,  [JAN.  1851] *? 

I  was  informed  by  a  member  of  Congress  yesterday,  "that  Mr 
Webster  had  been  with  the  President  at  least  one  hour  every  day 
for  the  last  ten  days,  that  their  interviews  had  no  witness,  & 
that  it  was  well  understood  that  it  related  to  the  next  Presidential 
election,  &  the  candidates  &c."  I  replied  that  all  this  was  news 
to  me,  that  I  did  not  recollect  that  a  word  about  Candidates  at 
the  next  election  ever  passed  between  the  President  &  myself,  & 
certainly  never  a  word  upon  the  point  of  our  being  candidates. 
My  "informant"  was  Mr.  Gentry.  He  had  picked  the  matter 
up  in  the  Hotel. 

Yrs  always 

D.  W. 

(To  MUlard  Fillmore.) 

DEPARTMENT  or  STATE,  Washington  Jan.  17.  1851. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

There  is  a  person  by  the  name  of  Gilbert  Russell  of  whom  I 
know  little  who  is  talking  very  loudly  and  angrily  against  me  at 
the  Hotels  because,  as  he  says,  I  refuse  him  liberty  to  see  certain 
.[papers]  of  his  in  the  Department,  &  of  my  answer.  Very  likely 
he  may  go  to  you  on  the  subject. 

In  order  that  you  may  perceive  the  nature  of  the  case  I  send 
you  a  no.  of  the  "Republic," — the  allowance  of  the  claims,  which 
were  supported  by  these  papers,  having  become  a  matter  of  news 
paper  discussion.  The  claim  was  presented  under  the  author 
ity  of  an  act  of  Congress  by  Wm.  Cort.  Johnson,  an  administra 
tor  of  the  claimant. 

It  is  understood  that  many  persons  are  interested  in  the  amount 
recovered.  You  will  see  by  Mr.  Russell's  letter  that  he  appears 
to  have  no  interest  in  the  matter  himself,  but  his  object  is  to  prove 
forgery,  &  perjury,  in  the  parties  &  witnesses,  &  wilful  wrong 
in  the  late  Secretary  of  State,  &  the  late  Attorney  General. 

Now  in  point  of  fact  the  papers  are  not  in  the  Department, 
After  the  claim  had  been  allowed,  Mr.  Clayton  ordered  all  the 
papers,  as  I  learn  to  be  carefully  sealed  up,  &  safely  kept. 

When  attacked  in  the  Union  he  took  the  papers  to  his  House, 

1  This   letter  is  indorsed  by  G.    J.    Abbott,    Webster's  private  secretary: 
"Without  date,  but  sometime  in  Jan.,  18,51." 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  447 

probably  to  make  out  his  Defense,  as  it  appears  in  the  Republic, 
&  they  have  never  been  returned  to  the  Department. 

All  this  is  a  matter  of  no  great  importance,  but  as  I  supposed 
you  might  hear  of  it,  I  have  thought  it  might  be  well  to  put 
you  in  possession  of  the  particulars. 

Yours  always  truly 

DANL,  WEBSTER. 

(To  Millar d  Fillmore.) 

DEPARTMENT  OF  STATE  Jan.  19th.  1851. 
My  Dear  Sir — 

I  think  the  instructions  to  Mr.  Hatch  were  pretty  clear  before, 
at  least  I  meant  they  should  be,  but  to  make  all  sure,  I  have 
added  your  words,  "but  you  will  stop  at  remonstrance  until 
further  orders"  The  change  of  purpose  from  sending  a  Charge 
d'  Affaires  to  sending  a  special  Agent  is  explained  in  the  letter. 

Yours  truly  always 

DANL,  WEBSTER. 

(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

rr,    ,,     T,      .,  WEDNESDAY  1  o'clock  Feb.  11.  1851. 

To  the  President 

My  Dear  Sir, 

I  send  the  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  Senate  for  your  perusal 
and  consideration. 

I  send  also  the  Boston  Daily  Advertiser  &  Boston  Courier. 
Read  in  the  first  the  cards  of  Marshal  Tukey  and  Mayor  Bige- 
low ;  in  the  second  a  good  leader. 

Yours 

DANL,  WEBSTER 
I  am  obliged  to  go  to  the  Capitol  for  an  hour. 


(From  Mr.  Hiilsemann.1) 

NEWPORT  R.  I.  27  July  1850. 
To  Honorable  Dan.  Webster  Secretary  of  State 

Sir, 
I  beg  leave  to  add  in  this  private  note  a  few  observations  to 

'  This  letter  precedes  by  ".bout  a  month  the  famous  letter  of  Hulsemann 
which  called  forth  Webster  s  still  more  famous  reply.  See  Webster's  Works, 
vol.  vi,  p.  488. 


448  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

the  official  answer  of  yesterday,  by  which  I  acknowledged  the 
receipt  of  your  communication  announcing  your  appointment  to 
the  Department  of  the  State. 

Although  the  records  of  the  State  Department  do  not  contain 
any  correspondence  between  your  predecessor  &  myself  on  the 
difficulties,  which  have,  for  the  last  8-9  months,  interrupted  the 
till  then  friendly  intercourse  of  our  respective  Governments,  it 
is  probably  known  to  you,  that  the  untoward  mission  of  Mr. 
Dudley  Mann  and  the  language  employed  by  the  late  Admin 
istration,  concerning  it  in  the  President's  message  &  in  other  pub 
lished  documents,  have  been  repeatedly  the  objects  of  serious 
remonstrance  on  my  part  and  by  order  of  my  Government.  Since 
the  beginning  of  those  proceedings  I  have  abstained,  though,  at 
the  earnest  request  of  Mr.  Clayton,  from  making  any  official 
communication  in  writing,  because  I  wished  to  avoid  whatever 
might  embitter  the  difficulties,  &  which  was  to  be  apprehended 
from  the  communication  to  Congress,  and  publication  in  the 
newspapers  of  the  correspondence,  which  must  have  been  at  that 
time  of  an  unfriendly  character.  I  have  no  doubt,  that  Mr. 
Clayton  himself  would  acknowledge,  that  during  the  whole  of 
last  winter  I  have  personally  done  all  I  could,  to  smoothen  down 
as  much  as  possible  the  difficulties,  which  have  grown  out  of  that 
question. 

In  such  matters  the  change  of  persons  facilitates  naturally  an 
arrangement ;  besides  the  question  itself  has  become  a  matter  of 
history,  &  has  no  more  any  political  bearing;  &  the  well  known 
pacific  and  conservative  character  of  President  Fillmore,  as  well 
as  the  experience,  which  during  your  former  direction  of  the 
State  Department,  all  foreign  Governments  have  had  of  your 
just  and  judicious  management  of  diplomatic  affairs, — all  these 
circumstances  induce  me  to  hope,  that  a  frank  conversation  with 
you  may  bring  about  very  easily  an  understanding  between  us, 
which  will  prove  satisfactory  to  my  Government.  I  shall,  for 
that  purpose,  present  myself  at  the  State  Department,  as  soon  as 
I  understand,  that  the  more  pressing  business  during  the  last 
weeks  of  the  Session  of  Congress  has  passed  away,  &  you  will  be 
more  at  leisure;  in  the  meantime  I  expect  also  to  receive  some 
answers  &  instructions  from  home,  connected  with  this  question. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir,  very  respectfully 
Your  Obedient  servant 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  449 

(Memorandum.1 ) 

There  was  no  correspondence  between  W.  Clayton  and  W. 
Hiilsemann  about  Hungary —  All  that  did  pass  was  in  conver 
sation.  He  did  submit  a  copy  of  the  instructions  he  received 
from  Prince  Schwartzenberg,  but  was  compelled  by  W.  Clayton 
to  withdraw  them,  and  scared  from  making  a  communication  to 
the  Dept.  as  he  was  required  and  ordered  to  do  in  his  instructions 
by  the  language  which  W.  Clayton  used  on  more  than  one  occa 
sion. 

(G.  J.  Abbot2  to  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  April  22d.  1854. 
My  Dear  Fletcher, — 

In  answering  your  note  the  other  day — I  noticed  just  as  I  sent 
it  off,  that  I  had  omitted  the  principal  part,  as  the  player  man 
did  the  character  of  Hamlet. 

I  have  signified  to  Mr.  Everett  your  desire  to  see  his  Draft  of 
the  Hiilsemann  letter. 

It  will  give  you  some  satisfaction,  especially,  if  you  see  three 
or  four,  of  the  eight  or  ten  other  Drafts  that  were  made,  and 
which  show  the  labor  which  Mr.  Webster  expended  in  the  prep 
aration  of  it.3  My  eyes  are  still  weak. 

Yours  always  truly,     G.  J.  ABBOT. 

P.  S.     I  still  am  obliged  to  use  Mrs.  Abbot's  hand — 

Mr.  Everett  you  know  has  the  "Draft"  with  two  or  three 
others,  all  much  interlined. 


(Wm.  Hunter  to  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 
Private. 

WASHINGTON,  May  3,  1854. 
My  dear  Sir; 

This  morning's  mail  brought  me  your  letter  of  the  1st  instant. 
The  following  is  my  reply. — 

Late  in  the  office  hours  of  the  3d  of  October,  1850,  the  day 
your  father  started  for  the  north,  he  came  to  my  room  in  the 

1  This  memorandum  is  in  Fletcher  Webster's  manuscript. 

2  Webster's  private  secretary  during  his  last  years. 

3  This  and  the  three  following   letters   refer  to  the  controversy   over  the 
authorship  of  the  reply  to  Hulsemann. 


450  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Department,  directed  me  to  prepare  a  draft  of  an  answer  to 
Mr.  Hiilsemann's  note  and  to  send  it  to  him  at  Marshfield.  He 
particularly  mentioned  one  point  which  he  wished  made  in  the 
answer,  as  to  what  he  supposed  to  be  the  illiberal  course  of  Aus 
tria  in  regard  to  Mr.  Mann's  mission  to  Hungary  in  comparison 
with  that  of  Spain  with  respect  to  the  missions  of  the  special 
agents  from  this  country  which  were  sent  to  her  colonies  in  this 
hemisphere  after  they  had  declared  their  independence.  He 
accordingly  ordered  me  to  examine  the  records  for  the  purpose 
of  ascertaining  the  facts  as  to  this.  Your  father  seemed  to  be 
very  indignant  at  the  threat  in  Mr.  Hiilsemann's  note  to  treat 
Mr.  Mann  as  a  spy,  and  his  feeling  on  this  point  suggested  the 
passage  in  my  draft  of  a  threat  on  our  part  to  bombard  Trieste 
and  Venice  in  case  the  threat  of  Austria  had  been  carried  into 
effect.  That  passage  I  tried  to  express  in  your  father's  words 
as  well  as  I  could  recollect  them.  His  directions  were  brief  and 
in  the  ordinary  course  of  business.  The  draft  was  prepared  as 
soon  as  other  engagements  would  permit  and  forwarded  to  Marsh- 
field.  I  heard  nothing  more  of  it  and  your  father  never  men 
tioned  the  subject  to  me  again.  When,  however,  after  his  re 
turn  to  Washington,  the  answer  to  Mr.  Hiilsemann  was  sent,  I 
noticed  that  it  was  very  different  from  the  draft  I  had  prepared. 
I  knew  nothing  of  this  answer  until  it  had  been  communicated 
to  Mr.  Hiilsemann.  Mr.  Chew,  who,  upon  my  recommendation, 
your  father  took  with  him  to  the  north  as  his  private  secretary, 
probably  knows  more  about  the  answer  during  its  progress  and 
until  it  was  issued,  than  any  body  else.  He  never,  however,  said 
anything  to  me  on  the  subject,  and  my  confidence  in  his  discre 
tion  is  such,  that  I  do  not  believe  that  he  ever  breathed  a  word  in 
regard  to  it  to  any  one.  I  have  been  told,  that  some  of  the 
newspapers  have  stated  that  the  answer  as  signed  was  prepared 
by  me..  This  statement  did  not  come  directly,  or  indirectly, 
from  me.v  There  was  a  clerk  in  the  Department  who  knew  that 
I  prepared 'a  draft  and  he  may  have  had  the  indiscretion  to  men 
tion  the  .fact  I  out  .of  the  Department.  Before  there  was  any 
public  controversy  in  regard  to  the  authorship  of  the  answer, 
I  was  on  several  occasions  asked  if  I  was  not  the  author.  To 
this  I  sometimes  replied  that  I  had  made  a  draft  of  an  answer, 
buO  never  claimed  the  authorship  of  the  note  as  it  was  signed. 
I  am  not  sure  that  there  is  a  single  sentence  in  the  answer 
as  published  identical  with  my  draft.  Inasmuch,  however,  as  I 
should  be  obliged  to  rely  on  my  recollection  only,  I  would  not 


THE  NATIONAL  STATESMAN  451 

undertake  to  affirm  this.     Possibly  my  draft  may  still  be  among 
your  father's  papers.1     If  so,  I  could  at  once  identify  it. 

Hoping  that  this  statement  may  prove  satisfactory,  I  remain, 

Yours  truly, 

W.  HUNTER. 


(Edward  Everett  to  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 
Private. 

32  SUMMER  STREET  8  May  1854. 
Dear  Sir, 

The  only  contingency  which  occurs  to  me  as  likely  to  make  a 
public  explanation  relative  to  the  authorship  of  the  H.  letter 
desirable  or  necessary  at  present  is  the  surreptitious  re-publica 
tion  of  the  pamphlet  printed  last  summer  or  of  the  introductory 
note  to  it. —  As  one  copy  at  least  obtained  by  inadventure  or 
accident  (tho*  Mr.  Marvin  says  he  cannot  conceive  how)  has  got 
abroad,  such  a  re-publication  may  take  place.  In  that  case,  a 
statement  from  you  of  the  nature  intimated  by  you  might  be 
expedient.  I  shall  remain  here  this  week : — and  if  you  will  draw 
up  and  send  a  statement  as  you  would  deem  it  expedient  to  make 
if  necessary,  and  favor  me  with  a  sight  of  it,  while  I  am  at  home, 
I  might  perhaps  make  some  suggestions  that  would  be  useful. 
With  much  regard,  Sincerely  yours, 

EDWARD  EVERETT. 


(Edward  Everett  to  Fletcher  Webster.) 
Private. 

32  SUMMER  STREET,  11  May  1854. 
My  dear  Mr.  Webster, 

I  have  not  yet  been  able  to  lay  my  hand  on  the  duplicate  of 
your  father's  letter  to  me  of  20  Oct.  1850,  which  you  think  you 
handed  to  me. — 

In  the  meantime  I  enclose  you  a  copy  from  the  letter  received 
by  me,  which, — like  the  duplicate, — is  in  Mr.  Chew's  handwrit 
ing. 

With  much  regard  yours 

EDWARD  EVERETT. 

'  For  details  as  to  the  controversy  over  this  famous  letter  see  Curtis'  Life  of 
Webster,  vol.  ii,  pp.  535,  536.  The  various  drafts  and  a  pamphlet  on  the  sub 
ject  written  by  Edward  Everett  are  to  be  found  in  the  New  Hampshire  His 
torical  Society  Library. 


452  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(From  Wm.  Hunter.1) 

WASHINGTON  Oct  4.  1850 
Dear  Sir: 

In  compliance  with  your  order,  I  enclose  a  copy  of  President 
Taylor's  Message  in  regard  to  Hungary.  After  reading  Hiilse- 
mann's  note,2  it  strikes  me  that  we  should  not  hesitate  to  receive 
and  answer  it,  though  its  tone  is  sufficiently  arrogant  and  saucy  to 
justify  us  in  requiring  him  take  it  back,  were  such  a  course 
deemed  most  advisable.  It  may,  however,  be  so  easily  answered, 
and  the  answer,  if  embracing  proper  topics  in  proper  form,  may 
be  made  to  tell  to  such  advantage  on  the  public  ear  and  to  the 
public  mind,  that  we  must  try  and  do  our  best. 

You  can  rely  upon  any  aid  which  can  be  afforded  to  you  by 
Your  obedient  servant, 

W.  HUNTEE. 

(From  Wm.  Hunter.) 

Dear  Sir  WASHINGTON,  15th  October,  1850. 

I  send  a  draft  of  an  answer  Hiilsemann's  note.  You  will 
notice  that  it  touches  all  the  points  which  you  mentioned.  The 
subject  is  of  the  highest  importance,  looking  both  to  the  foreign 
affairs  and  the  domestic  politics  of  the  United  States.  It  should 
therefore  be  well  considered.  It  is  perhaps,  also  advisable  that 
the  reply  should  be  promptly  given.  If  you  concur  in  this,  Mr. 
Chew  can  at  once  transcribe  your  answer  and  it  may  either  be 
sent  to  Mr.  Hiilsemann  from  Marshfield3  direct,  or  through  the 
Department. 

Very  truly,  and  humbly,  Your  obedient  servant 

W.  HUNTER. 

(From  John M.  Clayton*) 

NEAR  NEW  CASTLE,  Delaware,  January  12th  1851. 
My  dear  Sir, 

Since  the  publication  of  your  admirable  letter  to  the  Chevalier 

1  Clerk  in  the  Department  of  State. 

2  The  note  dated  Sept.  30,  1850.     See  Webster's  Works,  vol.  vi,  p.  488. 

3  Webster  was  at  this  time  in  Marshfield. 

4  Webster's  predecessor  as  Secretary  of  State. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  453 

Hiilsemann,1  I  have  felt  it  my  duty  to  write  to  you  something 
on  the  subject,  not  merely  to  express  my  thanks  for  that  letter, 
which  no  true  American  can  read  without  pride  and  gratification, 
but  to  correct  two  errors  in  the  Chevaliers  letter  to  you,  of  which 
you  could  obtain  no  information  through  any  other  source  than 
your  predecessor  in  office. 

The  first  mistake  of  Mr.  Hiilsemann,  to  which  I  wish  to  advert, 
will  be  found  in  that  passage  of  his  letter,  in  which  he  virtually 
affirms  that  his  reason  for  not  discharging  such  a  missive  upon 
me,  as  he  addresses  to  yourself,  was,  that  he  had  not  received  in 
structions  in  sufficient  time  before  the  death  of  General  Taylor. 
Now,  although  he  never  communicated  his  instructions  to  me, 
officially,  yet  he  left  them  with  the  chief  clerk,  not  for  the  pur 
pose  of  being  laid  before  me  officially,  but  for  the  purpose,  I 
suppose,  of  obtaining  the  opinion  of  Mr.  Derrick,  as  to  the  ex 
pediency  of  communicating  them  officially  to  me.  Mr.  Derrick 
obtained  a  copy  of  them,  which  is  inclosed  for  your  perusal. 
He  (Mr.  H.)  read  to  me  about  the  27th  of  December.  1849,  in 
an  unofficial  manner,  one  or  two  passages  from  them,  which  con 
vinced  me  that  his  Government  had  improperly  obtained  a  sur 
reptitious  copy  of  my  instructions  to  Mr.  Dudley  Mann,  to  which 
fact  I  called  his  attention  at  the  time,  with  the  intimation,  that 
he  addressed  me  on  the  subject  officially,  as  he  threatened  to  do,  I 
would  enquire  into  the  mode  by  which  his  Government  obtained  a 
•copy  of  one  of  my  letters,  confidentially  addressed  to  an  Ameri 
can  Agent,  which  at  that  time  had  not  been  published.  He  left 
me  with  the  declaration  that  he  would  write  to  me,  as  he  after 
ward  did  to  you.  But  when  I  saw  him,  after  the  lapse  of  a  few 
weeks,  he  informed  me  that  he  had  changed  his  mind,  and  should 
write  me  no  letter  on  that  subject. 

The  second  error  of  Mr.  Hiilsemann,  which  I  wish  to  note,  will 
be  found  in  his  statement  to  you,  that  I  had  informed  him,  that 
the  only  object  of  Mr.  Mann's  mission  was  to  obtain  information. 
I  repeatedly  stated  to  him,  that  the  President's  object  was  to 
recognize  the  Independence  of  Hungary,  in  case  that  Independ 
ence,  should  be  found  to  be  established  on  a  permanent  basis, 
sustained  by  a  durable  Government,  capable  of  performing  the 
functions  of  a  Member  of  the  family  of  Nations.  I  endeavored 
to  explain  to  him,  and  defined  verbally  the  course  which  the 
American  Government  has  pursued  towards  other  Nations  when 

1  See  Webster's  Works,  vol.  vi,  p.  491. 


454  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

struggling  into  existence,  But  he  denied  our  whole  doctrine,  and 
seemed  to  have  worked  himself  up  into  a  passion,  which  forbade 
discussion. 

Wishing  you  all  health  and  happiness  and  many  more  such 
victories  over  the  Agents  of  Despotism,  I  have  the  honor  to  sub 
scribe  myself, 

Very  sincerely  and  truly  Yours 

JOHN  M.  CLAYTON. 

(To  John  M.  Clayton.) 

My  Dear  Sir  WASHINGTON,  Jany  15th  1851. 

I  was  yesterday  just  about  enclosing  you  a  readable  copy  of 
my  correspondence  with  Mr.  Hiilsemann,  when  I  received  your 
acceptable  and  friendly  letter  of  the  12th.  Be  assured,  My 
Dear  Sir,  that  it  gave  me  pleasure  to  defend  the  conduct  of  Gen 
eral  Taylor's  administration  in  this  important  particular:  &  I 
am  quite  happy  if  you  think  that  Mr.  Hiilsemann  &  the  Cabinet 
of  Vienna  have  been  satisfactorily  answered. 

I  am  quite  glad  to  receive  the  paper  which  Mr.  Hiilsemann  left 
with  you.  It  is  certain,  that  he  had  obtained,  somehow,  a  sight 
of  Mr.  Mann's  instructions:  I  presume,  also,  that  Mr.  Hiilse 
mann  had  received,  subsequently,  other  instructions.  This  would 
seem  to  be  properly  inferred,  from  the  introduction  to  his  letter. 

We  have  not  heard  from  him,  since  receipt  of  my  letter. 

I  am,  My  Dear  Sir,  with  regard,  and  all  good  wishes, 

Yours  truly 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 

(Mr.  ScJvwarzeriberg  to  Mr.  Hiilsemann.^ ) 

gjr  VIENNA  November,  5th  1849. 

Your  reports,  including  that  of  October  23d.  marked  No.  27. 
have  been  punctually  received. 

You  have  transmitted  to  me  the  New  York  papers  containing 
allusions,  which,  although  mysteriously  worded,  still  treat  of  the 
matter  as  a  positive  occurrence, — to  the  fact  of  a  United  States 
Agent  having  been  despatched  to  Vienna,  with  orders  to  watch 
for  a  favorable  moment  to  recognise,  in  the  name  of  his  Govern- 

1  This  is  an  official  translation  of  the  original  letter. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  455 

ment,  the  Hungarian  Republic,  and  to  conclude  a  treaty  of  com 
merce  with  the  same.  The  fact  is  but  too  true;  and  the  infor 
mation  we  possess  on  the  subject,  has  reached  us  from  such  a 
reliable  source,  that  we  cannot  indulge  any  doubt,  as  to  a  pro 
ceeding,  which,  at  first,  we  found  it  so  difficult  to  credit.  How 
could  we,  in  fact,  reconcile  that  proceeding,  with  those  principles 
of  International  laws,  so  scrupulously  adhered  to  by  Austria  to 
wards  the  United  States?  Was  it  in  return  for  the  friendship 
and  confidence  which  we  have  never  ceased  to  manifest  towards 
the  Government  of  the  United  States,  that  the  latter  was  waiting 
impatiently  for  and  sought  to  hasten  the  moment,  when  it  could 
profit  by  the  downfall  of  the  Austrian  Monarchy,  and  sell  a  few 
bales  of  cotton  more  at  the  expense  of  her  existence  ?  The  States 
men  who  have  been  concerned  in  the  mission  of  Mr.  Dudley  Mann 
have  betrayed  very  narrow  and  selfish  views,  and  evinced  more 
over  great  ignorance  of  the  true  state  of  things,  of  the  resources 
of  Austria,  and  her  tenacity  in  defending  her  just  rights.  Even 
Lord  Palmerston  himself,  who  certainly  cannot  be  charged  with 
being  a  partisan  of  Austria,  has  acknowledged  how  vastly  impor 
tant  it  was  for  the  equilibrium  of  Europe  and  the  tranquillity  of 
the.  world,  that  this  power  should  be  preserved  in  all  its  integ 
rity.  Was  it  supposed  in  New  York  that  our  resources  were 
exhausted,  and  our  purpose  to  struggle  against  the  revolution 
turned  aside?  Was  a  hope  entertained  that  after  a  contest  of 
six  months'  duration,  and  after  having  been  assured,  that  in  case 
of  need  we  should  not  call  upon  Russia  in  vain,  to  assist  us,  that 
we  would  come  to  terms  with  rebellious  subjects? — We  who  have 
struggled  for  twenty -five  years  against  the  French  Revolution? 
At  that  epoch,  all  right  minded  people  applauded  our  devotion 
to  the  principles  of  order  and  our  perseverence  in  defending 
them:  To-day  they  have  likewise  manifested  an  anxious  desire, 
that  we  might  come  out  victorious  from  the  struggle  in  Hungary. 

The  following  is  what  we  have  learnt,  beyond  the  possibility  of 
a  doubt,  in  regard  to  the  steps  alluded  to,  as  taken  by  the  United 
States. 

In  the  course  of  last  June,  Mr.  Dudley  Mann,  a  Sort  of  At 
tache  to  the  American  Legation  in  Paris,  received  from  one  of  the 
most  influential  members  of  the  government,  a  confidential  des 
patch,  which  was  to  serve  him  for  instructions,  relative  to  the 
mission  he  had  to  fulfil  both  at  Vienna  and  in  Hungary.  He 
was  ordered  to  repair  hither  and  to  ascertain  whether  the  insur 
rectionary  movements  in  Hungary  were  sufficiently  matured,  to 


456  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

justify  the  immediate  recognition  of  the  latter,  as  an  independent 
power : — to  endeavor  to  have  an  interview  with  Kossuth  and  with 
the  agents  of  that  illustrious  man: — and  finally,  if  he  forsaw  any 
chance  of  success  on  the  part  of  the  Hungarians,  to  invite  them 
to  send  a  diplomatic  agent  to  Washington,  who  would  be  prompt 
ly  recognized.  The  interest  which  the  United  States  had  in 
opening  the  earliest  Commercial  relations  with  that  newly  born 
republic,  was  represented  in  Mr.  Dudley  Mann's  instructions,  as 
a  sufficient  cause  to  justify  the  mission. 

There  is  one  circumstance  which  has  greatly  added  to  the  pro 
found  regrets  which  that  mission  has  caused  us;  in  Mr.  Dudley 
Mann's  instructions,  the  intentions  of  President  Taylor  were  al 
luded  to,  and  mention  was  made  of  the  Iron  rule  of  Austria.  It 
would  have  afforded  us  much  gratification  to  have  looked  upon 
General  Taylor  as  a  stranger  to  all  this  kind  of  intrigue  and  we 
were  pained  to  see  the  head  of  the  American  Government  sharing 
in  those  errors,  which  malevolence  had  disseminated  in  regard  to 
us,  but  which  have  never  been  seriously  entertained  even  by  those 
who  had  at  first  believed  in  them.  You  are  now  in  possession  of 
the  truth,  in  regard  to  the  grave  circumstances  to  which  you 
allude  in  your  reports.  You  will  be  convinced  that  the  explana 
tions  given  you  by  Mr.  Clayton  were  neither  complete  nor  of  a 
character  to  satisfy  us.  We  might  then  insist  upon  a  more  ex 
plicit  declaration  and  disavowal  on  the  part  of  the  Cabinet  of 
New  York;  but  we  will  allow  our  old  friendship  for  the  United 
States  to  prevail;  and  we  are  willing  to  consider  the  step  of 
which  we  complain  as  an  individual  fallacy  and  a  mistake  on  the 
part  of  some  member  of  the  American  Government,  in  order  to 
avoid  the  necessity  of  making  such  charges  in  our  relations  with 
it,  as  would  be  at  variance  with  our  wishes. 

You  will  please,  Sir,  to  regulate  your  language  in  conformity 
with  this  despatch,  the  contents  of  which,  if  you  think  it  proper, 
you  may  even  communicate  to  those  whom  it  may  concern. 

Be  pleased  to  accept,  Sir,  the  assurances  of  my  perfect  consid 
eration.  ,  :v 

F.   SCHWARZENBERG. 

(From  Millar d  Fillmore.) 

To  the  Secretary  of  the  State  JAN'Y  16.  [1851.] 

My  Dear  Sir, 
I  have  read  &  herewith  return,  the  copies  of  Mr.  Clayton's  let- 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  457 

ter,  and  yours  to  him  and  the  Austrian  Instructions  of  the  5th. 
of  Nov.  1849.  to  Mr.  Hiilsemann. 

I  am  a  little  surprised  at  the  change  made  in  the  printed  copy 
of  Mr.  Mann's  instructions.  But  as  you  suspect,  they  must 
have  had  access  to  the  original. 

I  noticed,  you  changed  the  original  Draft  of  your  letter  and 
denied  the  use  of  the  phrase  "iron  rule,"  and  supposed  that  you 
had  made  a  mistake  at  first.  But  if  I  recollect  right  they  pred 
icated  their  complaint — on  the  correspondence,  as  published. 
If  so  they  cannot  go  behind  the  printed  copy ;  and  we  at  last  are 
free  from  any  imputation  of  mutilation. 

Truly  yours, 

MILLARD  FLLLMORE 

(To  Jacob  Harvey.) 

BOSTON  Feby  17  1851 

The  following  Communication  has  been  received  at  this  Office, 
by  Telegraph,  from  Washington 

For  J.  Harvey — 

Was  it  by  connivence  or  by  absolute  force? — did  the  Marshal 
do  his  duty — answer1 

D.  WEBSTER 

(To  Millar d  Fillmore.) 

[FEB.  28  1851] 
To  the  President 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  have  asked  F.  Webster  to  make  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Mr. 
Marsh —  Here  it  is —  Can  you  get  time  to  run  it  over?2 

Yrs  D.  WEBSTER 

1  This  telegram  refers  to  the  famous  Shadrach  rescue.     See  Rhodes'  History 
of  the  United  States,  vol.  i,  p.  210. 

2  This  letter  is  endorsed  by  Fillmore  as  follows  : 

"A  capital  letter  which  I  have  read  with  much  pleasure."     M.  F. 
There  follows  also  a  second  endorsement  by  F.  Webster  to  his  wife  : 
"  I  told  you  I  was  going  to  write  this  letter.  * 
I  enclose  this  because  it  will  please  you,     *    *    * 

Y'r  own  FLETCHER." 

*  Can  this  refer  to  the  famous  letter  to  Geo.  P.  Marsh,  concerning  the  Hungarian 
refugees  ? 


458  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  Luther  Severance.1) 

[Private] 

(MARCH  1,  1851). 

Sir; 

I  have  written  you  a  regular  official  despatch,  setting  forth  the 
principles  of  policy  which  will  govern  the  Administration  here, 
in  whatever  respects  the  Government  of  the  Hawaiian  Islands. 

I  now  write  you  a  letter  of  private  instructions,  made  neces 
sary  by  suggestions  contained  in  your  communication  by  Lieut. 
Johnson. 

In  the  first  place  I  have  to  say,  that  the  war  making  power,  in 
this  Government,  rests  entirely  with  Congress.  And  that  the 
President,  can  authorize  belligerent  operations,  only  in  the  cases 
expressly  provided  for  by  the  Constitution  and  the  laws.  By 
these,  no  power  is  given  to  the  Executive  to  oppose  an  attack 
by  one  independent  nation  on  the  possessions  of  another.  We 
are  bound  to  regard  both  France  and  Hawaiia,  as  independent 
States,  and  equally  independent,  and  though  the  general  policy 
of  the  Government,  might  lead  it  to  take  part  with  either,  in  a 
controversy  with  the  other,  still,  if  this  interference  be  an  act  of 
hostile  force,  it  is  not  within  the  Constitutional  power  of  the 
President,  and  still  less  is  it,  within  the  power  of  any  subordinate 
Agent  of  Government,  Civil  or  Military.  If  the  Serieuse  had 
attacked  Honolulu,  and  thereupon  the  bandalia  had  fired  upon 
the  Serieuse,  this  last  act  would  have  been  an  act  of  (violence) 
against  France;  not  to  be  justified:  (in  fact,  if  not  disavowed  at 
Washington,  it  would  be  an  act  of  war. ) 

In  these  cases,  where  the  power  of  Congress  cannot  be  exer 
cised  beforehand,  all  must  be  left  to  the  redress  which  that  body 
may  subsequently  authorize.  This,  you  will  constantly  bear  in 
mind.  But  at  the  same  time,  it  is  not  necessary  that  you  should 
make  known  ( enter  into  these  explanations  with )  these  sentiment 
to  the  French  Commissioner,  or  the  French  Commander. 

In  my  official  letter  of  this  date,  I  have  spoken  of  what  the 
United  States  would  do  in  certain  contingencies.  But  in  thus 
speaking  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  I  do  not  mean 
the  Executive  power,  but  the  Government  in  its  general  aggre 
gate,  and  especially  that  branch  of  the  Government  which  pos 
sesses  the  war  making  power.  This  distinction  you  will  carefully 
observe,  and  you  will  neither  direct,  request,  or  encourage,  any 

1  The  United  States  representative,  at  that  time,  in  Hawaii. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  459 

naval  officer  of  the  United  States  in  committing  hostilities  on 
French  vessels  of  war. 

Another  leading  topic  in  your  letter,  is  the  proposed  contin 
gent  surrender,  by  the  Government  of  the  Islands,  of  their  sov 
ereignty,  to  the  United  States,  or  their  annexation  to  this  coun 
try. 

This  is  a  very  important  question,  and  one  which  you  will 
readily  see,  rises  above  any  functions,  with  which  you  are 
charged.  It  may  indeed,  be  very  proper  for  you  in  this  case, 
as  well  as  in  all  others,  to  communicate  to  your  Government, 
whatever  the  Government  to  which  you  are  accredited  desires  to 
be  (have)  so  communicated  but  it  is  (very  important)  that  on  a 
question  involving  such  deep  interest  both  domestic  and  foreign, 
you  should,  yourself,  altogether  forbear  from  expressing  any 
opinion  whatever,  to  the  Hawaiian  Government.  You  will  see 
by  my  official  letter,  which  you  are  at  liberty  to  communicate  to 
that  Government,  the  disposition  of  the  United  States  to  main 
tain  its  independence;  beyond  that,  you  will  not  proceed.  The 
act  of  contingent  or  conditional  surrender  which  you  mention  in 
your  letter  (as  having  been  placed  in  your  hands)  you  will 
please  (to)  return  to  the  Hawaiian  Government.  In  this  case, 
the  Government  of  the  United  States,  acts  upon  principles  of 
general  policy;  it  will  protect  its  own  rights.  It  feels  a  deep 
interest  in  the  preservation  of  Hawaiian  independence,  and  all 
questions  beyond  this,  should  they  arise,  must  be  considered  and 
settled  here,  by  the  competent  authority.  You  inform  us,  that 
many  American  citizens  have  gone  to  settle  in  the  Islands ;  if  so, 

( The  American  Government 

.1!  j.i  •        (must  of  course  feel  an  interest 

they  have  ceased  to  be  Amen-      /  •    ,  u          .      i.     j  j  .    * 

J  ~..  ( in  themnot  extended  toioreisjn- 

can  Citizens,  )         Ui.uj.uT          f  XT  ± • 

(  ers ;  but  by  the  Law  of  Nation 

(they 

have  no  rights  further  to  demand  the  protection  of  this  Govern 
ment.  (Whatever  aid  or  protection  might  under  any  circum 
stances  be  given  them ;  must  be  given,  not  as  matter  of  right  on 
their  part,  but  in  consistency  with  the  general  policy  &  duty  of 
the  Government  &  its  relations  with  friendly  powers). 

You  will  therefore,  not  encourage  in  them  nor  indeed,  in  any 
other,  any  idea  or  expectation  that  the  Islands  will  become  an 
nexed  to  the  United  States.  All  this,  I  repeat,  will  be  judged  of 
hereafter,  as  circumstances  and  events  may  require,  by  the  Govt : 
at  Washington. 


460  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

I  do  not  suppose  there  is  any  immediate  danger  of  any  new 
menaces  from  France;  still  less,  of  any  actual  attack  on  the 
Islands  by  her  Naval  Armament.  Nevertheless  you  will  keep  us 
constantly  and  accurately  informed  of  whatever  transpires. 

Your  account  of  the  prosperity  of  the  Islands,  and  the  fiscal 
condition  of  its  Government,  is  interesting,  and  you  can  hardly 
be  too  full  and  particular  in  such  statements. 

Mr.  Allen,  is  at  present,  quite  unwell,  at  Boston ;  so  soon  as  he 
is  able,  he  will  return  to  his  post,  and  Lieut:  Johnson  will  take 
this  despatch  to  Panama.  If  Mr.  Allen's  illness  should  continue, 
for  any  length  of  time,  which  we  hope  may  not  be  the  case  Lieut : 
Johnson,  will  be  directed  to  return  without  him.1 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  regard, 

Your  obedient  Servant 

[DAN'L  WEBSTER] 

(To  Henry  S.  Footed) 

~.  DEPARTMENT  OF  STATE.  Washington  March,  1851. 

sir, 

In  the  conversation  which  passed  between  us  the  other  day  in 
favor  of  superseding  the  existing  provisions  by  law  authorizing 
the  appointment  of  Charge'  d'  Affaires  to  Guatemala  and  Nica 
ragua  by  the  appointment  of  a  Minister  Plenipotentiary  to  be 
accredited  to  the  States  of  San  Salvador,  Honduras  and  Costa 
Rica,  You  are  aware  that  a  Minister  Plenipotentiary  from  Nic 
aragua  has  already  presented  himself  and  it  is  expected  that  the 
other  States  above  mentioned  will  send  diplomatic  agents  of  some 
grade  to  this  country  soon. 

In  conformity  with  your  request,  I  have,  now,  the  honor  to 
submit  herewith  estimates  for  the  appropriation  necessary  to  be 
made  for  the  purpose  of  accomplishing  the  object. 

I  am,  Sir,  respectfully  Your  obedient  servant 

DANL,  WEBSTER 

(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

BOSTON,  March  7th.  1851. 

The  following  Communication  has  been  received  at  this  Office, 
by  Telegraph,  from  Washington 

1  This  is  the  original  draft  of  the  letter  sent. 

8  Senator  from  Virginia,  and  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Relations. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  461 

For  Peter  Harvey  Esq 

Meet  me  in  New  York  Tuesday  next  at  5  o'clock  P.  M. — 
Say  confidentially  to  Mr.  Green  that  I  am  willing  to  leave  all 
matters  to  the  judgment  of  himself — Mr.  Appleton,  S.  A.  Eliot, 
Mr.  Haven.  Mr.  Henshaw  &  yourself. 

DANI,  WEBSTER 


(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 
Private 

To  the  President  MONDAY  MORNING  March  17,  1851. 

My  Dear  Sir. 

I  believe  you  are  acquainted  with  Mr.  John  S.  Biddle  of 
Philadelphia.  He  has  long  been  a  prominent  member  of  tho 
Whig  party  in  that  city,  and  heretofore  generally  acting  with 
Mr.  Clay's  friends.1  He  is  a  staunch  &  firm  friend  of  the  present 
administration,  &  supports  its  measures,  cordially.  He  was  can 
didate,  not  by  his  own  procurement,  for  the  appointment  of  Col 
lector,  when  the  appointment  was  given  to  Mr.  Lewis ;  &  I  sup 
pose  a  great  preponderance  of  the  real  &  true  Whig  influence 
was  in  his  favor.  But  the  interest  of  the  North  American,  &  the 
Gentlemen  connected  that  circle  procured  the  nomination  of  Mr. 
Lewis,  against  him. 

Mr.  Biddle  has  been  recently  appointed  appraiser  at  large,  an 
office  which  probably  he  will  be  unwilling  to  accept.  I  have 
known  him  long,  &  think  highly  of  him,  &  on  these  Pennsylvania 
topics  now  pending,  he  speaks  very  sensibly,  &  with  apparent 
candor.  He  proposes  to  call  &  pay  his  respects  to  you  to  day, 
&  as  he  is  well  informed,  &  I  believe  worthy  of  confidence,  I  write 
you  this  to  describe  his  standing  &  position  in  case  you  should 
wish  to  converse  with  him. 

Yrs.  truly  always, 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(From  Lewis  Cass.) 

(Confidential). 

BUFFALO  March  18,  1851. 
My  dear  Sir,        •  • 

I  have  just  perused  your  letter  to  Mr.  March,2  and  tho?  not 

1  Not  at  the  last  election. 

2  Concerning  the  liberation  of  the  Hungarian  refugees. 


462  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

much  given  to  the  meltmg  mood,  yet  I  paid  it  a  tribute,  I  have 
seldom  paid  to  an  official  document,  and  I  cannot  resist  the 
temptation  of  telling  you  how  highly  I  approve  its  sentiments 
and  its  language.  It  is  a  glorious  model  of  an  American  State 
paper,  and  if  I  were  mean  enough  to  envy  anything  you  do,  I 
should  surely  envy  you  the  authorship  of  this  letter.1  Go  on 
and  be  not  troubled  at  the  attacks  made  for  your  attachment  to 
the  union,  for  that  is  the  cause  of  those  onslaughts. 

Your  old  friend 

LEW  CASS. 


(To  the  French  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs.) 

Private. 

WASHINGTON  March  19,  '51. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

The  sudden  and  unexpected  recall  of  M.  Bois  le  Comte,  caused 
us  not  only  surprise  but  very  considerable  regret.  His  inter 
course  with  the  Govt.  has  been  very  agreeable,  and  his  whole 
demeanor  such  as  to  command  our  respect.  The  enclosed  para 
graph  which  I  cut  from  the  columns  of  the  Nat.  Intelligencer, 
expresses  truly,  I  believe,  what  is  here  the  universal  opinion  and 
feeling. 

The  withdrawal  of  M.  Bois  le  Comte's  pleasant  family  from 
our  little  Washington  circle  will  create  a  considerable  chasm. 

We  look  with  interest  for  the  coming  of  M.  Sartiges,  whom 
we  understand  to  be  a  diplomatist  of  ability  and  much  experience. 
I  am,  my  dear  Sir,  always  with  much  regard — 

Yours 

[D.  WEBSTEE] 


(From  M.  R.  Brenner  et  al.) 

MAR  20.  1851 

*     *     *      [They  request  him  to  take  part  in  a  Clay  celebra 
tion]2     *     *     * 

1  See  the  next  letter,  Daniel  Webster  to  Fiilmore. 

*  Webster  endorsed  the  letter,  "Write  a  handsome  letter  of  apology — very 

Handsome." 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  463 

(Hiram  Ketchum  to  Peter  Harvey.) 

(Very  private). 

SATURDAY  March  22d  1851. 
My  dear  Sir 

I  reed  your  letter  some  time  ago,  and  am  glad  that  you  showed 
my  communication  to  you  to  Mr  Webster. 

I  have  seen  him  since,  during  a  short  business  trip  to  Wash 
ington,'  but  said  not  a  word  on  the  subject  of  politics.  The 
President,  Mr.  Webster  &  Mr.  Hall  have  been  put  in  possession 
of  my  views,  clearly  and  earnestly  expressed.  They  have  been 
entirely  disregarded,  at  which  I  take  not  the  slightest  offence, 
being  fully  aware  of  the  falability  of  my  own  judgment,  and 
having  not  the  slightest  claim  of  right  to  influence  the  Admin 
istration  by  my  opinions.  One  thing  however,  is  certain,  and  I 
wish  here  to  record  it  for  your  remembrance,  that  my  advice  has 
not  been  lightly  given,  but  I  have  pondered  well  all  that  I  have 
said  to  the  rulers  of  my  Country,  and  it  has  been  given  with  the 
same  feeling  that  I  would  have  advised  my  father,  when  I  had  a 
father. 

With  equal  sincerity  and  deliberation  I  now  say  to  you  that, 
in  my  judgment,  the  President  will  be  without  a  party  in  this 
State  in  less  than  sixty  days,  unless  his  line  of  policy  is  changed 
very  soon.  I  would  say  this  to  the  President,  and  to  Mr.  Web 
ster  but  for  the  fact  that  I  have  already  urged  upon  them  so 
much  advice,  that  self  respect  will  not  allow  me  to  say  more, 
unless  called  upon.  Such  urgence  would  indicate  a  feeling  on 
my  part,  which  might  be  misconstrued,  for  the  Searcher  of  Hearts 
knows  that  I  am  quite  as  independent  of  them  or  the  adminis 
tration,  as  they,  or  it,  can  be  of  me. 

If  the  President  is  destroyed  here,  Mr.  Webster  will  be,  for  he 
is  regarded  as  the  adviser  of  the  course,  which  I  am  sure,  unless 
new  &  unexpected  events  occur  to  give  another  direction  to 
public  opinion,  will  leave  the  President — not  without  admirers 
&  well  wishers — but  without  an  organized  party  in  his  native 
state. 

I  have  taken  leave  to  urge  upon  Mr.  Webster  the  propriety  of 
going  right,  as  I  regarded  the  right,  and  let  Mr.  Fillmore  take 
his  own  course,  on  his  own  responsibility.  This  too  has  been 
disregarded, — for  the  best — I  hope. 

In  the  choice  of  U.  S.  Senator  in  this  State  Seward  has  tri 
umphed,  by  the  help  of  the  administration  at  Washington,  and 


464  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

the  administration  I  have  not  the  slightest  doubt  has  been  cheated, 
by  those  who  exult  in  the  success  of  their  schemes. 

Yrs  very  truly 

HIRAM  KETCHUM. 


(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

To  the  President,  MAECH  23«  1851' 

My  Dear  Sir. 

I  think  you  will  be  gratified  to  read  this  note  from  James  B. 
Campbell  Esq: — a  gentleman  I  have  often  mentioned  to  you. — 
I  wrote  him,  lately  &  asked  him  this  question :  "Can  you  guess 
what  the  first  step  is,  which  the  "seceders"  propose  to  take,  as  the 
actual  commencement  of  secession." 

Yours  truly, 

DANL  WEBSTER. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

ELM  FARM,  [Franklin,  N.  H.] 

Thursday  Eve'  [April  1851  (?)] 
Dear  Fletcher, 

I  have  reed  yours  today,  &  will  answer  it  tomorrow.  Mean 
time  I  learn  that  a  com.ee  is  to  be  here  on  Saturday,  about  R.  R. 
celebration,1  eye. — 

— Please  send  me  up  a  green  goose,  &  some  good  chickens, — 
a  couple  of  pair — if  you  can  do  so  by  any  train,  tomorrow, 
friday — otherwise  it  will  be  too  late. 

D.  W. 


(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

PHILADELPHIA,  April  4.  1851 — 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  left  Washington  not  very  well,  Monday  evening,  &  lodged 
at  Baltimore.  The  next  day  at  twelve  o'clock  reached  Harris- 
burg.  The  weather  was  wet  and  being  under  the  influence  of 

1  Referring  to  the  completion  of  the  New  York  and  Erie  Railroad,  see  vol. 
ii,  p.  533,  of  "Daniel  Webster's  Works,"  for  the  speech  on  this  occasion. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  465 

some  diarhaea,  the  dampness  of  the  weather  &  the  limestone  water 
made  me  a  good  deal  sick.  I  met  the  Legislature  that  evening  at 
7  o'clock. 

The  next  day,  Wednesday,  was  very  rainy,  but  I  saw  several 
friends,  such  as  Cooper,  Randall,  Brown,  &c.  They  were  in 
apparent  good  spirits,  but  all  impatient  for  action,  several  of 
them  will  be  at  Washington  about  the  15th  inst.  They  all  say 
that  Gen.  Johnson  is  a  free  soiler,  &  that  he  is  laboring  with  all 
his  might  to  prevent  the  passage  of  the  act  to  restore  the  jails 
of  Pennsylvania  to  the  use  of  the  United  States.  He  says  such 
an  act  will  kill  him.  There  was  a  supper  on  Tuesday  evening, 
after  my  interview  with  the  legislatures ;  and  after  I  had  retired 
he  made  a  speech,  which,  it  is  said,  was  pretty  much  an  answer 
to  my  speech  in  the  State  House.1  You  will  have  seen  Mr.  Pit 
man,  who  will  tell  you  all  about  this. 

I  came  from  Harrisburg,  here,  on  Wednesday  afternoon,  in  a 
rainstorm,  &  over  the  roughest  railroad,  I  suppose,  in  the  United 
States.  We  arrived  here  at  midnight,  I  was  quite  unwell  through 
yesterday,  &  unable  to  see  any  one  to  day ;  however  I  am  pretty 
well,  &  propose  to  go  to  New  York,  tomorrow,  &  thence  to  Boston. 

Yours  always  truly, 

DANL  WEBSTER. 


(Rufus  Choate  to  Geo.  Lunt,  District  Attorney.2) 

[APE.  1851] 
Dear  Sir, 

I  see  by  the  evening  papers,  that  the  Grand  Jury  have  re 
turned  their  indictments.3 

I  should  (take)  great  pride  &  pleasure  in  assisting  in  these 
important  trials  in  Court,  but  I  find  on  a  survey  of  my  engage 
ments  that  it  will  not  be  practicable,  certainly  not  so  to  assist 
in  the  earlier  ones.  I  cannot  feel  a  doubt  that  you  will  tri 
umphantly  vindicate  the  law  of  the  land  and  the  honor  of  the  bar. 
I  am  most  truly  Your  obedient  serv't. 

R.  CHOATE. 

1  This  speech  has  never  been  published 

4  Copy  of  a  letter  enclosed  in  Mr.  Webster's  letter  to  the  President,  of  April 
4,  1851. 

3  Against  the  persons  concerned  in  the  rescue  of  Shadrach. 


466  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

PHILADELPHIA,  April  4"  1851. — 8  o'clock  A.  M. 
To  the  President, 
My  Dear  Sir, 

Mr.  Choate  has  withdrawn  from  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Lunt,  in 
the  rescue  cases,1  I  learn  this  from  a  copy  of  a  note  from  [left 
blank  in  copy]  to  Mr.  Lunt  which  the  latter  has  sent  me,  &  which 
you  will  find  with  these  papers,  &  from  a  letter  from  C.  P.  Curtis 
which  I  also  enclose.  I  have  telegraphed  Fletcher  Webster  re 
questing  [left  blank]  to  ask  Mr.  Choate,  to  tell  me  confidentially, 
for  the  benefit  of  the  President  and  myself,  why  he  withdrew. 
I  presume  I  shall  get  an  answer  this  morning.  I  wrote  to  Mr. 
Lunt  that  he  was  authorized  to  employ  Mr.  B.  R.  Curtis  or  Mr. 
Choate.  As  to  Mr.  Hutchins  I  say,  I  believe  him  competent; 
but  he  may  name  to  me  any  other  person. ;  but  that  I  do  not  think 
Mr.  Sauger  is  a  proper  person  to  be  employed. 

Mr.  Sauger  is  known  to  have  been  all  along,  a  Free-soiler,  or 
worse. 

I  am  always  truly — 

DANL  WEBSTER. 

(To  Geo.  Lunt.2) 

m    /-i  T      L  -r.  PHILADELPHIA,  April  4"  1851. 

To  George  Lunt,  Esq. 

Your  letter  of  the  31  March  has  been  forwarded  to  me  here,  & 
having  perused  it  I  transmit  it  to  the  President.  I  quite  regret 
Mr.  Choate's  withdrawal  from  the  rescue  cases,  &  am  at  a  loss 
for  the  reason.  In  the  same  letter  in  which  I  authorized  you  to 
employ  Mr.  Choate,  I  also  authorized  you  to  employ  Mr.  Curtis 
(B.  R.)  if  you  preferred  to  do  so.  As  to  Mr.  Hutchins,  I  sup 
pose  him  quite  competent;  if  you  think  otherwise,  I  will  hear 
your  suggestions  of  some  other  persons;  but  Mr.  Sauger  does 
not  appear  to  me  to  be  a  proper  person  to  be  employed. 

I  proceed  to  N.  York  to-morrow,  on  my  way  to  Boston,  & 
shall  hope  to  see  you  immediately  on  my  arrival. 

These  causes  are  of  the  utmost  importance.  We  wish  them 
conducted  by  the  best  talent  &  experience  of  the  bar.  Not  wish 
ing  to  embarrass  you  in  the  slightest  degree,  nor  to  interfere 

1  i.  e.,  rescue  of  Shadrach.  *  District  Attorney  for  Massachusetts. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  467 

with  your  official  responsibility,  we  wish  you  still  to  have  the  very 
first  assistance  which  the  Profession  can  furnish.  You  must  be 
fully  aware  of  the  consequences  if  just  decisions  should  fail  to 
be  obtained  through  any  want  of  skill  on  the  part  of  those  who 
manage  the  trials. 

Yours  respectfully, 

DANL  WEBSTER. 


(To  Millar d  Fillmore.) 

NEW  YORK  Tuesday  morn'g  April  6:  1851. 
My  Dear  Sir. 

I  arrived  here  yesterday  to  dinner ;  pretty  well,  but  have  seen 
but  few  persons,  not  having  felt  inclined  to  admit  many  comers. 

My  late  attack  was  severe,  and  has  a  good  deal  reduced  me. 
I  propose  to  stay  here  through  tomorrow,  &  proceed  to  Boston  on 
Tuesday,  &  to  Marshfield  just  as  soon  as  I  can  arrange  the  mat 
ter  of  the  Rescue  trials. 

You  doubtless  have  heard  how  the  State  case  stood,  at  the  ad 
journment  yesterday. 

I  hardly  think  the  Commissioner  was  bound  to  hear  an  argu 
ment  [omitted  in  copy]  a  law  which  both  the  Judges  of  the 
Court  appointing  him,  had  declared  constitutional.  The  Fugi 
tive  is  safe  enough  &  I  presume  there  will  be  no  attempt  to  rescue 
him. 

I  expect  trouble  in  finding  proper  counsel  to  assist  Mr.  Lunt. 
The  same  reasons  which  induced  Mr.  Choate  to  retire,  will  prob 
ably  induce  others  to  be  unwilling  to  undertake.  The  truth  is 
Mr.  Lunt  is  not  a  very  agreeable  man  to  be  associated  with.  He 
is  not  a  good  lawyer,  theoretic  or  practical;  and,  at  the  same 
time,  he  is  opinionated,  self  willed  &  obstinate.  The  members 
of  the  bar  feel  he  has  no  right  to  hold  the  office ;  &  as  the  present 
case  is  such,  that  a  voluntary  appearance  may  be  viewed  as,  in 
some  degree  odious,  the  leading  men  may  not  feel  inclined  to 
come  to  the  aid  of  the  Government  for  a  mere  fee.  This,  I  sup 
pose  to  be  the  truth  of  the  case,  altho  I  shall  know  more  about 
it  when  I  reach  Boston,  as  it  might  not  be  expedient  to  appoint 
another  person  attorney,  at  the  present  moment,  I  have  thought 
it  best,  as  you  will  have  seen  by  my  letter  to  Mr.  Lunt,  to  suffer 
him  to  select  assistance  for  himself,  with  this  limitation  only  that 
no  known  abolitionist  like  Mr.  Sauger,  should  be  employed. 


468  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

This  will  leave  the  responsibility  where  the  law  leaves  it,  &  if  the 
trials  miscarry,  through  the  want  of  skill  &  ability,  we  shall  then 
have  a  plain  case  to  deal  with. 

I  shall  of  course  write  you  from  Boston. 

Yrs  always  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

NEW  YORK,  1  o'clock  April,  1851. 
My  Dear  Sir — 

I  sent  Mr.  Derrick  [omission  in  copy]  for  you  this  morning. 
I  have  seen  Mr.  Hall  and  Mr.  Evarts  today.  They  are  busy  in 
looking  up  the  proofs,  &  think  they  shall  be  prepared  to  arrest 
several  offenders,  tomorrow  or  Monday. 

I  doubt  whether  we  will  ever  be  able  to  restrain  these  lawless 
people1  until  some  of  them  landing  in  Cuba  shall  be  roughly 
handled  by  the  Spaniards. 

We  hope  to  be  in  Washington  Sunday  morning. 

Yrs  always  truly, 

DANL  WEBSTER. 

(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

Bains  Chemical  Telegraph. 

BOSTON,  Apl  7  1851. 

This  Despatch  has  just  been  received  from  N.  York  For  P. 
Harvey 

No  reception.  I  will  come  up  from  Marshfield  Shall  see  you 
Tuesday  evening 

DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  Henry  W.  Hilliard.2) 

NEW  YORK,  April  7.  1851. 
My  Dear  Sir 

Before  leaving  Washington  for  the  North,  I  had  two  con- 

1  Referring  to  the  proposed  Lopez  expedition  to  Cuba  which  was  then  pre 
paring  and  against  which  the  government  was  making  all  reasonable  opposi 
tion.  See  Rhodes'  "  History  of  United  States,  '  vol.  i.  p.  217. 

*  Milliard  represented  Alabama  in  Congress  (1 843-51 ); 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  469 

versations  with  the  President  respecting  your  letter  to  him  &  to 
me.  We  both  united  cordially  in  the  opinion  and  feeling  that 
you  are  competent  to  represent  the  country  honorably  abroad, 
and  that  it  would  be  advisable  to  find  you  a  suitable  situation. 
But  our  power  at  the  present  moment  is  very  much  limited.  The 
missions  are  all  full,  and  no  more  than  one  vacancy  is  expected 
in  the  course  of  this  year ;  and  even  that  is  not  provided  for  by 
an  appropriation  &  an  outfit.  That  is  Russia.  Now  as  to  this 
mission,  the  President  feels  bound  to  give  it  to  Pennsylvania. 
Pennsylvania  is  a  large  state,  and  she  gave  her  entire  vote  for  the 
Whig  candidates  at  the  late  election,  she  has  no  minister  of  the 
cabinet,  no  foreign  mission,  no  highly  honorable  appointment 
held  by  any  of  her  citizens.  It  is  difficult  to  overlook  her  claims. 
New  Jersey  is  in  a  similar  position,  tho  she  is  a  much  smaller 
State. 

Under  these  circumstances,  My  dear  Sir — with  the  most  sin 
cere  desire  to  place  you  in  an  honorable  post  abroad — the  Presi 
dent  does  not  see  how  it  can  be  done  at  present. 

Will  you  allow  me  further  to  suggest,  My  Dear  Sir,  that  this 
term  of  administration  is  already  half  out,  if  you  should  now 
be  appointed,  and  the  next  election  should  bring  a  political 
change  you  might  be  recalled  before  you  were  warm  in  your 
seat.  We  have  another  struggle  to  go  thro.  In  that  contest 
you  will  be  needed.  You  will  be  wanted  in  the  election  and  espe 
cially  wanted  in  the  convention,  by  which  a  candidate,  under 
whatever  title,  may  be  designated.  You  need  not  doubt,  that  so 
far  as  depends  on  me,  if  success  attends  our  efforts,  you  will  be 
put  in  a  better  situation,  than  amidst  the  snows  of  Russia. 

I  should  be  glad  my  dear  Sir  to  hear  from  you  often,  and  to 
know  your  sentiments  on  all  political  matters —  I  expect  to  be 
back  at  Washington  by  the  20"  at  furthest.  I  have  already 
spoken  of  the  friendly  disposition  of  the  President  towards  you — 
and  I  think  him  entirely  sincere.1 

Yours  with  assured  regard 

DANIEL  WEBSTER 


1  In  vol.  xiii.  p.  138-39,  of  the  New  Hampshire  Historical  Society  Collection, 
there  is  an  eight-page  protest  by  Mr.  Hilliard  because  he  was  not  given  the 
mission  to  Russia  or  Prussia.  He  threatens  the  loss  of  his  influence  for  the 
Whig  party  in  Alabama. 


470  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  MiUard  Fillmore.) 

BOSTON  April  9"  1851. 
To  the  President. 
My  Dear  Sir. 

I  arrived  here  yesterday  at  5  P.  M.  all  the  way  from  N.  Y. 
with  less  fatigue  than  might  be  expected,  the  road  all  the  way 
is  fair  &  smooth. 

The  Commissioner1  has  adjourned  his  decision  till  Friday  the 
llth. —  I  was  quite  sorry  to  learn  this,  but  I  suppose  he  wished 
to  take  pains  with  an  opinion,  &  tomorrow,  the  10"  is  Fast  day, 
&  all  business  of  course,  suspended.  The  fugitive  is  safe;2  the 
proofs  are  clear;  &  the  Marshal  will  move  south  with  him  on 
Friday. 

Immediately  on  my  arrival,  I  sent  for  Mr.  Lunt,  The  mat 
ter  of  Mr.  Sauger  is  as  I  told  you.  He  lives  in  Middlesex,  and 
attended  a  meeting  there  last  fall  at  which  anti-Fugitive  slave 
bill  resolutions  were  adopted.  Mr.  Lunt  says  he  did  not  know 
it,  till  he  learned  it  from  me.  I  thought  it  best  not  to  dispute 
the  point;  and  as  Sauger  has  diligence  and  ability,  and  as  Mr. 
Lunt  does  not  propose  that  he  should  appear  to  take  part  in  the 
trial,  I  told  him  he  might  employ  him. 

As  to  leading  arguing  counsel,  the  difficulty  is  a  question  of 
precedence,  Mr.  Lunt  feels  that  holding  the  official  station,  he 
ought  to  lead;  Mr.  Choate  is  not  willing  being  at  the  Head  of 
the  Bar  here  to  act  a  subordinate  part  to  Mr.  Lunt.  I  think 
we  could  manage  to  have  the  aid  of  B.  R.  Curtis'  services,  if  his 
engagements  allowed.  But  they  do  not.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Legislature,  which  is  likely  to  sit  till  the  middle  of  May,  &  after 
the  Senate  questions  is  over,  (if  ever  it  shall  be  over)  he  is  pre 
pared  for  a  public  discussion  upon  Administration  matters. 

I  shall  make  some  other  arrangement,  probably  to  suggest  to 
Mr.  Lunt  the  employment  of  Mr.  Lord  of  Essex  Co.  &  a  very  fit 
man,  &  would  be  quite  acceptable  to  Mr.  Lunt. 

The  trials  come  on  the  26  inst.  It  is  of  great  importance  to 
convict  Wright. 

In  an  hour  I  go  to  Marshfield,  &  shall  write  you  from  that 
cold  &  bleak  shore. 

When  you  write  me  please  address  me  at  Boston. 

1  George  T.  Curtiss. 

8  Thomas  Sims,  a  Georgia  Slave.     He  was  finally  returned  to  slavery. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  471 

You  will  see  that  an  anti-slave  law  convocation  was  held  her* 
yesterday. 

Yours  always  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER 

The  marvels  of  the  moment,  are,  Rantoul's1  somerset,  Seward's 
letter. 

(Resolutions  of  Boston  Common  Council.) 

CITY  OF  BOSTON, 
In  Common  Council,  April,  17  1851. 

Whereas,  Faneuil  Hall  has  been  "consecrated"  and  dedicated 
to  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  upon  all  suitable  occa 
sions,"  and  Whereas  the  exclusive  custody  of  the  same  is  exer 
cised  by  the  Board  of  Mayor  &  Aldermen  of  this  City;  and 
Whereas,  this  branch  of  the  Government  has  learned  with  great 
surprise,  that  the  Mayor  &  Aldermen  have  denied  the  respectful 
petition  of  a  large  number  of  the  Citizens  of  Boston,  for  the  use 
of  said  Hall  for  the  reception  of  the  Hon.  Daniel  Webster ;  and 
Whereas  this  Board  is  unwilling  to  be  compromised  by  the  action 
of  the  Board  of  Mayor  &  Aldermen  in  this  case,  or  to  be  identified 
therewith,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  Common  Council  deeply  regret  the  action 
of  the  Board  of  Mayor  &  Aldermen  in  closing  Faneuil  Hall 
against  the  Hon.  Daniel  Webster,  our  illustrious  fellow  citizen, 
whose  high  official  position,  whose  unwavering  attachment  to,  and 
unwearying  defence  of  the  Constitution,  whose  long  service  in 
the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  and  whose  untiring  efforts  in 
support  of  the  Union  have  justly  endeared  him  to  the  whole 
people  of  the  United  States. 

Resolved,  That  while  this  Board  would  not  interfere  with  any 
rights  which  the  Mayor  &  Aldermen  may  have  over  Faneuil  Hall, 
it  cannot  but  consider  their  action  in  the  present  instance,  un 
precedented  and  injudicious, — calculated  to  increase  rather  than 
diminish  the  public  excitement. 

Resolved,  That  it  would  have  given  to  the  Common  Council  of 
the  City  of  Boston  the  highest  pleasure  to  have  met  our  distin 
guished  fellow  citizen  in  Faneuil  Hall,  to  exchange  congratula- 

1  Robert  Rantoul,  Senator  from  Massachusetts,  appointed  in  Webster's  place 
after  the  latter  went  into  Fillmore's  cabinet.  Webster  here  refers  to  Rantoul's 
speech  made  at  Lynn,  Mass.,  April  3,  1 851 ,  in  which  the  latter  went  over  wholly 
to  the  anti-slavery  doctrines.  See  "  Memoirs,  Speeches  and  Writings  of  Robert 
Rantoul,"  p.  729. 


472  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

tions  with  him,  &  hear  him  once  more  address  his  friends  and 
neighbors  in  support  of  Law,  Order,  the  Constitution,  and  the 
Union. 

And  the  said  Resolutions  having  been  read  twice,  were  unani 
mously  passed  by  yeas  &  nays: — each  one  of  the  forty  three 
members  present  answering  in  the  affirmative. 

Ordered,  that  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  Resolutions  be  trans 
mitted  to  the  Hon  Daniel  Webster. 

Ordered  that  said  Resolutions  be  printed. 

FRANCIS  BRINLEY, 

President. 

(From  Francis  Brinley.) 

COMMON  COUNCIL  ROOM.  Boston,  April  18th.  1851. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  a  certified  copy  of  the  Preamble 
and  Resolutions1  adopted  by  the  unanimous  vote  of  the  Common 
Council  of  this  city  at  their  session  of  last  evening,  in  reference  to 
the  refusal  by  the  Board  of  Mayor  and  Aldermen  of  the  request 
of  your  friends  for  the  use  of  Faneuil  Hall. 

One  of  the  Rules  of  the  Common  Council  provides  that  "in  all 
cases  the  President  may  vote."  I  cheerfully  availed  myself  of 
recording  my  "aye"  on  the  passage  of  the  Preamble  and  Reso 
lutions.  It  is  with  great  pleasure  I  transmit  an  attested  copy 
of  them,  by  direction  of  the  Board.2 

I  remain  very  sincerely  your  friend  &  obt.  St. 

FEANCIS  BRINLEY,  President. 


(From  H.  A.  Dearborn.) 

HAWTHORN  COTTAGE  Roxbury  April  19,  1851. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  have  read  your  elegant  letter  to  the  Committee  of  Invitation, 

1  See  the  document  on  page  471. 

9  For  an  account  of  this  whole  incident  see  Rhodes'  "  History  of  the  United 
States,"  vol.  i,  p.  213.  An  omitted  passage  in  Webster's  letter  to  George  S. 
Smith,  et  al.,  April  15,  1851,  throws  an  interesting  light  on  Webster's  attitude 
in  this  matter  :  "  I  am  now  only  anxious  that  the  country  should  not  draw  any 
inferences  from  it  [the  closing  of  Faneuil  Hall]  unfavorable  to  the  disposition 
of  the  people  of  Boston  toward  the  Union,  and  their  resolution  to  maintain  at 
all  hazards  the  constitution  and  the  laws  of  the  United  States."  See  "Pri 
vate  Correspondence,"  vol.  ii,  p.  429, 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  473 

to  visit  Boston,  with  indignation,  at  the  despicable  attempted  in 
sult,  &  the  highest  gratification  for  the  dignified  manner  in  which 
a  stern  rebuke  has  been  given  to  the  inconsequential  imbeciles, 
who  have  disgraced  the  City, — as  well  as  for  the  decided  &  lofty 
spirit  you  have  evinced  to  pursue,  in  the  future,  the  same  firm 
&  independent  course,  for  which  you  have  been  distinguished, 
during  the  most  perilous  crisis  of  this  nation,  since  its  existence. 
The  extraordinary  &  infamous  conduct  of  one  of  the  branches 
of  the  City  Council,  in  relation  to  an  invitation  to  the  President, 
&  by  the  refusal  to  grant  Faneuil  Hall  to  your  friends,1  has  ex 
cited  such  indignation,  among  all  classes  of  the  people,  as  will 
result  in  a  far  deeper  interest  in  you,  &  an  augmented  apprecia 
tion  of  the  immensely  important  services  you  have  rendered  the 
whole  country,  &  a  more  determined  disposition  to  do  you  that 
justice  &  honor  to  which  you  are  so  preeminently  entitled;  while 
the  traitors,  who  have  basely  attempted  to  produce  a  rebellion,  will 
be  execrated  through  all  time.  *  *  * 

H.  A.  DEARBORN. 


(From  Henry  B.  Rogers  et  al.) 

APR.  81.  1851 
Hon.  Daniel  Webster, 

Secretary  of  State. 
Sir, 

In  compliance  with  an  order  of  the  City  Council,  passed  this 
day  with  entire  unanimity,  we  have  the  honor  of  inviting  you,  in 
the  name  of  the  City  of  Boston,  to  meet  and  address  your  fellow 
Citizens  in  Faneuil  Hall  at  such  time  as  may  be  most  convenient 
to  you: —  And,  in  behalf  of  the  Corporation,  of  the  Citizens 
generally,  and  of  ourselves,  we  beg  leave  to  assure  you  that  your 
acceptance  of  this  invitation,  should  it  accord  with  your  feelings 
and  convenience,  will  be  peculiarly  gratifying  at  this  time. 
With  the  highest  respect  &  consideration,  we  remain, 

Your  very  obt.  Servants, 

1  In  a  letter  to  Griswold,  et  al.,  there  is  a  passage  omitted  in  the  letter  as 
published  in  "Works  of  Daniel  Webster,"  vol.  vi,  p.  595,  which  it  is  too  bad 
to  lose  in  this  connection.  Webster  therein  says,  "  If  I  go  to  New  York  to 
meet  you  and  other  friends  of  the  Union,  to  confer  on  dangers  escaped,  or 
dangers  still  pending,  no  doors  will  be  found  closed  either  against  you  or 
against  me." 


474  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  Henry  B.  Rogers  et  al.) 

Gentlemen  BoSTON  APril  23-1851 

I  have  perused  the  paper  which  you  did  me  the  honor  to  place 

in  my  hands  yesterday ;  &  I  have  to  say,  in  reply,  that  it  is  not 

my  purpose  to  address  my  Fellow  Citizens  in  Faneuil  Hall  during 

this  visit  to  Boston1 
I  have     *     *     * 

[D.  WEBSTER] 

(To  Peter  Harvey.(?) 

Secret  MAY  4"  1851. 

My  dear  Sir, 

I  have  something  to  say  of  which  I  dare  not  give  the  least  hint 
in  writing:  And  it  may  be  necessary  that  I  should  see  you  or 
some  other  Boston  friend  in  a  fortnight. 

D.  W. 

(From  Hiram  Ketchum.2) 

31  WALL  ST  Monday  May  5,  1851. 
My  dear  Sir 

You  have  doubtless  seen  the  invitation  to  you  to  visit  this  City 
signed  by  more  than  5000  citizens. 

A  Committee  of  31  gentlemen  have  prepared  and  signed  a  let 
ter  addressed  to  you,  to  be  forwarded  with  the  original  invitation. 
Mr.  Griswold  just  called  to  inform  me  that  he  should  put  the 
letter  in  my  hands  today,  to  be  sent  in  any  manner  I  should  see 
fit.  I  shall  send  it  by  a  special  messenger,  probably  to  mor 


row. 


*      *      * 


The  names  attached  to  this  letter  are  not  unknown.  Of  the 
letter  itself  it  becomes  not  me  to  speak. 

In  all  this  matter  I  shall  not  appear  to  the  public  to  be  a  promi 
nent  actor — Mr.  Griswold,  your  friend,  is  the  prominent  man. 

*     *     * 

Yrs  truly 

HIRAM  KETCHUM. 

1  Endorsement  on  back  of  this  letter,  "Original  draft  of  reply  to  Common 
Council  of  Boston,  April,   1850,  declining  to  appear  in  Faneuil  Hall."     See, 
however,  "  Curtis,"  vol.  ii,  p.  500. 

2  This  letter  is  owned  by  the  Hon.  Geo.  F.  Hoar. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  475 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

MAY  5,  '51 
Dear  Fletcher : 

I  wrote  yesterday  a  letter  to  Mr.  Harvey,1  for  his  own  perusal, 
&  to  be  shown  to  other  friends.  You  will  of  course  see  it,  &  will 
probably  be  of  opinion  that  it  contains  about  all  which  I  ought  to 
say.  Depend  upon  it,  I  shall  trust  no  interest  of  mine  to  the 
State  Comee-  It  is  in  the  condition  of  things  as  well  as  in  the 
character  of  the  Comee  itself,  that  it's  greatest  object  will  be  to 
establish  a  Whig  Govt.  in  Massachusetts;  &  to  this  end,  it  will 
be  ready  to  sacrifice  all  National  Considerations — 

Yrs  affectionately 

HB_  D'W 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  May  9,  '51. 
My  dear  Son, 

I  have  your  letter.  Your  view  is  entirely  right.  Expose 
fully  the  basis  upon  which  the  Atlas  proposes  to  refound  the 
Whig  Party  of  Mass,  and  show  its  utter  absurdity.  Ask  Mr. 
Haven2  to  show  you  a  letter  which  I  have  to  day  written  to  him. 

Yours  affy, 

DAN:L  WEBSTER 
I  hope  to  see  some  of  you,  in  N.  Y.  Monday. 


(To  Thomas  Corwin*  (?) 

(Private  <§•  Confidential) 

(1851) 
My  Dear  Sir; 

Th"  Whigs  of  this  State  owe  their  recent  misfortunes,  espe 
cially  the  reelection  of  Mr.  Horace  Mann,  very  much  to  the  sup 
port  given  to  him  by  certain  Whig  papers,  at  the  head  of  which 

1  The  letter  to  Harvey  has  not  been  printed  and  has  not  been  found  by  the 
editor. 

8  The  letter  to  Mr.  Haven  has  not  been  published  and  the  editor  has  been 
unable  to  find  it.  This  letter  and  succeeding  letters  have  to  do  with  the  efforts 
to  get  Webster  nominated  as  Whig  candidate  for  president. 

3  Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


476  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

is  the  Boston  Atlas.  Other  causes  concurred,  &  among  these 
other  causes  one  is,  the  favor  shown  towards  Mr.  Mann's  election 
by  certain  officers  of  the  Custom  House —  This  last  subject  may 
be  attended  to  hereafter;  but  my  present  purpose  is  to  request 
that  the  patronage  of  your  Department  may  be  altogether  with 
drawn  from  the  Boston  Atlas. 

The  reliable  Union  Whig  Papers  in  this  City  are ;  the  Boston 
Daily  Advertiser ;  &  the  Boston  Courier.  These  are  large  Daily 
Papers,  ably  conducted,  &  entirely  sound —  The  Bee  is  a  penny 
paper,  of  great  circulation,  &  of  good  principles.  About  the 
Country  papers,  I  will  inquire,  &  give  you  information  hereafter. 
Meantime,  it  is  safe  to  say,  that  the  Spr'gfield  Republican  is  a 
highly  respectable  &  thorough  Union  Paper. 

Yrs  with  true  regard 

[DAN'L  WEBSTER] 


(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

WASHINGTON,  June  3,  '51. 
My  Dear  Sir: — 

I  am  obliged  to  you  for  your  letter  of  the  6th.  No  doubt, 
what  has  been  done  in  Boston  is  entirely  right  and  wise,  and  I 
shall  always  be  satisfied  with  whatever  course  judicious  friends 
adopt.  The  general  views  put  forth  in  the  Courier  of  Saturday 
are  exactly  such  as  I  entertain.  The  danger  is,  as  there  shown, 
that  national  objects  will  be  postponed  to  local  objects,  and  that 
Massachusetts  may  thus  close  her  high  character  as  a  leading, 
constitutional  member  of  the  Union. 

The  policy  of  placating  the  Abolitionists  has  been  long  prac 
tised.  It  has  alwavs  failed;  and  the  state  committee  has  my 
opinion,  if  it  was  thought  worth  preserving,  given  two  or  three 
years  ago,  that  by  yielding  more  and  more  to  Abolition  notions, 
the  Whigs  were  only  strengthening  an  enemy  who  would  soon 
become  their  master. 

We  are  having  nothing  new  here.  There  is  at  this  season,  and 
in  the  recess  of  Congress  a  sort  of  leisure,  in  the  pressure  of 
affairs ;  and  as  the  weather  is  not  warm  yet,  we  get  on  very  well. 

Yrs.  always  truly, 

DAN'L.  WEBSTER 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  477 

(To  Thurlow  Weed.) 
Private 
My  dear  Sir,  WASHINGTON  June  9,  1851. 

Your  kind  and  friendly  letter,  adressed  to  me  at  Cambridge, 
was  returned  to  Albany,  and  placed  in  my  hands,  while  sitting 
at  dinner  [torn  out]  gave  it  to  my  man,  who  mislaid  it  and  it 
was  not  looked  up  until  after  my  return  to  this  city. 

I  thank  you  for  your  invitation  to  dine,  and  should  have  been 
happy,  had  I  not  been  engaged  otherwise,  to  have  met  at  your 
house,  with  the  officers  of  the  State  Government  of  New  York, 
I  have  met  the  Governor,  the  Secretary,  the  Comptroller  &c  in 
public  life,  have  always  voted  with  them,  and  always  entertained, 
and  still  entertain  for  them  all,  high  regard.  Whether  anybody 
in  or  out  of  New  York,  would  be  scandalized  by  my  association 
with  those  Gentlemen  at  your  table,  is  a  matter,  into  the  proba 
bility  of  which  I  should  not  enquire. 

I  regret  my  dear  Sir,  that  your  relations  with  the  Administra 
tion,  are  not  more  confidential  and  cordial.  But  so  far  as  the 
want  of  cordiality  arises  from  occurrences,  personal  or  local,  in 
by-gone  times  and  happening  between  you  and  others,  you  may 
be  quite  well  assured,  that  /  do  not  partake  in  it.  I  am  happy 
to  learn  what  you  say  of  your  [opinion  in]  respect  to  myself, 
you  are  well  aware  my  dear  Sir,  that  you  and  your  friends,  espe 
cially  those  of  them  who  live  in  the  city,  were  Gentlemen  in  whom 
I  placed  unbounded  trust,  personal  and  political,  down  to  the 
time  of  the  nomination  of  Genl.  Taylor.  It  would  not  be  frank 
in  me,  not  to  say,  that  the  lead  taken  in  that  proceeding  in  the 
City  of  New  York — gave  me  dissatisfaction  and  uneasiness.  But 
I  cherish  no  resentment,  and  shall  be  happy,  happy  indeed,  if 
things  shall  take  such  a  turn,  as  that  we  think  alike,  and  act  to 
gether  hereafter.  Alienation  and  difference,  and  distrust,  be 
tween  me  and  my  old  New  York  friends,  has  caused  me  more  re 
gret  than  almost  any  other  political  occurrence. 

I  pray  you  to  present  me  to  your  friends  about  you — and  be 
lieve  me  with  regard — truly  yours 

DANIEL,  WEBSTER 

(To  David  Henshaw.) 

My  dear  Sir  WASHINGTON  June  11  '51 

Your  friendly  and  very  acceptable  letter  has  remained  quite 
too  long  unanswered,  from  several  causes. 


478  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

It  is  certainly  strange  enough  that  the  Board  of  Aldermen 
of  Boston  should  make  or  should  have  made,  no  distinction  be 
tween  those  who  wish  to  confer  together  to  support  the  Govt. 
and  those  who  meet  in  a  sort  of  Pandemonium,  to  overthrow  it. 
Fortunately,  however,  the  public  opinion  seems  to  have  rebuked 
with  sufficient  severity,  the  folly  of  those  Gentlemen. 

I  believe  my  dear  Sir,  that  the  political  men  of  lead  and  con 
sequence,  of  both  the  great  parties,  are  sound  on  great  Consti 
tutional  questions.  They  are  National,  and  justly  appreciate 
great  national  objects.  But  there  are  thousands  in  each  party, 
who  are  more  concerned  for  state,  than  for  National  politics ; 
whose  objects  are  all  small,  and  their  views  all  narrow,  and  then 
again  this  abolition  feeling,  has  quite  turned  the  heads  of  thou 
sands.  Depend  upon  it,  indeed  I  dare  say  you  think  so,  as  well 
as  I,  there  are  many  men  at  the  North,  who  do  not  speak  out 
what  they  wish,  but  who  really  desire  to  break  up  the  Union. 
And  some  of  these  are  men  of  influence  and  standing  and  are  or 
have  been  in  public  life. 

I  thank  you  my  dear  Sir,  for  your  favorable  opinion  of  my 
political  conduct  for  the  past  year  or  eighteen  months.  I  need 
hardly  say  that  I  value  your  appreciation  highly,  because  I  know 
that  you  are  a  competent  judge,  and  that  you  have  no  interest 
or  bias  to  mislead  you. 

Things  begin  to  look  better,  there  is  evidently  a  reaction  in  the 
South;  some  impression  has  been  made  in  N.  York,  Most  of 
the  New  England  States  are  now  pretty  right  on  the  Union 
question;  and  Massachusetts  who  has  so  strangely  bolted  from 
her  sphere,  may  I  hope  be  brought  back  to  it.  On  the  whole  I 
believe  the  worst  is  past.  Whenever  you  have  leisure  to  write 
me,  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  you.  Whatever  sentiments  may 
have  divided  us,  formerly,  we  are  now  together,  in  feeling  and 
judgment,  on  the  great  question  of  the  day:  and  it  will  give  me 
pleasure  at  all  times  to  correspond  and  to  confer  with  you. 
With  entire  respect,  Yours  truly 

DANIEL,  WEBSTER. 

(To  Edward  Curtis.) 

Private  <§•  Confidential.  WASHINGTON  June  9,  '51. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Please  to  give  me  the  name  of  a  man,  the  fittest,  within  your 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  479 

knowledge  to  be  Naval  Officer.  He  must  be  a  firm  and  energetic 
friend  to  the  present  Administration;  not  too  old,  altogether 
trustworthy,  and  enjoying  public  confidence. 

Having  thought  of  this  subject  a  day  or  two,  send  me  the  name 
of  such  a  person. 

Yours  truly 

Entirely  confidentially.  DANIEL  WEBSTEE. 


(To  the  Lowell  Committee.) 

WASHINGTON  June  12  '51 
Gentlemen : 

It  afforded  me  much  pleasure  to  receive  your  kind  letter  of 
the  30th  May  inviting  me  in  behalf  of  the  citizens  of  Lowell  to 
visit  your  city  and  address  them,  on  the  fourth  of  July. 

Few  things  afford  me  more  happiness  than  to  see  the  return  of 
that  day,  hailed  and  welcomed,  with  so  much  joy  as  it  is  by  the 
citizens  of  the  United  States 

The  great  boon  which  our  Fathers  attained  by  wisdom,  patri 
otism  and  fearless  Resolution  without  a  United  General  Govern 
ment — they  have  sought  to  guard,  secure  and  perpetuate  by  a 
cordial  Union  of  the  States,  under  a  Constitution  itself  the 
wonder  of  the  world  and  an  object  of  veneration  to  all  lovers  of 
human  Freedom.  Union  and  the  Constitution,  may  they  con 
tinue  to  shine  together  the  two  great  lights  in  the  American 
firmament  till  "The  stars  shall  fade  away,  the  sun  himself  grow 
dim  with  age  and  Nature  sink  in  years."  At  some  future  day 
when  the  heat  of  the  earth  is  past — 

I  shall  be  glad  to  avail  myself  of  your  farther  request  and 
pay  you  a  friendly  visit  I  thank  you  again  for  your  kind  letter, 
and  remain  with  true  regard — your  most  obliged  friend  and 
servant.1 

[DAN'L  WEBSTER] 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  Fletcher  JuNE  16»  1851' 

We  have  no  news.  The  President  thinks  of  going  to  Old 
Point,  this  week,  for  a  few  days —  On  his  return,  I  shall  make 

1  In  Webster's  hand. 


480  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

a  strong  effort  to  see  Marshfield,  for  one  day,  &  Franklin  for 
another.     But  I  do  not  know  how  it  may  be. 

I  was  glad  to  learn  that  you  thought  well  of  Albany.1  It  was 
pretty  good  for  the  last  running.  I  have  corrected  it,  with  some 
care,  &  think  there  will  be  a  handsome  Edition  of  it,  by  itself, 
dedicated  to  the  Young  men  of  Albany — &  the  endorsed  quota 
tion  subjoined.  How  will  that  do? —  I  am  well,  &  have  no 
great  work  to  do. 

There  is  nothing  to  complain  of  but  the  confinement. 

— I  did  not  see  Mr.  S. — (  ?)  Chase.  All  such  letters  of  intro 
duction  you  had  better  send  to  your  mother.  She  can  attend  to 
them  better  than  I  can,  &  would  be  glad  to  do  it. 

Write  to  her  as  frequently  as  you  can.  It  helps  to  keep  her 
in  spirits. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(From  Chas.  W.  March.) 

PHILADELPHIA,  June  21st,  '51. 
Dear  Sir 

Our  friends  here  seem  to  be  apprehensive  that  Scott  will  re 
ceive  the  nomination  at  Lancaster,  if  any  nomination  be  effected. 
Some  of  the  Whigs  think,  as  the  Democrats  made  no  nomination, 
none  had  better  be  made  on  our  side.  Perhaps,  as  an  alterna 
tive,  our  friends  will  insist  upon  the  latter.  We  shall  lose  the 
State  at  this  election  probably,  whatever  be  the  action  of  Lan 
caster,  but  not  by  such  a  majority  as  to  discourage  the  Whigs  in 
the  Presidential  campaign. 

I  hope  you  will  see  that  Mr.  Sargent  forwards  to  each  member 
of  the  N.  H.  Legislature,  a  copy  of  your  Hiilsemann  letter,  and 
your  New  York  speeches,  so  that  they  all  be  perused  and  digested, 
before  your  arrival  in  Concord.  So  far  as  the  North  is  con 
cerned,  I  feel  confident,  your  late  speeches  will  have  a  stunning 
effect  upon  your  political  opponents. 

I  have  written  Cutler  at  Portsmouth  to  have  all  things  in  readi 
ness  for  your  presence  in  New  Hampshire.  Even  if  you  do  not 
make  a  speech,  your  presence  at  this  juncture  will  gain  thou 
sands  of  proselytes.  I  think  it  also  advisable  that,  while  in  New 

1  Referring  to  his  "Speech  to  the  Young  Men  of  Albany,"  delivered  May 
28,  1851.  See  "Works  of  Daniel  Webster."  vol.  ii.  p.  569. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  481 

Hampshire,  you  should  make  a  visit  to  Portsmouth,  that  your  old 
friends  of  Rockingham  County  may  have  an  opportunity  to  re 
new  their  allegiance,  and  so  I  have  written  Col.  Cutler.  You 
may  depend  upon  it,  Sir,  that  your  personal  appearance  is  all 
that  is  necessary  to  confirm  the  influence  of  your  late  political 
action. 

I  wish  it  were  proper  (and  it  may  be)  that  your  rebuke  of 
Mr.  Lawrence  for  the  expressions  of  his  speech  in  relation  to  the 
Catholics  might  be  published.  I  find  from  their  newspapers  as 
well  as  from  conversation  with  individuals  that  their  minds  are  a 
good  deal  excited.  Mr.  Lee  (Jno.  Lee  of  Maryland)  told  me 
nothing  could  make  you  more  popular  among  them.  Could  you 
not  reply  to  some  call  from  them ;  so  as  to  satisfy  them.  *  *  * 
Ever  most  respy  &  truly  yrs 

CHAS.  W.  MARCH. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

SUNDAY  1/2  past  10  o'clock  [June  22,  1851] 

Dear  Fletcher; 

After  writing  you  this  morning,  I  reed  two  letters  from  you, 
for  which  I  thank  you.  I  shall  now  go  to  Marshfield,  before  I 
go  to  N.  H. —  I  will  push  right  off  for  Naumkeag,  Marspee, 
Waltquoit,  Red  Brook,  or  elsewhere  in  those  foreign  parts. 

This  morning  after  breakfast,  &  before  church,  that  is,  be 
tween  1/2  past  7  &  11  o'clock  I  struck  out  the  whole  frame  & 
substance  of  my  address  for  the  4th  of  July.1  I  propose  to  write 
it  all  out,  which  I  can  do  in  three  hours,  and  to  read  it,  &  to 
give  correct  copies  at  once  to  the  printers.  So,  if  I  find  a  trout 
stream  in  Va.  I  shall  not  have  to  be  thinking  out  "Venerable 
men,"  "Venerable  men." 

Your  mother  wrote  Caroline  yesterday,  &  sends  you  her  love 
today. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL,  WEBSTER 

1  The  "  Address  Delivered  at  the  Laying  of  the  Corner-stone  of  the  Addition 
to  the  Capitol,"  on  the  4th  of  July,  1851.  See  "Works  of  Daniel  Webster," 
vol.  ii.  p.  595. 


482  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(From  J.  C.  Spencer.1) 

ALBANY,  June  23,  1851. 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  am  ashamed  that  you  was  obliged  to  telegraph  me  today  to 
know  whether  your  letters  of  the  13th  inst.  were  received.  The 
newspapers  had  announced  your  intended  departure  for  Boston 
and  Marshfield,  and  I  waited  to  hear  of  your  arrival  at  Boston. 

Besides,  I  really  had  nothing  useful  to  say.  I  sounded  some 
gentlemen  on  the  subject  of  Printing  an  appropriate  edition  of 
the  Albany  speech,2  but  found  such  an  indisposition  to  provide 
the  funds,  that  I  could  make  no  progress.  *  *  *  I  ought 
to  add  as  a  mere  act  of  justice  to  your  Albany  friends,  that  the 
cost  of  the  reception  here  (some  $1200)  taxed  them  to  the  meas 
ure  of  their  present  feeling  of  ability.  *  *  * 

Allow  me  before  I  close,  to  mention  a  curious  anecdote  con 
nected  with  the  N.  Y.  clique,  which  was  the  subject  of  some 
observations  I  wrote  to  you; — a  clique  professing  devotion  to 
you  and  using  your  name  and  their  pretended  associations  with 
you,  to  subserve  the  views  of  Mr.  Seward  and  to  promote  his  abo 
lition  objects. 

During  your  recent  visit  you  made  to  New  York  and  while  you 
put  up  at  the  Astor  House,  Mr.  Hasbrouck  late  Speaker  of  our 
House  of  Assembly,  called  here  to  see  you,  and  was  told  by  Mr. 
Stetson  that  you  was  quite  unwell  and  had  retired,  and  that  Mr. 
Curtis  and  your  son  were  then  with  you  scratching  your  legs! 
Mr.  Hasbrouck  loitered  about  the  Hotel,  until  Mr.  Curtis  acci 
dentally  came  up,  and  asked  him  to  go  with  him  to  your  room, 
which  he  did,  and  found  you  as  well  as  ever  you  was  in  your  life. 
I  think  this  occurred  on  your  late  arrival  at  N.  York  with  the 
President. 

The  fact  is,  a  Surveillance  has  been  kept  over  you  at  the  Astor, 
so  as  to  prevent  your  seeing  any  one  whom  the  clique  did  not 
desire  you  to  see.  There  was  a  double  object  in  this — that  you 
should  suppose  you  had  no  friends  but  these  gentlemen,  and  that 
you  should  not  hear  truths  that  might  not  be  palatable  to  them. 
I  think  this  fact  will  explain  a  great  deal.  *  *  * 
Most  respectfully,  and  truly,  your  friend 

J.  C.  SPENCER 

1  The  eminent  New  York  jurist,  Secretary  of  War  and  of  the  Treasury  under 
Tyler. 

2  The  "Address  to  the  Young  Men  of  Albany." 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  483 

(From  Fletcher  Webster.) 

JUNE  27,  1851. 

*  *  *  He  has  come  over,  among  other  things,  to  get  speci 
mens  to  fill  up  the  blank  space  in  our  American  part  of  the  show  & 
will  take  out,  on  board  the  "Daniel  Webster,"  which  Mr.  Train 
has  given  him  for  the  purpose,  everything  that  he  can  get,  worth 
showing. 

He  says  they  don't  know  of  any  American  in  Europe  but  you, 
&  that  the  Austrian  Commissioner  is  afraid  to  join  the  others  in  a 
plan  to  come  over  here  with  their  goods,  on  account  of  the 
Hulsemann  letter! 

_  F.  W. 

(To  J.  de  Marcoleta.) 

Private 

WASHINGTON,  July  10,  51.  Thursday  morning. 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  had  the  pleasure  to  receive  your  private  note  last  evening  and 
quite  concur  in  the  suggestion  it  contains.  I  should  be  very  glad 
of  a  full,  free  and  frank  conversation  with  you  &  Sir  Henry 
Bulwer  as  to  our  Nicaragua  affair.  The  only  difficulty  is  as  to 
terms.  Sir  Henry  is  now  sick,  and  I  must  go  west.  I  shall 
return  not  many  days  hence,  and  in  the  mean  time  shall  have 
opportunity  to  reflect  upon  the  several  questions  which  I  think 
I  now  pretty  well  understand.  We  must  all  have  a  little  pa 
tience. 

I  am  dr  sir  with  much  regard  your  obt  st 


(To  Mttlard  FUlmore.) 

To  the  President  TUESDAY  3  o'clock. 

My  Dear  Sir  — 

I  have  seen  Mr.  Crampton,  who  had  already  seen  these  Grey- 
town  proceedings  in  the  Newspapers.  He  thinks  it  quite  unfor 
tunate,  that  any  such  attempt  should  be  made,  and  that  no  doubt 
it  is  time  that  the  British  Commander  on  that  station,  has  orders 
not  to  permit  Greytown  to  be  taken  possession  of  by  any  other 
Government,  or  the  flag  of  any  other  Govt.  to  be  raised  in  it. 


484  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

He  thinks,  however,  that  such  joint  instructions,  or  advice  may 
be  given  from  this  place  as  shall  avert  the  danger. 

We  are  to  take  it  into  consideration,  and  I  will  report  to  you 
by  10  o'clock  tomorrow  or  earlier. 

Yours  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER. 


(To  Luther  Severance.1) 

WASHINGTON  July  (14)  1851 
Sir: 

Your  two  confidential  communications,  to  wit,  one  bearing  the 
several  dates  of  March  11",  12",  16",  17",  18",  and  21";  the 
other  bearing  date  of  the  8"  April,  have  been  duly  received, 
submitted  to  the  President,  and  by  him  considered. 

They  relate  to  a  subject  of  great  importance,  not  only  to  the 
Hawaiian  Government  and  its  citizens,  but  also  to  the  United 
States. 

The  Government  of  the  United  States  was  the  first  to  acknowl 
edge  the  National  existence  of  the  Hawaiian  Government  and  to 
treat  with  it,  as  an  independent  State.  Its  example  was  soon 
followed  by  several  of  the  Governments  of  Europe:  and  the 
United  States,  true  to  its  Treaty  obligations,  has  in  no  case 
interfered  with  the  Hawaiian  Government,  either  for  the  purpose 
of  opposing  the  course  of  its  own  independent  conduct,  or  of 
dictating  to  it,  any  particular  line  of  policy.  In  acknowledging 
the  independence  of  the  Islands,  and  of  the  Government  estab 
lished  on  them,  it  was  not  seeking  to  promote  any  peculiar  object 
of  its  own.  What  it  did,  and  all  that  it  did,  was  done  openly, 
in  the  face  of  day,  in  entire  good  faith,  and  known  to  all  nations- 
It  declared  its  real  purpose  to  be,  to  favor  the  establishment  of  a 
Government,  at  a  very  interesting  point  in  the  Pacific  Ocean, 
which  should  be  able  to  maintain  such  relations  with  the  rest  of 
the  world,  as  are  maintained  by  civilized  States. 

From  this  purpose,  it  has  never  swerved  for  a  single  moment ; 
nor  is  it  inclined,  without  the  presence  of  some  necessity,  to  de 
part  from  it  now,  when  events  have  occurred,  giving  to  the 
Islands,  and  their  intercourse  with  the  United  States  a  new  aspect 
and  new  importance. 

1  At  this  time  Commissioner  to  the  Sandwich  Islands.  He  had  represented 
Maine  in  Congress  (1843-47). 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  485 

This  Government  still  desires  to  see  the  Nationality  of  the 
Hawaiian  Government  maintained,  its  independent  administration 
of  public  affairs  respected,  and  its  prosperity  and  reputation  in 
creased. 

But  while  thus  indisposed  to  exercise  any  sinister  influence 
itself,  over  the  counsels  of  Hawaiia,  or  to  overawe  the  proceed 
ings  of  its  Government  by  the  menace,  or  the  actual  application 
of  superior  military  force,  it  expects  to  see  other  powerful  na 
tions  acting  in  the  same  spirit.  It  is  therefore  with  unfeigned 
regret,  that  the  President  has  read  the  correspondence,  and  be 
come  acquainted  with  the  circumstances  occurring  between  the 
Hawaiian  Government  and  M.  Perrin  the  Commissioner  of  France 
at  Honolulu: 

It  is  too  plain  to  be  denied  or  doubted,  that  demands  were 
made  upon  the  Hawaiian  Government,  by  the  French  Commis 
sioner,  wholly  inconsistent  with  its  character  as  an  independent 
State ;  demands,  which  if  submitted  to  in  this  case,  would  be  sure 
to  be  followed  by  other  demands,  equally  derogatory,  not  only 
from  the  same  quarter,  but  probably  also,  from  other  States ;  and 
this  would  only  end,  in  rendering  the  Islands  and  their  Govern 
ment,  a  prey  to  the  stronger  Commercial  nations  of  the  world. 
It  cannot  be  expected  that  the  Government  of  the  United  States 
could  look  on  a  course  of  things,  leading  to  such  a  result,  with 
indifference.  The  Hawaiian  Islands  are  ten  times  nearer  to  the 
United  States  than  to  any  of  the  powers  of  Europe.  Five  sixths 
of  all  their  commercial  intercourse  is  with  the  United  States ;  and 
these  considerations,  together  with  others  of  a  more  general  char 
acter,  have  fixed  the  course  which  the  Government  of  the  United 
States  will  pursue  in  regard  to  them.  The  annunciation  of  this 
policy,  will  not  surprise  the  Governments  of  Europe,  nor  be 
thought  to  be  unreasonable  by  the  nations  of  the  civilized  world  ; 
and  that  policy  is,  that  while  the  Government  of  the  United  States 
itself  faithful  to  its  original  assurance,  scrupulously  regards  the 
independence  of  the  Hawaiian  Islands,  it  can  never  consent  to  see 
those  Islands  taken  possession  of  by  either  of  the  great  commer 
cial  powers  of  Europe;  nor  can  it  consent,  that  demands,  mani 
festly  unjust  and  derogatory  and  inconsistent  with  a  bona  fide 
independence  shall  be  enforced  against  that  Government. 

The  substance  of  what  (is  here)  said,  has  already  been  inti 
mated,  with  sufficient  explicitness,  to  the  Government  of  France ; 
and  we  have  the  assurance  of  his  Excellency,  M.  Sartiges,  Min 
ister  of  the  Republic  of  France,  near  the  United  States,  that  that 


486  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Government  has  no  purpose  whatever,  of  taking  possession  of  the 
Islands  or  of  acting  towards  them,  in  any  hostile  or  aggressive 
spirit. 

A  copy  of  this  letter  will  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  French 
Minister,  here;  another  copy  will  be  transmitted  to  Paris;  and 
another  copy,  you  will  please  to  communicate  to  M.  Perrin  the 
French  Commissioner,  upon  the  appearance  of  any  disposition  on 
his  part,  or  on  the  part  of  any  French  Naval  Commander  in  the 
Pacific  Ocean,  to  proceed  to  hostilities  against  the  Government  of 
Hawaiia,  for  the  purpose  of  enforcing  the  demands  which  have 
been  made  upon  it,  on  the  part  of  France. 

Your  confidential  communications  Nos.  6,  7,  8,  &  11  have  been 
duly  received  &c. 

(Have  Nos.  9  &  10  failed  to  arrive?  They  were  not  among 
the  papers  you  sent  me.) 

The  Navy  Department  will  receive  instructions  to  place  and  to 
keep  the  naval  armament  of  the  United  States  in  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  in  such  a  state  of  strength  and  preparation,  as  shall  be 
requisite  for  the  preservation  of  the  honor  and  dignity  of  the 
United  States  and  the  safety  of  the  Government  of  the  Hawaiian 
Islands. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be 

very  respectfully  your  obt.  Servt. 

[D.  W.] 

(From  Charles  Stetson* (?) 

NEW  YOEK,  July  28,  1851. 
Dear  Sir, 

Allow  me  to  hope  that  your  present  sojourn  in  the  East  will 
enable  you  to  show  to  the  world,  what  many  have  affected 
to  doubt,  that  Daniel  Webster,  on  the  right  track,  has  a  personal 
political  influence,  independent  of  friends,  or  committee  men, 
sufficient  to  secure  full  blooded  Union  men  as  representatives 
of  Mass,  in  her  State  Councils,  at  least;  and  to  set  aside  the 
Januses  like  Winthrop,  &c.  who  are,  in  my  opinion,  infinitely 
more  dangerous  than  the,  so-called,  free  soilers.  The  "all  things 
to  all  men"  policy  has  been  too  long  pursued  by  political  as 
pirants  in  Mass;  and  Whig  State  Convention,  with  their  shuf- 

1  The  letter  is  signed  simply  C.  S.,  but  the  writer  is  probably  the  proprietor 
of  the  Astor  House. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  487 

fling  addresses  have  finally  produced  the  bastard  "Free  Soilism." 
The  Whig  Party,  when  the  child  was  born,  stoutly  denied  the 
paternity  ;  but  the  Court  of  Public  Opinion,  after  a  patient  hear 
ing,  has  compelled  it  to  pay  for  its  support. 

To  remedy  past,  and  to  prevent  future  evils,  the  State  must  be 
sponged  clean;  a  new  party  must  be  formed,  upon  Union  prin 
ciples;  and  all  suspicious  persons  excluded  from  the  leadership. 

I  should  consider  such  a  task,  accomplished  by  your  agency,  as 
the  greatest  of  the  triumphs  of  your  political  life. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Yours  Respy 


(To  Millar  d  Fillmore.) 

[10  SEPT  1851]  (?) 
To  the  President, 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  came  down  from  Franklin  on  the  8th  with  rather  bad  luck. 
To  avoid  the  heat,  I  took  the  evening  train,  which  met  with  an 
accident  that  delayed  us,  &  kept  me  out  till  late  at  night.  I 
took  cold  and  was  not  well  yesterday,  but  am  pretty  well  today, 
&  am  going  to  Marshfield  by  the  Hingham  boat,  &  a  carriage,  I 
avoid  the  cars  as  much  as  I  can.  *  *  *  1 

You  will  see  by  the  enclosed  letter  from  Mr.  C.  P.  Curtis  that 
Mr.  B.  R.  Curtis  will  accept  the  place,2  if  offered  to  him.  I  shall 
write  you  again  on  this  subject  the  moment  I  have  seen  Mr. 
Choate  or  heard  from  him. 

We  are  all  horror-struck  this  morning  by  the  terrible  news  of 
the  death  so  suddenly  of  Mrs.  Crittenden. 

Yours  always  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER. 

(From  Mr.  Hulsemann.) 

SEPT  30th.  [1851] 

Our  Government  had  consented  before  to  the  embarkation  of 
the  larger  number  of  the  refugees  under  condition,  that  they 

1  The  omitted  portion  of  this  letter  may  be  found  in  Curtis'  "  Life  of  Daniel 
Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  531. 

2  The  "place"  was  that  of  Associate  Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
United  States  to  which  Curtis  was,  in  fact,  appointed. 


488  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

should  never  return  to  Turkey.  Sometime  after  the  Divan  ad 
dressed  themselves  again  to  our  Government  requesting  we  should 
also  consent  to  the  liberation  of  Kossuth  and  the  rest;  but  we 
did  not  think,  the  time  had  come  as  well  on  account  of  the  tran 
quillity  in  Hungary  not  long  enough  re-established ;  and  because 
Kossuth's  going  to  England  and  to  the  U.  States  might  serve  to 
increase  the  excitement  and  hatred  of  his  partizans  against  us. 
But  we  did  not  wish  to  prolong  the  inconveniences,  which  Kos 
suth's  presence  [at]  Kutaiah  caused  them,  beyond  the  necessary 
time;  but  there  could  be  no  doubt  about  the  Turkish  Govern 
ment  being  bound,  not  to  proceed  to  their  liberation  without  our 
consent,  which  they  had  besides  recognized  by  asking  us  to  give 
our  consent. 

Of  course  we  were  very  disagreeably  disappointed,  when  to 
wards  the  end  of  June  the  Turkish  Ministry  informed  our  Charge 
d'  Affaires,  verbally,  that  they  intended  to  set  Kossuth  and  his 
companions  at  liberty  in  the  beginning  of  September.  Without 
entering  into  the  question  of  right,  the  Turkish  Ministry  declared 
in  a  confidential  way,  that  having  been  isolated  by  the  interrup 
tion  of  diplomatic  relations  on  our  part,  and  that  of  Russia,  they 
had  been  obliged  to  look  for  support  elsewhere,  and  for  that  pur 
pose  they  had  been  obliged  to  make  certain  engagements.  Who 
those  Powers  were,  who  interested  themselves  for  these  Refugees, 
was  easy  to  see;  Mr.  Webster's  letter1  to  Mr.  Marsh  &  Lord 
Palmerston's  speech  in  the  House  of  Commons  indicated  the 
United  States  and  the  English  Government ;  it  was  also  clear,  that 
the  French  Government  had  followed  the  English  in  this  occa 
sion.  It  is  though  our  opinion,  that  the  English  Government, 
took  the  principal  part  in  prevailing  upon  the  Turkish  Govern 
ment,  to  break  its  obligations  to  a  third  party,  to  give  us  just 
cause  of  complaint,  and  to  injure  the  most  essential  interests  of 
Turkey  by  this  proceeding  against  us. 

At  the  reception  of  this  news  we  suspended  the  departure  of  A. 
Richburg  as  Internuncio,  and  instructed  the  Charge'  d'  Affaires 
to  advise  in  a  friendly  way  the  Turkish  Government  not  to  exe 
cute  that  project.  We  received  the  first  certain  news  of  the 
Turkish  Government  being  decided  to  execute  that  intention, 
from  Mr.  Brown,  about  the  end  of  July?  to  whom  the  Turkish 
Minister  had  given  the  information,  that  Kossuth  should  be  set 
at  liberty  in  the  beginning  of  September,  he  having  an  interest  in 

1  March  28,  1851.     See  Webster's  Works,  vol.  vi,  p.  591. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  489 

knowing  that  true  state  of  things  on  account  of  the  Mississippi 
being  intended  to  convey  them  to  the  United  States,  and  he  hav 
ing  written  to  the  Commodore,  to  send  that  steamer,  and  as  the 
Turkish  Minister  had  said,  that  the  Austrian  Government  had 
not  consented,  Mr.  Brown  wished  to  learn,  how  it  was?  Mr. 
Klezl  answered,  it  was  by  no  means  with  our  consent. 

Mr.  Klezl  asked  the  Turkish  Minister,  who  could  not  deny  the 
assurances  given  to  Mr.  Brown,  and  Mr.  Klezl  in  consequence 
of  that  delivered  to  him  a  protestation,  29  July. 

That  protestation  has  been  highly  approved  by  our  Govern 
ment.  The  Turkish  Government  though  followed  the  advice  of 
those  who  interfered  in  this  business,  and  announced  officially  on 
the  16th  August  to  Mr.  Klezl  that  the  Refugees  would  be  sent 
out  of  the  Turkish  Teritory  in  the  beginning  of  September,  say 
ing  that  the  keeping  of  them  was  very  troublesome,  that  as  long 
as  Hungary  was  now  quiet,  they  had  fulfilled  their  obligations, 
but  that  now  that  necessity  did  no  more  exist.  So  they  under 
took  to  judge  our  own  interior  concerns.  Mr.  Klezl  repeated  his 
protest  and  made  the  Turkish  Government  answerable  for  the 
consequences  of  their  proceedings. 

According  to  the  news  received  in  Vienna,  Kossuth  went  on 
board  the  Mississippi  the  7th  September,  being  received  with 
military  honors,  and  he  making  a  speech  to  the  Crew,  which  was 
answered  with  three  shouts.  The  same  day  he  was  condemned 
to  death  in  Pesth  and  his  name  put  on  the  gallows. 

We  hope,  that  the  American  Government,  true  to  its  own  offi 
cial  declarations,  will  do,  what  depends  from  [upon]  them,  to 
permit  Kossuth  and  his  partizans  from  abusing  his  asylum  for 
the  purpose  of  exciting  new  disturbances.  We  would  have 
wished,  that  the  American  Government,  after  having  been  ad 
vised  of  the  Turkish  Government  not  being  at  liberty  to  act  with 
out  our  consent,  had  not  offered  again  the  means  of  transporta 
tion.  But  it  is  not  our  object  to  pursue  this  recrimination, 
though  it  be  very  well  founded. 

And  we  see  with  real  satisfaction  Mr.  Webster's  despatch  of 
28th  February,  where  he  praises  the  Turkish  Government,  for 
having  taken  individuals,  who  were  dangerous  for  neighboring 
States,  away  from  the  frontiers.  The  United  States  in  offering 
to  these  refugees  an  Asylum,  take  to  some  extent  the  place  of  the 
Turkish  Government,  and  what  Mr.  Webster  says  about  the  duty 
of  Turkey,  not  to  permit  those  foreign  Refugees  to  give  cause 
of  uneasiness  to  other  Countries ;  Mr.  Webster  expresses  the  ex- 


490  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

pectation,  that  those  men  will  remain  quiet.  We  wish  it  too, 
but  we  do  not  expect  it,  least  from  Kossuth,  who  always  during 
his  captivity  never  ceased  to  labor  for  new  disturbances. 

We  rely  also  upon  the  proclamation  of  the  President  concern 
ing  Cuba,  and  expect  that,  if  it  should  become  necessary,  the 
United  States  Government  will  act  upon  the  same  principles.1 


(From  Mr.  Hulsemann.2) 

WASHINGTON  CITY  4th  Nov.  1851. 

Mr.  Hulsemann,  having  met  in  an  English  paper  with  the  cor 
respondence  which  he  had  occasion  to  refer  to  the  other  day,  takes 
the  liberty  to  enclose  it  to  the  Hon.  Secretary  of  the  State. 

To  the  Honorable  Daniel  Webster  Secretary  of  the  State. 


WASHINGTON  CITY,  Saturday  morning, 

15th  Nov.  1851. 
From  Chevalier  Hulsemann 

Private 

Mr.  Hulsemann  presents  his  respectful  compliments  to  the  Hon. 
Secretary  of  the  State,  and  takes  the  liberty  of  recommending  the 
enclosed  and  underlined  article  to  his  attention. 

Mr.  H.  has  before  this  had  occasion,  to  mention  to  the  Honor 
able  Secretary  that  he  found  it  inconvenient,  that  his  conversa 
tions  in  the  State  Department,  either  with  Mr.  Webster  himself  or 
with  persons  belonging  to  the  Department  should  be — and  falsely 
too — printed  and  commented  upon  ?n  the  Baltimore  Sun,  the 
Philadelphia  Ledger  and  other  papers  by  a  notorious  individual, 
whose  presence  or  admittance  into  the  Department  or  into  any 
private  house,  is  by  no  means  creditable  to  those,  who  admit  or 
employ  such  a  person. 

CHEVLR.  HULSEMANN. 

1  Mr.  Webster  has  endorsed  this,  ''This  is  furnished  me  for  my  private  use 
only."  December  &  1851  Kossuth  landed  in  America.  For  an  account  of 
his  reception  see  Rhodes  '  History  of  the  United  States,"  vol.  i,  p  232. 

1  Enclosed  clipping  from  Evening  Mail,  Wednesday,  October  1st  :  South- 
hampton.  "  The  liberation  of  Kossuth." 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  491 

(To  Mr.  Hulsemann.1 ) 

Private  DEPARTMENT  OF  STATE, 

Washington  15  Nov.  1851. 
The  Chev.  Hulsemann, 

Mr.  Webster's  compliments  to  Mr.  Hulsemann —  He  will  in 
quire  into  the  evil  or  impropriety  to  which  Mr.  Hulsemann,  in 
his  note  of  this  morning,  adverts,  and  endeavor  to  correct  it  for 
the  future. 

[DAN'L  WEBSTER] 

(From  Mr.  Hulsemann.) 

AUSTRIAN  LEGATION 
Washington  December  13th.  1851. 
Mr.  Secretary  of  State 

I  have  had  the  honor  of  communication  to  you  verbally,  and  at 
different  times,  the  views  of  the  Imperial  government,  respecting 
the  arrival  of  Kossuth.2  The  intentions  avowed  in  the  despatch 
which  you  addressed  to  Mr.  Marsh,  under  date  of  the  28th  of  last 
February,3  and  which  amounted  to  an  offer  of  an  asylum  to  Kos 
suth,  m  order  that  he  might  spend  the  remainder  of  his  days* 
quietly  in  this  country,  renouncing  all  political  agitation,  for  the 
future,  were  perfectly  in  accordance  with  my  instructions.  On 
the  first  of  November  last  on  the  occasion  of  a  communication 
relative  to  Kossuth,  you  told  me  distinctly,  Mr.  Secretary  of  the 
State,  that,  in  the  event  of  your  being  called  upon  to  make  him 
an  address,  the  scope  of  your  remarks  would  be,  to  extend  to  him, 
the  offer  of  an  asylum.  This  mode  of  treating  the  subject,  de 
barred  all  discussion,  and  induced  me,  at  the  time,  to  touch  but 
lightly  upon  the  remonstrances  which  we  might  have  urged,  in  re 
lation  to  the  diplomatic  steps  that  have  preceded  the  liberation  of 
Kossuth — steps,  which  were  entirely  irrelevant  to  the  interests  of 
the  United  States,  and  of  a  character  calculated  to  complicate 
the  relations,  already  very  much  involved,  between  the  Imperial 
Government,  and  that  of  the  Sublime  Porte. 

Independently  of  those  assurances,  I  had  reason  to  hope,  that 
the  extraordinary  proceedings  of  Kossuth,  on  board  the  Missis 
sippi,  and  in  the  Mediterranean  ports,  the  details  of  which,  you 

'  This  is  unsigned,  being  the  original  draft  of  the  note. 
*  See  Rhodes'  "  History  of  United  States."  vol.  i,  p.  231. 
3  See  "Works  of  Daniel  Webster/'  vol.  vi,  p.  591. 


492  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

had,  yourself,  communicated  to  me,  would  not  be  lost  sight  of. 
The  information  I  had  the  honor  of  imparting  to  you  on  the 
28th  of  November  last,  was  corroborative  of  the  fact,  that  a  con 
flict  had  arisen,  between  the  high  discipline  of  the  American 
Navy,  and  the  ridiculous  claims  of  a  revolutionary  pretender, 
who  was  constantly  striving  to  abuse  the  flattering  hospitality 
of  which  he  was  the  recipient,  and  endeavoring  to  compromise  the 
flag  of  the  United  States,  by  throwing  the  fire-brand  of  civil  war 
into  those  countries,  which  he  visited,  in  the  course  of  his  peregri 
nations  in  the  Mediterranean.  The  whole  tenor  of  Kossuth's 
conduct,  on  board  the  Mississippi  and  in  England,  indicated 
already  a  fixed  determination,  on  his  part,  not  to  accept  the 
asylum,  which  the  United  States  had  designed  for  him:  for  he 
boldly  proclaimed,  that  he  was  coming  over  to  this  country,  with 
a  view  of  driving  the  United  States  to  assume  an  attitude  of  de 
clared  hostility,  against  the  policy  of  the  Continental  powers  of 
Europe.  These  preliminary  demonstrations,  which,  however, 
were  full  of  meaning,  by  reason  of  their  being  manifestly  at  vari 
ance  with  the  policy,  which  has  governed  the  United  States,  since 
the  administration  of  General  Washington,  had  given  me  a  first 
hope  that  the  Federal  Government,  would  drive  this  man,  who 
was  meddling  with  so  much  audacity  with  the  foreign  relations  of 
the  Union,  back  into  nonentity.  But  this  has  not  been  the  case. 

The  reception  in  New  York,  and  the  Municipal  ovations  of 
which  he  has  been  the  subject,  were  deemed  to  have  no  interna 
tional  bearing;  they  were  looked  upon,  as  the  inevitable  con 
sequence  of  a  thoughtless  enthusiasm.  This  was  not  the  case, 
however,  with  the  Federal  Government.  It  was,  therefore,  with 
the  utmost  regret,  that  I  heard  of  the  unusual  honors  which  had 
been  paid  to  Kossuth,  by  the  Federal  Army  and  Navy.  A  Su 
perior  Officer  must  announce  to  Kossuth,  that  he  was  instructed 
to  treat  him  with  all  the  marks  of  distinction,  which  belonged  to 
the  most  elevated  rank,  in  the  army,  and,  if  I  am  not  mistaken, 
to  raise  him,  thereby,  upon  a  level  with  the  President  himself. 
In  the  last  Message,  he  is  designated  as  Governor ;  and  Congress, 
in  its  deliberations,  unreservedly  bestows  upon  him,  the  title  of 
Governor  of  Hungary,  which  that  political  Mountebank  has  the 
insolence  of  arrogating  to  himself,  while  he  takes  the  liberty, 
even,  of  using  the  official  seal  of  Hungary. 

The  honors  which  have  been  paid  to  Kossuth,  have  only  been 
the  means  of  increasing  his  audacity,  and  have  induced  him  to 
make  a  sort  of  appeal  to  the  people,  which  I  quote,  for  the  pur- 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  493 

pose  of  showing  the  subversive  tendencies  of  the  same,  and  its 
tone  of  antagonism  towards  the  executive  power  of  the  Union. 
The  address  which  he  caused  to  be  published,  on  the  day  of  his 
entrance  into  New  York,  and  which  is  designated  as  a  manifesto, 
affords  evidence,  that  the  honors,  which  were  no  doubt  only  in 
tended  as  an  excess  of  civility,  by  those  who  ordered  them  to  be 
paid,  are  looked  upon  and  represented  by  him,  as  an  acknowl 
edgment  of  his  absurd  pretensions.  Allow  me  to  insert  here,  the 
passage  alluded  to  from  the  address  in  question. 

"So  I  confidently  hope,  that  the  Sovereigns  of  this  Country, 
the  people,  will  make  the  Declaration  of  Independence  of  Hun 
gary  soon  formally  recognized,  and  that  it  will  care  not  a  bit 
for  it,  if  Mr.  Hiilsemann  takes  tomorrow  his  passports,  bon 
voyage  to  him.  But  it  is  also  my  agreeable  duty  to  profess  that 
I  am  entirely  convinced  that  the  government  of  the  United  States 
shares  warmly  the  sentiment  of  the  people  in  that  respect.  It 
has  proved  it  by  executing  in  a  ready  and  dignified  manner, 
the  resolution  of  Congress,  in  behalf  of  my  liberation.  It  has 
proved  it  by  calling  on  the  congress  to  consider  how  I  shall  be 
treated  and  received,  and  even  this  morning,  I  was  honored,  by 
the  express  order  of  the  government,  by  an  official  salute  from 
the  batteries  of  the  United  States,  m  such  a  manner,  in  which, 
according  to  the  military  rules,  only  a  public  high  official  capacity 
can  be  greeted.  Having  thus  expounded  my  aim,  I  beg  leave  to 
state,  that  I  came  not  to  your  glorious  shores  to  enjoy  a  happy 
rest — I  came  not  with  the  intention  to  gather  triumphs  of  per 
sonal  distinction,  but  because  a  humble  petitioner,  in  my  coun 
try's  name,  as  its  freely  chosen  constitutional  chief,  humbly  to 
entreat  your  generous  aid."1 

It  is  in  the  midst  of  full  peace, — It  is  after  the  lapse  of  some 
years,  since  the  rebellion  was  put  down, — it  is  at  the  very  mo 
ment  when  Hungary  is  beginning  to  recover  from  her  misfor 
tunes,  that  it  is  sought  to  raise  a  pedestal  to  a  fallen  idol,  in 
order  to  give  him  a  fresh  chance  of  ruining  his  country.  My 
government  appreciates  these  impotent  efforts,  at  their  proper 
value,  and  I  only  comment  upon  them,  for  the  purpose  of  point 
ing  out  their  unseasonableness  and  impropriety. 

The  Imperial  Government,  frankly  and  sincerely  wishes  to 
maintain  the  best  relations  with  the  United  States.  It  makes  a 
very  great  allowance  for  the  institutions  and  usages  of  this  coun- 

1  A  newspaper  clipping.  Clipping  is  enclosed  with  the  original  report  of 
Kossuth's  speech. 


494  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

try ;  but,  at  the  same  time  it  relies  upon  the  wisdom  of  the  execu 
tive  power.  I  am  willing  to  believe  that  the  President  disap 
proves  highly  of  this  crusade  of  Kossuth  against  all  Sovereigns 
of  Europe :  and  I  flatter  myself,  that  the  military  honors  which 
have  been  paid  to  him  on  his  arrival,  and  which  seem  to  have 
turned  his  head,  will  not  be  continued.  I  attach  some  impor 
tance  to  these  demonstrations,  and  I  shall  be  obliged  to  you,  Mr. 
Secretary  of  the  State,  if  you  will  let  the  President  know  that  I 
desire  to  be  informed,  whether  these  Military  honors  will  be  re 
newed,  after  the  public  declaration  of  Kossuth,  that  he  looks 
upon  them,  as  affording  evidence,  that  hostile  projects  against 
Austria,  are  approved  of  by  the  Government  of  the  United  States. 

I  beg  that  you  will  honor  me  with  an  answer ;  and  I  very  much 
wish,  that  said  answer,  may  be  of  a  character  to  convince  my 
government  of  the  friendly  intentions  of  the  government  of  the 
United  States:  it  will  put  an  end,  I  hope,  to  all  apprehension, 
that  the  movements  of  this  agitation,  may  encompass  the  object 
in  view;  and  that  by  inducing  the  Government  of  the  United 
States  to  become  a  party  to  any  hostile  demonstrations  against 
Austria,  Kossuth  may  succeed  in  seriously  compromising  the 
amicable  relations  existing  between  the  two  countries. 

I  avail  myself,  of  this  occasion,  Mr.  Secretary  of  State,  to 
renew  to  you  the  expression  of  my  high  consideration. 

HULSEMANN. 

(To  the  Chevalier  Hulsemarm.1) 

Private. 

[16-TH  DEC.  1851.] 

The  undersigned  has  received  the  Chevalier  Hiilsemann's  note 
of  the  13th  instance.  This  note  does  not  appear  to  be  a  private, 
but  an  official  communication,  and  the  undersigned  finds  in  it  with 
no  little  surprise  a  reference  to  supposed  private  and  confidential 
conversations  between  the  Chevalier  Hiilsemann  and  the  head  of 
this  Department  and  also  to  letters  in  the  Department  which, 
if  shown  to  the  Chevalier  Hiilsemann  at  all,  were  shown  to  him  in 
strict  confidence.  The  Chevalier  Hiilsemann  is  now  informed 
that  so  long  as  these  references  to  matters  entirely  confidential 
remain  in  his  note,  it  can  receive  no  answer. 

The  undersigned  has  the  honor  to  be,  with  due  consideration, 
The  Chevalier  Hiilsemann's  very  humble  servant. 

D.  W. 

1  This  was  taken  from  the  original  draft. 


THE    NATIONAL    STATESMAN  495 

(From  the  Chevalier  Hulsemarm.) 

Private.  AUSTRIAN  LEGATION 

Washington  17th  December  1851. 

The  undersigned  in  answer  to  the  private  note  directed  to  him 
under  the  date  of  yesterday  by  the  Hon.  Secretary  of  State,  begs 
leave  to  observe,  that,  if  for  some  reason  or  other  the  United 
States  Government  wish  not  to  expose  to  the  public  the  corre 
spondence  concerning  Kossuth's  conduct  on  board  the  Mississippi, 
he  has  no  objection  to  consider  as  confidential,  what  has  passed 
between  Mr.  Webster  and  himself  in  that  respect.  But  as  for 
the  official  though  verbal  communications,  which  the  under 
signed,  as  Charge'  d'  Affaires  of  his  Majesty  the  Emperor  of 
Austria,  had  in  consequence  of  special  instructions  received  from 
his  Government,  the  honor  to  make  to  the  Hon.  Secretary  of 
State  in  an  interview  at  the  State  Department,  appointed  before 
hand  in  writing  for  that  purpose,  and  the  assurances,  which  he 
received  from  Mr.  Webster  in  answer  to  those  communications, 
it  is  not  practicable,  to  consider  them  as  confidential. 

The  undersigned  takes  this  occasion  to  assure  the  Hon.  Secre 
tary  of  State  of  his  high  consideration. 

HiJLSEMANN. 

(To  the  Chevalier  Hulsemann.) 

Private.  DEPARTMENT  or  STATE, 

Washington,  18th.  December,  1851. 

The  Undersigned  has  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
the  Chevalier  Hiilsemann's  note  of  yesterday,  and  has  again  to 
say  that  he  has  had  no  conversation  with  The  Chevalier  Hulse 
mann  upon  the  subject  referred  to,  but  such  as  he  considered 
strictly  confidential. 

The  Undersigned  presumes  that  he  could  have  said  nothing 
in  any  such  conversations  which  he  would  wish  to  qualify  or  ex 
plain  ;  but  the  different  recollections  of  the  parties  as  to  what 
was  actually  said  by  them  might  lead  to  great  inconvenience  if 
the  substance  of  the  conversation  were  not  stated  in  writing  at 
the  time  and  so  stated  as  to  conform  to  the  understanding  of 
both. 

The  Undersigned  has  the  honor  to  be,  with  due  consideration, 
The  Chevalier  Hiilsemann's  very  obedient  servant, 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 


496  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(Hiilsemann  to  President  Fillmore.) 

LEGATION  D'ATJTRICHE  Washington 
Monsieur  le  President,  le  8  Janvier  1852 

Mr  Webster  a  declare  hier  publiquement  en  presence  du  Presi 
dent  du  Senat,  du  Speaker  du  House  of  Representatives  et  du 
f  auteur  des  calamites  de  la  Hongrie,  qu'il  f  erait  des  voeux  ardens 
pour  1'emancipation  la  plus  prompte  et  la  plus  absolue  de  ce 
Royaume.  Ce  langage  si  extra  ordinaire,  si  deplace  et  si  in- 
convenant  de  la  part  du  Ministre  des  Affaires  Etrangeres  ne  me 
permettant  plus  d' avoir  aucun  rapport  avec  lui,  je  me  trouve  par 
suite  de  ce  marque  de  courtoisie  internationale  dans  la  necessite, 
de  m'adresser  directement  au  President  des  Etats-Unis  et  de 
faire  ainsi  une  derniere  tentative  pour  le  maintien  des  bonnes 
relations  entre  les  deux  Pays. 

L'hostilite  de  Mr  Webster  a  1'egard  de  mon  Gouvernement  ne 
date  pas  d'hier.  Sa  note  du  21  Decembre  1850  etait  un  mani- 
feste  revolutionnaire  et  un  appel  fanfaron  a  tous  les  perterba- 
teurs  de  la  paix  publique  en  Europe  Mon  Gouvernement  devait  a 
la  dignite,  de  ne  tenir  aucun  compte  des  pretendus  argumens  con- 
tenus  dans  une  note  si  extraordinaire  pour  le  fonde  et  pour  le 
forme,  et  qui  dans  le  fait  n' etait  qu'une  volumineuse  amplification 
sur  les  perfections  democratiques,  destinee  a  augmenter  la  popu- 
larite  de  son  auteur. 

Plus  tard  Mr  Webster,  fidele  a  son  role,  a  pris  1'iniative  pour 
1'envoi  du  Mississippi;  et  pour  combler  la  mesure,  sans  aucune 
provocation,  sans  aucune  pretexte  plausible  il  encourage  pub 
liquement  une  partie  integrante  de  1'Empire  d'Autriche  a  la 
rebellion  et  cherche  par  la  a  attirer  de  nouvelles  calamites  sur  la 
Hongrie. 

Ayant  fait  par  ordre  du  Gouvernement  Imperial  plusieurs 
communications  a  Mr  le  Secretaire  d'Etat  sur  1'arrivee  de  Kos- 
suth,  Mr  Webster  m'a  donne  le  assurances  le  plus  positives,  que 
dans  sa  conduite  il  ne  s'eloignersit  point  de  1'esprit  de  sa 
depeche  du  28  fevrier  a  Mr  Marsh ;  il  m'a  meme  dit, 
que  s'il  se  trouvait  dans  le  cas  de  faire  un  discours,  il  suiveait 
la  ligne  politique  tracee  par  cette  depeche  et  qui  se  resume  dans 
I'offre  d'un  asyle  a  Kossuth;  ces  assurances,  que  Mr  Webster 
m'a  donnees  au  Departement  d'Etat,  sont  en  contradiction  mani- 
feste  avec  le  discours  qu'il  a  prononce  hier.  Quelque  temps 
apres  1'arrivee  de  cet  individu  j'addressai  a  Mr  Webster  ma 
note  due  13  Decembre,  mais  je  suis  encore  a  attendre  sa  reponse. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  497 

J'abandonne  a  1'appreciation  impartiale  de  la  partie  saine 
des  populations  des  deux  mondes  la  partees  des  honneurs  rendus 
a  un  homme,  dont  la  deplorable  celebrite  a  ete  fondee  sur  les 
ruines  et  la  desolation  de  la  Hongrie ;  mais  je  ne  puis,  Monsieur  le 
President,  garder  le  silence  sur  le  discours  statistico-politique  et 
intentionnellement  hostile  au  Gouvernement  Imperial,  prononce 
hier  par  Mr  le  Secretaire  d'Etat. 

Desirant  faire  une  derniere  tentative  en  faveur  du  maintien  des 
bons  rapports  entre  les  deux  Gouvernemens,  j'ose  vous  prier, 
Monsieur  le  President,  de  vouloir  bien  me  faire  part  de  la  maniere, 
que  vous  jugerez  la  plus  convenable,  si  vous  approuvez  le  langage 
et  les  voeux  emis  par  Mr  le  Secretaire  d'Etat.  Si  la  reponse 
n'etait  pas  telle,  que  jai  lieu  de  1'esperer,  je  vous  prierai,  Mon 
sieur  le  President,  de  considerer  alors  mes  fonctions  Diplomatique 
comme  suspendues. 

J'ai  rendu  a  mon  Gouvernement  un  compte  exact  de  tout  ce 
qui  s'est  passe  ici;  j'ai  transmis  aujourd'hui  meme  a  Vienne  le 
discours  prononce  hier  par  Mr  Webster,  et  je  vais  informer  de 
suite  S.  A.  le  Prince  de  Schwarzenberg  de  ma  presente  de 
marche1 

Je  suis  avec  le  plus  grand  respect,  Monsieur  le  President, 
Votre  tres  humble  serviteur 

HuLSEMANN. 


(To  Charles  J.  McCurdy? ) 

DEPARTMENT  OF  STATE, 
Washington,  15th  January,  1852. 
Sir. 

Your  despatch  of  the  13th  ultimo  has  been  received,  and  I  sent 
you  a  hasty  answer  in  reply.  I  now  wish  to  write  you  more  at 
length  and  in  a  private  letter.  The  newspapers  will  have  in 
formed  you  that  Kossuth  is  now  here.  Both  he  and  Madame 

1  The  editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  for  the  correctness  of  the 
French  in  the  above  document.  It  is  reproduced  verbatim  et  punctatim, 
from  the  original  which  was  given  by  President  Fillmore  to  Webster.  This 
letter  brought  about  an  interview  between  Hiilsemann  and  President  Fillmore 
which  was  unsatisfactory  and  April  29,  1852,  Hiilsemann  sent  an  official  letter 
to  Webster  announcing  his  withdrawal  from  the  United  States.  See  Doc.  92 
of  Senate  Documents,  1st  Session  of  32d  Congress,  vol.  ix,  where  also  will  be 
found  Webster's  comment  upon  Hiilsemann 's  conduct,  in  a  letter  to  C.  J. 
McCurdy,  who  represented  us  at  the  Austrian  Court. 

*  The  United  States  Minister  to  Austria. 


498  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Kossuth  are  in  good  health.  Ever  since  his  arrival  at  New  York, 
he  has  been  treated  with  the  kindness  due  to  his  character  and  his 
misfortunes.  I  have  caused  a  copy  of  extracts  of  your  despatch 
to  be  communicated  to  him.  In  reply,  he  has  addressed  me  a 
private  letter,  requesting  me  to  instruct  you  to  protect  the  per 
sons,  to  whom  you  refer,  which  you  will  of  course  do,  so  far  as 
you  can  with  discretion  and  propriety.  This,  however,  you  will 
understand  as  implying  a  due  regard  to  your  official  situation, 
and  the  duties  due  from  you  to  the  Government  at  Vienna.  All 
that  has  been  done,  or  will  be  done,  at  this  Department  on  M. 
Kossuth's  request,  will  be  merely  in  compliance  with  the  dictates 
of  humanity  and  charity. 

I  enclose  extracts  from  Kossuth's  letter1  to  me,  making  other 
requests  which  I  hope  you  may  be  able  to  have  complied  with,  but 
in  regard  to  all  these  things,  you  will  be  careful  to  act  with  pru 
dence,  and  to  do  nothing  which  can  give  even  cause  of  offence  to 
the  Austrian  Government.  The  six  hundred  dollars  referred  to 
have  been  invested  in  the  purchase  of  a  bill  on  England,  which 
is  herewith  enclosed,  drawn  by  Corcoran  and  Riggs  on  George 
Peabody  of  London,  in  favor  of  William  Hunter  of  this  Depart 
ment  by  him  endorsed  to  you. 

There  is  reason  to  fear  that  the  Austrian  Charge'  d'  Affaires 
near  this  Government,  does  not  feel  entirely  satisfied  with  what 
has  occurred  with  Louis  Kossuth.  You  are  aware  of  the  whole  his 
tory  of  the  case.  In  February  last,  a  Despatch  was  addressed  from 
this  Department  to  Mr.  Marsh,  at  Constantinople,  instructing 
him  to  intercede  with  the  Sublime  Porte  for  the  relief  of  Kossuth 
and  his  companions.  This  Despatch  you  are  acquainted  with, 
and  it  is  not  necessary,  therefore  to  state  its  contents  particular!}' 
here. 

On  the  third  day  of  March  last,  both  houses  of  Congress  passed 
a  Resolution,  which  you  have  also  seen :  it  is  in  these  words : — 

"Whereas,  the  people  of  the  United  States  sincerely  sympathiz 
ing  with  the  Hungarian  exiles,  Kossuth  and  his  associates,  and 
fully  appreciate  the  magnanimous  conduct  of  the  Turkish  Gov 
ernment  in  receiving  and  treating  those  noble  exiles  with  kind 
ness  and  hospitality,  and  whereas,  if  it  be  the  wish  of  these  exiles 
to  emigrate  to  the  United  States,  and  the  will  of  the  Sultan  to 
permit  them  to  leave  his  dominions,  therefore, 

Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the 

1  These  were  not  with  this  document. 


499 

United  States  of  America,  in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  Presi 
dent  of  the  United  States  be,  and  he  hereby  is,  requested  to  au 
thorize  the  employment  of  some  one  of  the  public  vessels  which 
may  be  now  cruising  on  the  Mediterranean,  to  receive  and  convey 
to  the  United  States,  the  said  Louis  Kossuth  and  his  associates  in 
captivity." 

In  pursuance  of  this  Resolution  orders  were  given  by  the  Navy 
Department,  a  copy  of  which  is  enclosed,  together  with  that  por 
tion  of  the  President's  Message  referring  to  our  Foreign  rela 
tions. 

On  his  arrival  at  New  York,  the  Two  Houses  of  Congress,  wel 
comed  him  to  the  country  and  to  the  Capitol  by  Joint  Resolution. 
He  was  introduced  by  Committee  to  Both  Houses,  and  was  pre 
sented  by  me  to  the  President.  On  this  last  occasion,  he  addressed 
the  President,  and  I  send  you  herewith  a  copy  of  the  President's 
reply. 

Members  of  Both  Houses  of  Congress  invited  him  to  a  Public 
Dinner  which  took  place  on  the  7th  day  of  this  month.  I  at 
tended  it,  with  other  members  of  the  administration.  You  will 
have  seen  an  account  of  this  Dinner  and  the  speeches  of  the  gen 
tlemen  present ;  and  I  draw  your  attention  particularly  to  those  of 
General  Cass  and  Mr.  Douglas 

I  send  you  herewith,  also,  a  revised  copy  of  my  own  Speech. 
Mr.  Hiilsemann  wrote  a  letter  to  the  President  complaining  of  my 
speech.  This,  you  are  aware,  was  a  very  irregular  proceeding, 
because  being  a  Charge'  d'  Affaires  only,  and  as  such,  accredited 
to  this  Department,  he  had  no  official  right  even  to  ask  an  inter 
view  with  the  President;  much  less  to  address  him  in  writing. 
The  President,  however,  waived  ceremony  and  sent  him  word  that 
he  would  be  glad  to  see  him.  Mr.  Hiilsemann  came;  and  the 
President  stated  to  him  what  is  contained  in  a  paper  accompany 
ing  this  marked  No.  3. 

These  three  Papers,  viz :  the  President's  Message ;  his  reply  to 
L.  Kossuth,  and  his  statement  to  Mr.  Hiilsemann,  state  fully  and 
clearly,  the  principles  which  govern  him  and  his  Administration, 
in  his  intercourse  with  foreign  States.  And  it  may  be  well  for 
you  to  make  these  repeated  declarations  known  to  the  Austrian 
Government. 

As  was  stated  by  the  President  to  Mr.  Hiilsemann,  I  went  to 
the  Dinner  in  no  official  capacity,  but  simply  as  an  individual; 
and  it  is  not  easy  to  see  why  Mr.  Hiilsemann  had  more  right  to 
complain  of  my  presence  than  that  of  other  gentlemen.  At  any 


500  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

rate,  my  attendance  at  the  Dinner  was  my  own  act,  my  speech 
there  made  was  my  own  individual  speech,  and  the  President  is 
in  no  degree  answerable  for  either.  I  do  not  know  to  what  ex 
tent  Mr.  Hiilsemann  means  to  manifest  his  dissatisfaction.  Prob 
ably  he  will  be  of  opinion,  upon  full  observation  and  considera 
tion,  that  the  President  and  the  members  of  his  administration 
were  more  staid  and  abstinent;  in  the  respect  paid  by  them  to 
Kossuth,  than  were  other  leading  men  in  the  country.  You  may 
say,  in  as  explicit  terms  as  you  may  judge  proper,  that  neither 
the  President  nor  his  Cabinet  countenance  any  such  thing  as  "in 
tervention,"  or  involving  the  Government  in  European  wars,  from 
causes  affecting  only  the  nations  of  Europe.  Public  men  in  this 
Country,  as  well  as  private  men,  are  accustomed  to  speak  their 
opinions  freely.  This  belongs  to  our  system,  and  although  in 
this  respect  individuals  may  sometimes  be  indiscreet,  yet  there  is 
no  where  any  power  of  control;  and  there  are  some  public  men, 
as  well  as  private  individuals,  who  are  ready  to  take  a  part  in  the 
troubles,  and  in  the  wars  of  other  States.  It  is  believed  how 
ever,  that  the  sober  sense  of  the  country  will  settle  down  on  more 
prudent  and  pacific  ideas.  While  there  is  no  probability  that  the 
Government  will  lend  aid  or  countenance  to  Kossuth,  there  is  no 
reason  to  suppose  that  the  amount  of  private  contributions  made 
for  him  will  be  large.  On  the  whole,  the  enthusiasm  felt  for  him 
is  not  increasing ;  and  having  visited  most  of  the  large  Northern 
Cities,  where  there  has  existed  the  greatest  readiness  to  subscribe, 
his  success  elsewhere  is  not  likely  to  be  distinguishd.  And  I  ven 
ture  to  say,  that  the  "Intervention"  feeling  will  doubtless  subside 
gradually  and  rapidly,  if  nothing  should  take  place,  calculated 
to  kindle  it  into  a  new  flame. 

I  feel  it  my  duty  to  say  one  thing  in  justice  to  myself,  as  the 
author  of  the  Letter  of  February  28th,  to  Mr.  Marsh,  as  well  as 
in  justice  to  the  President  who,  of  course,  authorized  the  letter; 
and  that  is,  that  on  instructing  Mr.  Marsh  to  intercede  for  Kos 
suth  and  his  Associates,  we  contemplated  no  other  future  for  him, 
or  them,  than  that  they  should  come  here  and  remain  in  the 
country  as  quiet  and  unoffending  Exiles. 

You  are  at  liberty  to  communicate  in  conversation,  as  much  of 
the  contents  of  this  private  letter  to  the  Austrian  Minister  of  For 
eign  Affairs,  as  you  may  think  prudent  and  useful ;  and  I  enclose 
herewith  a  copy  of  a  recent  despatch  to  Mr.  Rives,  at  Paris, 
which  you  may  also  make  known  to  Prince  Schwartzenburg,  as 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  501 

another  and  a  recent  statement  of  the  principles  which  govern 
the  Government  of  the  United  States  in  its  foreign  relations. 

Since  writing  the  foregoing  I  learn,  that  Mr.  Hiilsemann  has 
declined  an  invitation  of  the  President  to  a  diplomatic  Dinner,  to 
be  given  on  the  22nd.1 

I  am,  Sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(From  Chas.  W.  March.) 

~.        „.  NEW  YORK  Nov.  14  '51. 

Dear  Sir 

Mr.  Ashmun  writes  me  to-day  as  follows:  "The  sky  has  de 
cidedly  a  blue  look  since  Monday  &  there  is  not  much  hope  of  a 
favorable  change.  Tho*  we  shall  keep  a  bright  look  out  till  the 
4th  Monday.  We  have  had  a  three  days  fight  here  equal  to  that 
of  Paris,  &  the  Whigs  worked  like  Saints — but  to  no  purpose. 
Tomorrow  night  we  eat  a  supper,  at  which  I  shall  bring  Mr. 
Webster  into  the  field.  Bates  (W.  G.)  has  raised  20  delegates 
for  the  Convention  from  Northfield.  It  is  not  to  be  disguised 
however  that  the  result  of  this  election  will  operate  heavily  against 
our  movement." 

Mr.  Ashmun's  opinion  as  to  the  result  of  the  last  election  upon 
Massachusetts  is  doubtless  correct.  It  will  be  difficult  to  get  up 
much  enthusiasm  after  the  late  defeat,  so  recent  to  the  minds  of 
men.  But  I  cannot  think  that  Mr.  Winthrop's  defeat  can  injure 
the  good  cause  out  of  Massachusetts,  nor  there,  but  for  a  season. 
It  will,  on  the  contrary  but  enforce  the  necessity  of  getting  upon 
your  platform,  out  of  the  state.  Mr.  Winthrop  is  generally 
regarded  as  a  f ree-soiler  and  opposed  to  your  views,  and  his  suc 
cess  would  have  been  more  fatal  than  his  defeat.  *  *  * 
Ever  most  respy  &  truly  Yrs 

CHAS.  W.  MARCH 


(From  Chas.  W.  March.) 

NEW  YORK  Nov  23,  51. 
Dear  Sir 

We  have  here  quite  good  accounts  of  the  meeting  at  Faneuil 

1  See  Senate  Documents,  1st  Session,  32d  Congress,  vol.  ix.  Doc.  92,  for  let 
ter  Hiilsemann  to  Daniel  Webster.  April  29,  1852. 


502  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Hall  on  Tuesday  next.  Depend  upon  it,  it  will  be  a  grand  affair. 
A  gentleman  who  arrived  here  last  night  tells  me,  that  the  Demo 
crats  will  be  present  in  full  number.  A  large  number  of  Demo 
crats  go  from  Lynn,  and  in  fact  many  from  different  parts  of 
the  State.  This  is  a  feature  of  future  great  advantage.  If  we 
can  lay  down  a  platform  broad  enough  and  strong  enough  for 
the  honest  of  both  parties,  we  have  nothing  to  fear. 

I  beg  to  take  the  liberty  of  remarking  that  the  public  mind  is 
very  sensitive  on  the  question  of  the  right  of  search.  The  letter 
which  I  wrote  while  in  Washington,  has  been  variously  criticised, 
by  the  Democratic  press,  with  some  severe  strictures,  as  evading 
the  real  question. 

I  had  quite  a  long  and  interesting  conversation  last  night  with 
Mr.  Geyer,  the  new  Senator  of  Missouri.  While  he  says,  that 
there  is  no  man  in  the  country,  he  would  be  more  glad  to  see 
President  than  yourself  or  for  whom  he  would  work  with  more 
earnestness  he  is  obliged  to  confess  that  Mr.  Fillmore  is  the  first 
choice  of  the  Whigs  of  Missouri.  His  course  since  he  has  been 
President  has  gained  their  good-will.  But  he  says  that  you  are 
its  second  choice  and  that  you  are  gaining  daily  upon  the  affec 
tions  of  Whigs  and  Hunker  Democrats,  between  whom  he  thinks 
there  will  be  a  union  before  the  Presidential  election.  While  Gen. 
Scott,  he  says,  has  not,  to  his  knowledge,  a  political  friend  in 
the  State,  Mr.  Geyer  also  says  that  if  you  satisfy  the  public  mind, 
as  you  doubtless  will,  in  the  Spanish-Cuban  affair,  and  "on  the 
right  of  search"  the  track  will  be  clear  for  you. 

Geo.  Wilkins  Kendall  has  just  come  in  from  New  Orleans.  He 
says,  that  the  case  of  Thrasher1  is  exciting  the  deepest  interest 
in  the  whole  South  and  even  may  be  the  "cry"  of  the  coming 
campaign.  Thrasher  has  been  so  kind  to  the  American  captives 
in  Havana,  has  supplied  them  with  so  much  money,  has  been  so 
bold  and  been  personally  reckless  in  his  attentions  to  them,  that 
his  imprisonment  and  supposed  condemnation  have  raised  a  vehe 
mence  of  popular  feeling,  difficult  to  be  controlled.  That  Mr. 
Thrasher  may  have  gone  farther  than  even  an  active  expression 
of  sympathy  towards  these  deluded  men,  I  have  no  doubt.  But 
at  the  same  time,  proof  of  the  most  positive  kind  of  his  connec 
tion  with  the  invasion  of  the  island  will  be  required  to  quiet  the 
public  feeling  at  the  South — and  I  fear  even  that  will  not  avail. 

I  hope  you  will  pardon  me  for  any  inferences  that  may  bo 

'  See  Curtis'  "Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  557. 


THE   NATIONAL    STATESMAN  503 

drawn  from  my  suggestions.  But  I  know  that  you  have  gained 
greatly  upon  the  public  mind  from  the  supposition  that  you  have 
refused  to  make  any  concession  to  the  pride  of  Spain,  even 
against  the  President,  and  I  know  also  that  you  have  it  in  your 
power  to  greatly  promote  the  increasing  tide  in  your  favor. 

It  is  probable  that  I  shall  leave  here  Tuesday  night,  &  be 
with  you  Wednesday  morning. 

Ever  respy  &  truly  Yrs 

CHAS.  W.  MARCH 

(From  Fletcher  Webster.) 

BOSTON  Nov  29,  1851. 
My  dear  Father, 

I  enclose  an  extract 1  from  a  letter  of  Judge  Huntingdon  of 
Indiana  written  to  a  gentleman  of  this  town. 

It  was  shown  to  me  I  suppose  for  the  purpose  of  communicat 
ing  its  contents. 

Perhaps  if  any  occasion  offers  it  would  be  well  to  write  Mr. 
Huntingdon  &  send  Mr.  Key  a  speech  or  something. 

Yr  affectionate  Son 

FLETCHER  WEBSTER 

(Extract.) 

"You  know  that  if  I  have  a  wish  stronger  than  another  it  is 
that  the  Country  should  make  Mr.  Webster  President  of  the 
U.  S. 

I  have  never  failed  to  improve  every  opportunity  offered  me 
of  making  a  friend  for  him  &  I  have  hailed  with  most  heartfelt 
joy  every  sign  I  have  seen  in  any  quarter  favorable  to  his  pros 
pects. 

But  I  fear  that  Mr.  Webster  does  not  always  second  with  the 
best  effect  the  efforts  of  his  friends.  I  never  hear  from  him  in 
answer  to  my  own  letters,  but  of  this  I  do  not  complain,  but  on 
more  than  one  occasion  I  have  introduced  gentlemen  from  the 
West  to  him  by  letter,  gentlemen  who  are  ready  to  unite  in  any 
movement  to  advance  his  interests  who  have  returned  chilled  by 
his  cautious  and  cool  reception. 

I  will  mention  an  instance. 

1  See  the  following  letter. 


504  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Judge  Key  of  the  Commercial  Court  of  Cincinnati,  a  man  of 
talent,  young,  ardent,  and  idolizing  Mr.  Webster  almost  as  much 
as  I  do,  connected  with  all  the  Keys  &  Marshalls  of  Ky.  &  Ohio 
came  down  purposely  to  visit  me  on  the  subject,  to  see  if  by 
concert  with  the  leading  young  men  of  Ohio  &  Indiana  we  could 
not  set  the  ball  in  motion. 

He  gave  me  the  names  of  the  leading  men  in  Ohio  who  were 
anxious  for  it. 

But  he  had  never  seen  Mr.  Webster  &  determined  to  visit 
Washington  for  that  purpose.  I  gave  him  a  letter  of  introduc 
tion,  a  general  letter  telling  him  if  an  opportunity  offered  to 
have  a  full  conversation  with  Mr.  Webster.  I  have  not  seen  him 
since  nor  has  he  written  to  me  but  I  have  understood  that  he  pre 
sented  the  letter  was  coolly  but  politely  received,  took  his  leave 
and  never  went  back  again.  Judge  Key  is  perhaps  the  most 
popular  young  man  in  Ohio  &,  withal,  one  of  the  most  shrewd. 
A  half  dozen  kind  words  from  Mr.  Webster,  would  have  made 
him  his  Champion.  Now  I  well  know  the  kindness  of  Mr.  Web 
ster's  heart  &  I  dare  say  he  is  annoyed  continually  by  such  intro 
ductions,  but  Key  is  a  modest  &  a  sensitive  man.  I  had  told 
him  of  the  warmth  of  Mr.  Webster's  heart  when  he  once  knew 
a  man  worthy  of  his  regard  &  suppose  he  looked  for  some  token 
of  recognition  especially  as  my  letter  assured  Mr.  W.  of  his  devo 
tion  to  him. 

Now  the  amount  of  all  this  is  that  I  can  never  learn  from  Mr. 
W.  or  from  any  friend  in  his  confidence  what  line  of  policy  ought 
to  be  adopted  here  &c  &c" 


(From  Chas.  W.  March.) 

NEW  YORK  Dec  2,  '51 
My  dear  Sir 

I  went  to  Springfield  Saturday  evening,  for  a  consultation  with 
our  friend  Mr.  Ashmun.  He  is  in  great  spirits  and  says  you 
could  carry  Mass,  with  20,000  majority.  The  last  election  has 
turned  out  precisely  right.  Winthrop's  defeat,  while  it  removes 
from  your  friends  the  opprobrium  of  a  connection  with  free- 
soilism,  will  excite  the  Whigs  to  a  glorious  triumph  next  year. 
In  Springfield,  every  whig  fought  like  Coeur-de-Lion  and  every 
whig  is  a  Webster  man. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  505 

Ashmun  insists  upon  an  immediate  organization  of  your  friends 
here,  as  in  Massachusetts.  I  regret  exceedingly  Mr.  Curtis's 
doubtful  health,  for  he  is  head  and  shoulders  above  all  your  other 
friends  here.  Still,  he  must  lay  out  a  chart,  and  we  will  steer 
by  it.  Each  day  your  strength  increases,  and  if  Mr.  Fillmore  be 
not  induced  by  Southern  Promises  to  persevere  in  a  canvass,  your 
name  will  be  irresistible. 

I  hope  to  be  pardoned  for  saying  that  this  outrage  upon  the 
Prometheus1  by  the  English  Brig  skilfully  managed  will  "bring 
down  the  house"  in  your  favor.  There  is  deep  excitement  on 
the  subject  here  among  all  classes.  If  you  could  repeat  the 
Hiilsemann  letter,  we  shall  have  but  little  to  contend  against. 

Ashmun  longs  to  be  with  you,  and  will  be,  at  the  earliest  pos 
sible  moment.  I  may  wait  for  him  here,  till  Friday,  unless  Mrs. 
Webster  needs  my  escort  earlier. 

We  have  turned  the  Democratic  flank  upon  the  Compromise 
Measures,  and  the  Herald  says,  it  is  all  owing  to  your  efforts. 
I  will  see  Bennett  before  I  leave  and  try  to  have  an  understanding 
with  him. 

Ever  most  respy  &  truly  yrs 

CHAS.  W.  MARCH 


(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

DEP'T  OF  STATE  8  Dec/  1851. 
To  the  President, 

My  Dear  Sir, 

I  have  read  Mr.  Thrasher's2  letter,  &  shall  be  very  happy  to 
see  you  in  regard  to  it,  at  your  house,  at  the  first  fair  hour.  The 
difficulty  in  Thrasher's  case  is  what  I  have  already  suggested  to 
you.  He  went  to  Havana  for  the  purposes  of  a  permanent  resi 
dence,  as  far  as  appears.  He  has  actually  resided  in  the  city  I 
suppose  fifteen  or  twenty  years  pursuing  his  private  affairs  under 
the  protection  of  Spanish  law.  These  facts  seem  to  impress  upon 
him  the  duties  of  a  temporary  allegiance  to  the  Spanish  crown, 
&  if  he  has  been  treated  only  as  a  Spanish  subject  would  be 
treated  under  the  like  circumstances,  I  do  not  see  how  the  gov 
ernment  of  the  U.  S.  can  interfere  in  his  behalf.  He  seems  to 
have  chosen  for  himself,  &  he  cannot  be  at  the  same  time  a  Span- 

!  See  Curtis'  '•  Life  of  Webster." 

9  See  Curtis   "Life  of  Webster,''  vol.  ii.  55T. 


506  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

ish  &  an  American  citizen.  All  this,  however,  we  must  confer 
about,  &  when  I  go  home  this  evening  I  will  look  up  the  law  of 
temporary  allegiance. 

Yours  truly,  always, 

DANL,  WEBSTER. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster?  ) 

Dear  Fletcher,  THURSDAY,  3  o'clock". 

It  appears  that  the  letter  which  I  wrote,  for  the  President  to 
sign,  to  the  Emperor  of  China,  was  afterwards  altered  and  signed 
by  Mr.  Upham,  as  Secy.  —  I  shall  look  into  this.  If  there  is  any 
plagiarism,  I  will  expose  it  —  I  have  written  to  Mr.  Marcoe  for  a 
copy  of  my  letter. 

^^^  D.  W. 

(To  Millar  d  Fillmore.) 

To  the  President,  WASHINGTON,  Dec.  19,  1851. 

My  Dear  Sir, 

I  will  read  Mr.  Green's  paper  in  the  course  of  the  day.  I 
know  not  what  he  refers  to  by  charging  me  with  suppressing  a 
part  of  Mr.  Rosa's2  correspondence.  The  matter  shall  be  looked 
into  as  soon  as  Mr.  Hunter  returns. 

Yrs  truly, 

DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  Millar  d  Fillmore.) 


PAST  5  O'CLOCK. 
My  dear  Sir,  [Dec.  21.  1851] 

I  learn  by  telegraph  from  Baltimore  that  Kossuth  will  not 
come  hither  till  Tuesday.  His  company  is  14  persons  and  he  has 
signified  to  the  Senate  Committee  that  he  will  require  4  parlors 
&  8  lodging  rooms.  They  are  engaged  at  Brown's.  I  expect 
Mr.  Hunter  between  6  &  7  o'clock.3 

D.  WEBSTER. 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn  of  New  York. 
8  M.  de  la  Rosa,  the  Mexican  Minister  at  Washington. 

3  On  December  22,  1851,  Webster  wrote  Fillmore  significantly,  "  Mr.  Hunter 
is  quite  official  and  diplomatic." 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  507 

(To  Abbott  Lawrence.) 

WASHINGTON,  December  29,  1851. 
My  dear  Sir, — 

I  ought  to  have  written  you  long  ago  to  thamt  you  for  your 
private  letter,  accompanied  by  the  memorandum  of  a  conversa 
tion  between  you  and  Lord  Palmerston,  but  incessant  occupation 
has  not  allowed  me  time.  What  you  said  to  His  Lordship  corre 
sponds  exactly  with  my  own  sentiments  and  opinions,  and  also,  I 
believe,  with  those  of  the  President. 

You  will  have  seen  the  Message  before  you  receive  this,  and 
that  part  of  it  which  relates  to  our  foreign  relations  will  have 
shown  you  the  ground  on  which  I  stand,  with  the  entire  con 
currence  and  support  of  the  President,  and  the  other  heads  of 
department.  You  perceive  how  difficult  it  is  to  prevent  these 
lawless  invasions  of  other  countries,  but  we  shall  do  all  we  can. 
One  of  our  great  sources  both  of  present  difficulties  and  future 
dangers,  Mexico,  has  a  miserable  government,  is  full  of  factions, 
and  with  finances  utterly  deranged.  Her  very  weakness  is 
threatening  to  us.  I  fear  her  whole  frame  of  government  may 
fall  to  pieces,  inviting  aggression  and  exciting  cupidity  in  all 
quarters.  If  I  were  confident  such  a  line  of  policy  could  be 
steadily  carried  out  by  the  United  States  government,  I  should 
think  it  deserved  great  consideration, — whether  it  would  not  be 
wise  in  us  to  uphold  Mexico  and  save  her  government  from  dis 
union,  for  the  reason  that  it  is  better  for  us  that  Mexico  should 
be  able  to  maintain  an  independent  government,  than  that  she 
should  break  to  pieces  and  fall  into  other  hands,  even  though 
those  hands  were  our  own.  This  whole  subject  gives  me  great 
uneasiness. 

I  am  very  anxious  to  hear  what  Lord  Palmerston  says  about 
the  case  of  the  Prometheus.  Depend  upon  it,  there  will  be  no 
security  for  the  continuance  of  peace  in  that  quarter,  until  the 
British  withdraw  from  Greytown.  The  notion  that  British  offi 
cers  and  agents  hold  that  place  only  in  behalf  of  the  Mosquito 
King,  and  as  his  agents,  strikes  some  people  as  being  ridiculous, 
and  others  as  being  an  offensive  and  provoking  pretence.  I  am 
quite  at  a  loss  to  know  what  importance  there  is  in  the  retention 
of  this  miserable  town  by  England,  to  justify  all  the  hazards  of 
collision  which  her  continued  possession  of  it  will  certainly  entail 
upon  her  and  us.  When  Sir  Henry  Bulwer  went  to  England  I 
looked  for  his  speedy  return,  and  I  thought  we.  should  be  able  to 


508  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

bring  matters  to  a  final  and  amicable  settlement.  I  hope  you 
lose  no  proper  opportunity  of  urging  the  necessity  of  such  a  set 
tlement  upon  the  attention  of  Lord  Palmerston.  At  the  present 
moment,  no  part  of  our  relations  with  England  is  so  critical  and 
so  ominous  of  evil  as  this  petty  business. 

You  cannot  fail  to  see  how  very  probable  it  is  that  a  more 
warlike  administration  than  that  which  now  exists  is  likely  to 
come  into  power  fifteen  months  hence.  There  is  not  only  exist 
ing  among  us  a  spirit  favorable  to  further  territorial  acquisition, 
but  a  zeal  also  for  intervention  in  the  affairs  of  other  states,  of  a 
fearful  character  and  already  of  considerable  extent. 

This  spirit  has  gained  great  strength  and  vivacity  from  Kos- 
suth's  visit  and  speeches.  At  one  time  the  whole — or  nearly  the 
whole^ — city  of  New  York  seemed  quite  crazy.  The  fever  how 
ever  is  abating.  It  has  met  cooling  influences  from  sober  minds, 
North  and  South.  I  suppose  it  will  be  revived  here,  to  some  de 
gree,  as  Kossuth  comes  here  to-day,  and  a  large  section  of  the 
Democratic  party  intend  taking  advantage  of  his  presence  to 
bring  the  country,  if  they  can,  to  the  doctrine  and  the  practice 
of  intervention.  I  am  sure  you  see,  and  I  wish  others  might  see, 
the  expediency  and  importance  of  settling  everything  connected 
with  England  without  delay.1 

Yours  always  truly, 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 

(To  William  C.  Rives.2) 

[31  DEC.  1851] 

Your  despatches  have  been  regularly  received  up  to  the  18th 
of  this  month. 

The  movement  made  by  the  President  of  the  Republic  of 
France,  on  the  second  instant,  created  surprise  here,  as  well  as 
with  you,  not  only  by  the  boldness  &  extent  of  its  purpose,  but 
also  by  the  secrecy  with  which  preparation  for  it  had  been  made, 
the  suddenness  of  its  execution,  &  the  success  which  appeared  to 
have  attended  it.  Events  however  had  already  arisen,  sufficient 
to  notify  sagacious  observers,  that  the  Government  of  France 
had  arrived  at  the  brink  of  a  momentous  crisis.  No  one  could 
well  doubt  this,  after  the  Debate  in  the  assembly  on  the  Bill  for 

1  This  letter  to  Lawrence  in  London  is  reprinted  from  the  "  Memoir  of  Abbott 
Lawrence,"  p.  87. 

2  United  States  Minister  to  France. 


THE  NATIONAL   STATESMAN  509 

enforcing  the  responsibility  of  the  President  &  his  ministers,  after 
the  appearance  of  the  articles  in  the  Constitutional  $•  Moniteur, 
&  after  the  President's  Discourse  on  the  twenty  fifth  of  Nov'r,  on 
the  occasion  of  delivering  the  medals  to  the  artists  who  had  taken 
part  in  the  Exhibition  in  London. 

Unfortunately,  the  whole  political  Government  of  France,  by 
the  late  Constitution,  was  vested  in  one  numerous  Assembly,  &  in 
the  President.  There  was  no  third  power,  no  check,  no  mediator, 
or  moderator,  between  these,  if  disagreement  should  arise,  &  ac 
tual  conflict  be  threatened. 

The  Assembly  and  the  President  were  destined  to  separate 
forces,  both  essentially  uncontrolled,  &  if  they  should  come  to  be 
opposing  forces,  &  should  rush  into  collision,  it  was  obvious 
enough  that  the  destruction  of  one  or  the  other  must  be  the  con 
sequence. 

This  form  of  constructing  a  Constitutional  Governor  was  a 
fatal  error,  &  it  is  strange  that  the  French  People,  with  their 
own  history  before  them  ever,  did  not  perceive  that,  which  from 
the  first,  was  sufficiently  visible  to  discerning  &  reflective  minds. 
It  is  impossible  to  unite  public  Liberty  with  the  safety  of  society, 
&  the  security  of  persons  &  property,  without  guards  &  balances, 
&  strong  barriers,  not  only  against  the  alleged  exercise  of  the 
Executive  power,  but  also  against  the  impulsive,  sudden  &  im 
petuous  action  of  popular  bodies. 

Despotism  may  be,  &  usually  is,  quite  simple  in  its  form  of 
national  rule.  Where  all  are  subject  to  the  will  of  one,  it  is 
sufficient  that  the  will  of  that  one  be  expressed ;  &  this,  of  course, 
is  a  short  process.  But  true  Republican  Liberty  cannot  subsist 
without  a  system  of  efficient  restraints,  imposed  upon  all  who 
exercise  political  power.  Hence  the  proposition,  apparently 
paradoxical,  is  strictly  true,  that  Liberty  consists  in  restraint; 
that  is  to  say,  the  Liberty  of  each  individual  is  in  proportion  to 
the  restraint  imposed  on  other  individuals,  &  public  bodies,  who 
might  otherwise  have  the  power,  as  well  as  the  disposition,  to  do 
him  wrong.  Republican  Governments,  in  their  fundamental  con 
stitutions,  in  their  legislative,  &  in  their  judicial  administration, 
must  necessarily  have  something  of  complexity ;  and  altho'  such 
Governments  may  sometimes  find  themselves  embarrassed  by  too 
much  regulation,  it  is  a  great  mistake  to  imagine  that  simplifica 
tion  is  a  process  by  which  Public  Liberty  is  either  secured,  or 
improved.  Simplification  belongs  to  Despotisms ;  regulation  be 
longs  to  Republics. 


510  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

It  was  quite  natural  that  you  should  be  in  no  haste  to  appear 
at  the  Public  reception  of  the  President,  after  the  overthrow  of 
the  written  Republican  Constitution  of  France.  You  sympa 
thize,  in  this  respect,  with  the  great  body  of  your  countrymen. 
If  that  overthrow  had  become  necessary,  its  necessity  is  deeply  to 
be  deplored ;  because  however  imperfect  its  structure,  it  was  the 
only  great  Republican  Government  existing  in  Europe,  &  all 
Americans  wished  its  success.  We  feel  as  if  the  catastrophe 
which  has  befallen  it  may  weaken  the  faith  of  mankind  in  the 
permanency  &  solidity  of  Republican  Institutions.  Nevertheless, 
&  although  our  own  Government  is  now  the  only  great  Republic 
on  earth,  we  cling  to  its  principles  with  increased  affection.  Long 
experience  has  convinced  us  of  its  practicability  to  do  good,  &  its 
power  to  maintain  Liberty  &  order.  We  know  that  it  has  con 
ferred  the  greatest  blessings  on  the  country,  &  raised  her  to 
eminence  &  distinction  among  the  nations;  &  if  we  are  destined 
to  stand,  the  only  great  Republican  Nation,  so  we  shall  still 
stand. 

Before  this  reaches  you,  the  election  in  hand  will  be  over,  & 
if,  as  is  probable,  a  decided  majority  of  the  People  should  be 
found  to  support  the  President,  the  course  of  duty  for  you  will 
become  plain. 

From  President  Washington's  time  down  to  the  present  day,  it 
has  been  a  principle,  always  acknowledged  by  the  United  States 
that  every  Nation  possesses  a  right  to  Govern  itself  according  to 
its  own  will,  to  change  its  institutions  at  discretion,  &  to  trans 
act  its  business  thro  whatever  agents  it  may  think  proper  to 
employ.  Whatever  form  of  Government  may  exist  in  a  country, 
if  it  be  founded  on  the  assent  of  the  People,  and  appear  to  be 
seated  &  permanent  the  U.  S.  considers  it  as  lawfully  established. 
This  cardinal  point  in  our  policy  has  been  strongly  illustrated  by 
recognizing  the  many  forms  of  political  power  which  have  been 
successively  adopted  in  France  in  the  series  of  Revolutions  with 
which  that  Country  has  been  visited.  Our  first  Diplomatic  rela 
tions  with  her  commenced  in  the  reign  of  Louis  the  16th.  After 
the  dethronement  and  death  of  that  Monarch,  in  1793,  the  politi 
cal  authority  of  France  was  vested  in  a  Convention,  then  in  the 
Council  of  Ancients  &  the  Council  of  Five  Hundred  with  an 
Executive  composed  of  a  Directory ;  next  came  the  Consulate,  & 
next  the  Empire,  &  then  the  Restoration  of  the  Bourbons ;  then 
the  Revolution  of  1831,  the  elevation  of  Louis  Phillippe,  of  Or 
leans,  upon  the  throne ;  then  the  Revolution  which  overthrew  the 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  511 

power  of  Louis  Phillippc,  &  expelled  him  from  the  Country ;  then 
came  the  Dictatorship  of  Gen'l  Cavaignac  &  the  Provisional  Gov 
ernment  ;  which  in  its  turn,  was  succeeded  by  the  Late  Republic ; 
&  the  election  of  Louis  Napoleon  Bonaparte  as  President. 
Throughout  the  whole  of  this  series  of  change,  the  Government  of 
the  United  States  has  conducted  itself  in  that  conformity  to  the 
original  principles,  adopted  by  Washington,  &  made  known  to 
our  Diplomatic  agents  abroad,  &  to  the  Nations  of  the  world, 
by  Mr.  Jefferson's  letter  to  Mr.  Gouverneur  Morris  of  the  12th 
of  March  1793.  If  it  has  been  found  somewhat  difficult  to  keep 
up  with  these  changes  the  Government  of  the  United  States  has, 
nevertheless,  kept  up  with  them,  &  if  the  French  People  have 
now  in  fact  made  another,  we  have  no  choice  but  to  acknowledge 
that  also ;  and  as  the  Diplomatic  Representative  of  your  Country 
in  France,  you  will  act  as  your  predecessors  have  acted,  &  con 
form  to  what  appears  to  be  settled  National  Authority.  And 
while  we  shall  most  deeply  regret,  if  after  so  many  years  of 
struggle,  for  liberty  and  popular  institutions,  after  so  many 
years  of  war  &  so  much  shedding  of  blood,  for  the  cause,  or  in 
the  name  of  Civil  liberty  it  shall  be  found  that  France  has  failed 
to  obtain  that  great  object,  &  to  secure  its  durability,  our  ancient 
ally,  has  still  our  good  wishes,  for  her  prosperity  &  happiness  & 
we  are  bound  to  leave  to  her,  the  choice  of  means,  for  the  promo 
tion  of  those  ends.1 

(To  Mon.  de  Sartiges.) 

[WASHINGTON  Feby  6.  1852] 

I  am  greatly  obliged  to  Mr  Sartiges  for  his  unequalled  speci 
men  of  French  Brandy.  I  do  not  think  I  ever  tasted  any  so  soft 
&  fine :  and  I  will  cordially  thank  Mr  Sartiges  to  put  me  in  the 
right  way  to  obtain  some  of  the  same  quality  from  France. 

D.  W. 

I  am  quite  obliged  to  you,  My  dear  Mr.  Sartiges,  for  the  pres 
ent  of  a  most  Beautiful  Portrait  of  the  French  President.  It  in 
dicates  character.  I  shall  give  a  conspicuous  place,  in  my  salon. 
We  are,  My  dear  Mr  Sartiges,  Republicans,  thoroughly  at 
tached  to  popular,  Representative  Governments.  None  else 
could  be  possibly  established  among  us.  But  we  admit  that  one 
condition  is  peculiar  &  what  suits  us  may  not,  in  the  opinion  of 

'  This  draft  of  the  letter  is  in  Webster's  hand. 


512  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

others,  be  suitable  to  them.  All  must  admit  the  admirable  ability 
with  which  recent  transactions  in  France1  have  been  conducted ; 
&  for  my  part,  seeing  the  almost  unanimous  Choice  of  the  whole 
people  of  France,  I  respect  their  opinions  &  wishes  &  hope,  most 
earnestly,  that  all  things  may  result  in  the  prosperity  and  happi 
ness  of  France. 

Yrs  with  entire  regard 

DANL  WEBSTER. 


(To  Joseph  B.  Vamum,  Jr.) 
Private. 

WASHINGTON  Feb  7th.  [1852] 

Your  letter  of  the  3rd  instant  was  received  two  days  ago ;  after 
I  had  written  an  answer  to  the  Committee.  I  think  it  my  duty  to 
state  to  you  exactly  how  I  stand,  in  regard  to  the  question  of 
going  to  New  York  &  making  a  public  address. 

One  the  9th  of  May  last,  a  most  respectable  committee  repre 
senting  1000  of  the  citizens  of  New  York  invited  me  to  address 
the  people  of  that  city,  upon  public  subjects.  I  could  not  at 
that  time  comply  with  their  invitation,  but  signified  that  I  might 
do  so  at  a  future  day.  Afterwards  at  various  places  in  your 
State  I  had  occasions  to  express  my  political  sentiments  fully  and 
at  large ;  and  it  is  hardly  probable  that  there  will  be  any  consider 
able  wish  to  hear  me  further.  Nevertheless  this  partial  obliga 
tion  is  still  upon  me  and  I  have  written  to  know  whether  there  be 
now  any  wish  that  it  should  be  fulfilled.  If  so  I  shall  present 
myself  at  New  York  about  the  21st  or  23rd  to  fulfil  my  under 
taking2 —  You  will  believe  me,  my  dear  Sir,  when  I  say,  that 
in  Political  discourses,  I  often  refer  to  the  character  of  Wash 
ington,  &  when  so  doing  never  fail  to  express  the  highest  ad 
miration  of  his  wisdom  &  patriotism,  Yet  a  regular  discourse 
on  his  "character  and  services"  would  be  quite  too  considerable 
an  undertaking  for  me  under  present  circumstances  to  make. 

What  I  think  of  his  character  and  services  has  been  said  very 
many  times,  and  others  may  be  found,  who,  although  they  may 
have  said  less  of  his  character,  may  yet  have  studied  it  more 
deeply  and  be  able  to  present  it  in  new  and  more  striking  lights. 
I  hope  you  and  the  Committee  will  appreciate  the  entire  sincerity 

1  Refers  to  the  Coup  d'Etat  of  December  2.  1851. 

9  The  editor  can  find  no  evidence  that  Webster  ever  gave  the  New  York 
address. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  513 

with  which  I  make  these  remarks.     If  I  should  be  in  New  York, 
I  shall  attend  your  celebration  with  the  greatest  pleasure  and 
have  the  opportunity,  I  hope,  of  making  my  profoundly  grateful 
acknowledgements  to  the  committee  and  all  their  friends 
Yours  with  entire  regard 

DANL  WEBSTEB. 


(To  Abbott  Lawrence.) 

WASHINGTON,  Jan:  18,  1852 
My  Dear  Sir : 

I  received  this  morning  Your  official  Despatches  of  the  31st. 
Deer,  and  2"  of  January,  and  your  very  acceptable  private  Let 
ter  of  the  last  mentioned  date.  I  entirely  approve  of  your  con 
duct,  in  regard  to  the  case  of  the  "Prometheus",  and  am  quite 
sure  the  President  will  approve  it  with  equal  cordiality.  We  are 
now  sure  of  removing  that  source  of  danger,  and  difficulty  be 
tween  the  two  countries. 

I  am  happy  to  be  remembered  by  Lord  Granville,  whom,  on 
my  part,  I  recollect  very  well,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  him 
in  Paris,  in  1839,  and  also,  for  a  short  time,  at  Chatsworth.  All 
accounts  speak  well  of  him  and  his  appointment  to  hold  the  seals 
of  the  Foreign  office  in  England  is  and  will  be,  regarded  here,  as 
an  omen  for  the  continuance  of  peace  and  friendship  between  the 
two  countries.  I  will  thank  you  to  make  a  point  of  calling  upon 
him,  and  tendering  him  my  best  respects,  as  well  as  my  congratu 
lations  on  the  eminent  distinction  bestowed  upon  him  by  the 
Queen. 

I  feel  quite  unwilling  to  put  Sir  Henry  Bulwer  to  the  incon 
venience  of  a  winter's  voyage  across  the  Atlantic. 

In  my  last  private  letter,  I  suggested  that  it  would  be  quite 
agreeable  to  me  to  treat  with  Mr.  Crampton.  Sir  Henry  is  very 
acceptable,  and  much  regarded  here.  If  he  can  come  back  to  us, 
a  few  months  hence,  we  shall  be  very  glad  to  see  him. 

I  shall  probably,  tomorrow,  send  to  Congress  a  copy  of  my 
letter  to  you  respecting  the  "Prometheus",  with  an  extract  from 
your  Despatch  of  the  2.  of  January.  The  "note"  promised  by 
Lord  Granville  at  1/2  past  3,  on  the  2nd  not  having  been  received 
on  that  day  in  time  for  the  mail,  will  of  course  be  forwarded  by 
the  next  conveyance.  Meantime,  your  statement  that  Lord 
Granville  has  given  assurance,  "that  if  the  facts  are  found,  on 


514  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

the  official  reports  of  the  British  Officers  to  be  such  as  stated  in 
your  note,  the  British  Government  would  express  their  disap 
proval  of  the  whole  matter",  will  give  great  satisfaction  here. 

I  write  this  at  my  house  in  the  midst  of  a  violent  snow  storm, 
and  shall  send  it  by  a  special  messenger  to  Boston,  to  insure  its 
arrival  in  season  for  the  steam  Packet  of  the  21st. — 

I  am  yours  truly 

DANL,  WEBSTER 

Hon.  Abbott  Lawrence — 

P.  S.  There  are  difficulties  about  the  Nicaragua  question  of 
several  kinds.  Mr.  Marcoletta,  who  is  here,  says  there  is  no 
Government  in  Nicaragua,  which  he  can  properly  represent,  or 
which  can  give  him  instructions.  Mr.  Kerr,  our  Charge'  d' Af 
faires,  has  never  been  able  as  yet,  to  find  any  authority  to  which 
he  could  present  his  credentials.  We  wish  to  have  as  little  to  do 
with  these  Central  American  States  as  possible;  our  object  being, 
solely  or  mainly,  to  give  proper  protection  to  the  inter-oceanic 
Canal,  contemplated  across  the  Isthmus,  in  that  quarter. 

I  wish  you  to  suggest  to  Lord  Granville,  and  converse  with 
him  fully  on  the  points,  that  the  English  possession  of  Greytown 
is  almost  certain  to  create  occasions  for  discontent  or  collision. 
I  have  understood  that  Lord  Palmerston  was  willing  it  should  be 
ceded  to  Costa  Rica.  If  so,  why  should  England  be  not  willing 
to  let  Nicaragua  have  it? 

You  know  that  [our]  Government,  has  never  been  satisfied  that 
Mosquito  had  a  title  to  the  place.  Perhaps  Lord  Granville  would 
be  willing  to  re-consider,  and  re-examine  that  question. 

My  general  idea  is,  that  the  U.  S.  and  England  should  agree, 
that  the  police  and  municipal  authority  should  be  in  Nicaragua ; 
that  Grey-town  or  St  Juan  should  be  a  Freeport;  that  proper 
regulations,  respecting  it  should  be  framed ;  and  that  Nicaragua 
should  be  effectually  persuaded  to  conform  to  such  regulations. 

Such  is  my  general  notion. 

[D.  WEBSTER] 

(To  Frcmklm  Haven.) 
Confidential 
My  dear  Sir  WASHINGTON  Feby  26,  [1852] 

I  know  not  whether  it  be  of  any  importance  whether  you  are 
here  or  not  yet  it  may  be  as  well  that  you  should  know,  that  the 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  515 

decision  in  the  Gaines  Case  will  be  made  on  Monday  next  at  12. — 
Judge  Catron  delivers  the  opinion —  Judge  Wayne  dissenting 
&  delivers  a  long  argumentative  opinion  addressed  to  the  ma 
jority — it  goes  off  on  a  technicality — this  information  is  strictly 
Confidential — being  so  given  to  me — as  you  are  my  other  self — 
it  is  no  breach  of  Confidence  to  let  the  soul  know  that  which  the 
ear  heareth — 

DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  Mittard  Fillmore.) 

To  the  President,  NEW  YORK  Feb  27.  [1852] 

My  dear  Sir, 

I  feel  greatly  concerned  at  the  present  state  of  our  affairs  with 
Mexico.1  We  are  making,  I  fear,  no  advances  toward  the  ac 
complishment  of  the  important  object  which  we  have  in  view,  and 
I  think  it  my  duty  to  suggest  some  thoughts  for  your  considera 
tion,  under  the  conviction  that  some  new  step  should  be  taken 
without  loss  of  time. 

First,  It  is  quite  evident  that  Mr.  Letcher  stands  in  need  of 
aid  and  assistance,  although  I  do  not  speak  this  to  derogate  in 
any  way  from  the  fidelity  or  value  of  his  services.  Shall  we  send 
out  some  competent  and  energetic  person  to  consult  and  co 
operate  with  Mr.  Letcher  without  any  official  authority  &  pay 
him  put  of  the  contingent  fund? 

Second,  Shall  an  instruction  be  sent  to  Mr.  Letcher  to  be  laid 
by  him,  in  totidam  verbis  before  the  Mexican  Govt.  relating  the 
history  of  the  transactions  connected  with  the  Tehuantepec  cause, 
repeating  our  belief  of  the  loyalty  and  bindino-  force,  of  the 
grant  to  Garay  &  his  assigns  and  setting  forth  in  terms,  some 
what  stronger  than  we  have  heretofore  used,  our  expectation  that 
the  treaty  will  be  ratified  &  an  intimation  that  it  is  the  purpose 
of  this  Govt.  to  assert  the  rights  of  the  Company. 

Third.  Or  would  it  not  be  well  to  instruct  Mr.  Letcher  at  once 
to  withdraw  the  proposition,  heretofore  made,  to  buy  off  our 
obligation,  under  the  12th  article  of  the  Treaty,  and  to  Express 
plainly,  as  the  ground  of  this  instruction,  an  apparent  dispo 
sition  on  the  part  of  Mexico,  to  hold  out  for  unreasonable  terms, 
&  also  to  delay  the  settlement  of  the  other  question. 

These  ideas  are  stated  only  for  your  consideration.     Better 

1  See  Curtis'  "Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  ii,  pp.  542-546. 


516  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

modes  of  proceeding  may  occur  to  you  &  the  other  gentlemen  of 
the  Cabinet,  fit  to  decide  your  course;  but  I  think  the  time  has 
come  for  doing  something  decisive. 

Yours  always  truly, 

D.  W. 


(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

My  Dear  Sir  WASHINGTON  March  5th  1852 

I  reached  here  in  safety,  on  Wednesday  night,  the  third  inst. 
I  saw  the  President  yesterday.  He  was  very  civil  and  kind,  but 
I  had  no  particular  conversation  with  him.  Gen.  Scott,  you  will 
perceive,  is  backing  out  from  his  Native  Americanism. 

Much  of  the  future  will  depend  on  what  transpires  this  Even 
ing  in  New  York —  Say  to  Mr  Haven,  I  shall  write  him  next 
mail.  Mr  Ashmun  left  us  this  morning  to  return  in  a  week. — 

Yours  always,  with  my  best,  very  best,  regards  to  Mrs  Harvey. 
I  think  we  had  a  nice  time  in  New  York. 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 

(G.  J.  Abbott  l(?)  to  Peter  Harvey.  (?) 

My  Dear  Sir,  WASHINGTON,  April  13th.  1852. 

Political  things  are  becoming  very  interesting  here,  and  the 
time  is  come  for  decisive  action.  The  friends  of  Mr.  Webster 
think  that  his  prospects  are  decisively  brightening,  and  yield 
good  encouragement. 

The  presentation  of  things  is  this. —  The  Whigs  of  the 
South  generally  have  nominated  Mr.  Fillmore.2  This  they  have 
done  not  only  from  a  proper  regard  for  him,  but  from  the 
fact  of  his  position,  which  seems  to  entitle  him  to  notice,  but  we 
do  not  know  a  man  from  any  Southern  State,  who  would  not 
support  Mr.  Webster  as  cheerfully  as  Mr.  Fillmore,  and  some 
of  them  with  even  more  zeal;  and,  at  the  same  time,  it  seems  to 
be  conceded,  on  all  hands,  except  by  a  few  of  Mr.  Fillmore's  im 
mediate,  personal  friends,  that  he  cannot  carry  New  York,  while, 
on  the  other  hand,  the  Union  men  are  active  and  zealous  for  Mr. 

1  Apparently  the  same  hand  as  many  of  Daniel  Webster's  letters  to  Fillmore, 
which  were  written  by  Abbott.  Daniel  Webster's  clerk. 

2  See  for  a   general  account  of  the  Convention  and  nominations,  Rhodes' 
"History  -jf  United  States,"  vol.  i,  pp.  253-259. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  517 

Webster,  as  are  some  of  those  who  have  been  reckoned  as  the 
followers  of  Mr.  Seward.  Even  the  Tribune  says,  that  Mr. 
Webster  can  carry  New  York,  although  it  maintains  that  it  is 
impossible  for  Mr.  Fillmore  to  do  so.  These  truths  respecting 
New  York  will  be  made  manifest  in  the  Convention,  and,  without 
the  help  of  New  York,  there  is  no  chance  of  electing  a  Whig 
President. 

The  whole  South  is  decidedly  against  Gen.  Scott,  and  the  for 
eign  vote  will  be  against  him  also,  on  account  of  his  famous 
letter  to  the  native  Americans ;  and,  what  is  remarkable, — the 
native  Americans  themselves  are  against  him,  to  a  man.  It  is 
not  supposed  that,  upon  the  whole,  he  has  any  considerable 
chance. 

Now,  my  Dear  Sir,  friends  here  have  assigned  one  important 
duty  to  you,  and  that  is,  to  take  pains  to  see  immediately  every 
delegate,  chosen  to  the  Convention  from  New  Hampshire,  and 
from  Vermont  and  arrange  matters  with  them,  so  that  they  shall 
adhere,  out  and  out,  for  Mr.  Webster,  not  to  give  him  a  first 
vote  merely,  or  to  vote  for  him  two  or  three  times,  and  then  go 
off  from  some  other  candidate,  or  to  give  out  a  disposition  of — 1 


(From  Chas.  W.  March.) 

Dear  gir  NEW  YOEK  April  8.  1852. 

Fairbanks  of  Charlestown  came  in  last  night.  He  tells  me  that 
the  Scott-men  in  Massachusetts,  aided  by  the  Custom-House,  are 
working  energetically,  and  boast  that  they  will  have  their  dele 
gates,  also  in  the  National  Convention.  Mr.  Fairbanks  says  that 
it  was  through  the  influence  of  Greeley,  he  was  left  out  of  the 
State  Central  Committee  this  year,  and  a  Scott-man  substituted — 
and  that  Greeley  with  Geo.  Morey  &c  promise  the  vote  of  the 
State  ultimately  for  Scott,  in  Convention.  At  the  same  time, 
Mr.  Fairbanks  contends  that  the  removal  of  Greeley,  at  this  late 
hour  of  the  administration  would  be  an  impolitic  proceeding. 
But  if  he  is  not  to  be  removed,  it  strikes  me  he  should  be  muzzled, 
and  Mr.  Corwin  could  do  it,  at  least,  his  machinations  should  be 
met  and  thwarted. 

Kellogg,  the  ejected  marshal  of  the  Northern  District  of  New 
York,  has  been  here,  on  his  return  home  from  Washington.  He 

1  Here  the  letter  breaks  off  abruptly,  the  next  sheet  being  lost. 


518  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

tells  me  that  he  has  none  but  kind  feelings  towards  you,  and  that 
he  only  supports  Scott  as  available.  If  the  latter  be  not  nomi 
nated  in  Convention  he  shall  go  for  you.  The  Legislature-cau 
cus,  you  will  see  has  expressed  a  choice  for  Scott.  This  was  not 
unexpected,  and  may  not  be  important.  It  is  intended  more  as  a 
demonstration  against  Fillmore —  This  is  intended  to  operate 
elsewhere — no  one  of  course  believes  it  here.  The  Mirror  has 
had  a  series  of  articles  lately  in  favor  of  Mr.  Fillmore,  not  in 
judiciously  written  upon  the  whole —  Fuller  promises,  that  I 
shall  insert  an  equal  number  for  you.  The  paper  has  not  much 
circulation  but  has  its  influence  nevertheless.  I  requested  Ray 
mond  to  let  me  write  a  series  of  articles  in  your  favor,  for  the 
"Times" — but  he  declines,  on  the  ground  that  he  wishes  to  take 
no. part  in  the  nomination.  He  is  however  for  Scott,  but  ready 
to  be  influenced  by  Mr.  Draper  &c 

Your  friends  here  meet  frequently  at  their  rooms  in  the  Astor, 
and  report  progress.  Mr.  Grinnell  is  very  busy,  enthusiastic  and 
sanguine.  He  says  that  with  thirty  firm  men  in  Convention,  you 
can  control  its  vote — and  I  make  it  certain  that  unless  we  are  most 
egregiously  deceived,  you  will  have  more  than  forty,  giving  to 
Mr  Fillmore  the  unanimous  South,  which  he  will  not  have. 

I  saw  Fuller,  M.  C.  from  Pennsylvania  last  night —  He  says 
that  he  prefers  you  to  any  man,  but  that  his  State  is  for  Scott. 
Still  he  says  there  is  great  dissatisfaction  that  the  State  Conven 
tion  should  have  appointed  the  whole  delegation  to  the  National 
Convention  instead  of  leaving  the  matter  to  the  Districts,  as 
heretofore.  The  consequence  will  be  in  his  opinion  that,  as  some 
delegates  had  been  already  appointed  by  Districts,  there  will  be 
contested  cases  before  the  National  Convention.  How  would  it 
do  for  your  friends  quietly  to  elect  delegates  by  Districts  and 
insist  upon  the  time-sanctioned  custom. 

Mr.  Ashmun  writes  me  that  he  shall  go  to  Washington  early  in 
the  week — 

Ever  most  respy  &  truly  yrs 

CHS.  W.  MARCH 

(From  Chas.  W.  March.) 

NEW  YORK  April  12.  52. 
Dear  Sir 

Gov.  Jones  and  Mr.  Ewing  of  Ky.  arrived  here  Saturday 
night,  on  an  invitation  to  be  present  at  the  "Clay  Festival"  this 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  519 

evening.  The  invitation  was  given  for  more  than  an  ordinary 
compliment.  It  means  mischief.  The  most  active  men  of  the 
Clay  Club, — Ulman,  Nat.  Blunt,  Nich.  Carroll  &c.  propose  to 
bring  forward  Gov.  Jones  as  the  man  to  catch  Mr.  Clay's  mantle 
as  that  distinguished  gentleman  departs — and  it  is  not  to  be  sup 
posed  that  the  Governor  is  ignorant  of  this  intention.  Mr. 
Ewing  a  representative  from  Kentucky  and  a  protege  of  Mr. 
Clay  told  me  two  months  since  in  Washington — that  he  looked 
upon  Jones  as  the  most  available  candidate  for  the  Presidency 
this  coming  election.  I  do  not  believe  however  that  the  move 
ment,  unless  earnestly  responded  to  at  the  South,  will  have  any 
other  result  than  to  detach  some  of  Mr.  Fillmore's  friends  from 
his  cause.  I  have  seen  a  great  deal  of  Gov.  Jones  since  he  has 
been  here,  and,  to  do  him  justice,  must  say,  that  he  is  invariably 
kind  in  his  language  towards  you.  He  says  that  Mr.  Fillmore's 
nomination,  which  otherwise  could  have  been  received,  will  not  be 
defeated  by  the  inconsiderate  conduct  of  such  friends  as  Hum 
phrey  Marshal,  Cabell  &c. 

Mr.  Draper  told  me  last  evening  that  he  hoped  such  an  ar 
rangement  would  be  effected  between  your  friends  in  this  city  and 
those  of  General  Scott  as  to  divide  the  delegation  between  you  & 
him — that  the  General's  friends  will  not  be  hostile  to  you  either  in 
the  city  or  out  of  it,  but  would  go  in  with  you,  and  secure  your 
nomination,  if  the  South  on  leaving  Fillmore  take  you  up.  This 
is  the  consummation  to  which  we  would  arrive,  and  perhaps  this, 
is  the  way  in  which  it  is  to  be  easiest  accomplished.  I  do  not  find 
among  the  delegates  [up]  to  this  time  elected  from  the  State 
favorable  to  Gen.  Scott,  any  unkind  feeling  towards  you — 

I  wrote  Mr.  Curtis  Saturday  of  my  fears  about  certain  districts 
in  Massachusetts,  to  which  I  begged  him  to  call  your  attention. 
I  trust  you  will  hold  with  me  that  it  is  of  paramount  importance 
to  secure  the  proper  men  from  Massachusetts.  One  traitor  there 
could  do  us  more  injury  than  fifty  opponents  in  other  States — 
as  was  proved  by  the  conduct  and  insinuations  of  Lunt  in  the  last 
convention —  I  shall  write  Mr.  Harvey  on  the  subject  by  to 
days  mail.  Mr.  Ashmun  will  be  here  to-night,  and  I  will  bring 
the  subject  before  him,  and  get  him  to  write. 

Great  exertions  have  been  made  to  get  up  an  enthusiastic  meet 
ing  for  the  Clay  demonstration  to-night — which  so  far  as  num 
bers  are  concerned  will  doubtless  be  successful. 
Ever  most  resp'y  &  truly 

CHAS,  W.  MARCH, 


520  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(From  G.  A.  Tavenner.1) 

Hon  Daniel  Webster  ALEXANDRIA  April  8 

Sir 

The  National  reputation  which  you  have  earned,  the  position 
you  occupy,  before  the  Country,  as  one  of  its  leading  statesmen, 
And  more  than  all,  your  fidelity  to  great  National  Whig  prin 
ciples,  must  be  my  excuse  for  addressing  you  upon  a  subj  ect,  now 
of  peculiar  interest  to  the  Whig  party  of  the  south — 

It  cannot  be  denied  that  in  all  the  sectional  contests  that  have 
agitated  and  convulsed  the  country,  the  Whigs  of  the  south  have 
shown  a  conservative — a  national  spirit.  They  have  always  been 
ready  to  give  a  cordial  support  to  northern  men  however  they 
might  differ  from  them  on  abstract  questions,  provided  they  were 
willing  to  abide  by,  and  sustain  the  compromises  of  the  constitu 
tion.  After  the  adoption  by  Congress  of  the  series  of  measures 
known  as  the  compromise,  and  after  the  evidence  of  acquiescence 
both  at  the  North  and  the  South  in  those  measures,  and  more  es 
pecially  after  the  decided  expression  by  the  Whig  caucus  at  the 
commencement  of  the  present  session  of  Congress,  we  had  sup 
posed  that,  the  question  of  slavery  would  no  longer  prevent  con 
cert  of  action  among  the  Whigs  in  the  various  sections  of  the 
union,  but  that  an  effort  would  be  made  to  give  success  to  the 
principles  of  the  adjustment  bill  so  essential  to  the  best  interests 
of  the  country. 

If  however  the  recent  vote  in  the  House  of  Representatives  on 
the  resolutions  of  Messrs  Jackson  and  Hilly er2  be  a  fair  indica 
tion  of  public  sentiment  at  the  north — if  the  question  of  the  fugi 
tive  slave  law  is  again  to  be  made  the  subject  of  agitation — if 
this  plain  provision  of  the  constitution  is  to  be  considered  of  no 
binding  force  and  obligation  upon  the  north,  then  the  paths  of 
the  north  and  the  south  diverge. 

The  constitution  guarantees  to  every  section  its  rights.  It 
imposes  duties  which  no  section  is  at  liberty  to  disregard,  and  so 
far  as  the  Whig  party  of  the  south  is  concerned  I  cannot  honestly 
act  with  those  who  treat  as  a  thing  of  naught  its  sacred  obliga 
tions.  It  is  to  be  hoped  however  that  this  is  not  the  purpose 
of  northern  Whigs.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that,  the  vote  on  the  reso 
lutions  to  which  we  have  referred  does  not  express  the  sentiment 

1  A  Virginia  politician.     See  Webster's  reply. 

2  See  "Congressional  Globe,"   vol.  xxiv,  part  2,  p.    983.     The  resolution 
recognized  the  binding  power  of  the  Compromise  of  1850. 


THE   NATIONAL    STATESMAN  521 

of  the  whig  party  at  the  north  on  the  subjects  to  which  they 
relate.  You  have  the  means  of  knowing  the  state  of  public  sen 
timent  at  the  north.  You  have  been  identified  with  no  section  in 
sectional  controversies.  You  occupy  a  position  from  which  you 
can  speak  plainly,  and  I  doubt  not  your  advice  will  be  heeded. 
We  are  aware  that  you  will  differ  from  many  southern  whigs  on 
the  abstract  question  of  slavery  but  we  also  know  that  you  have 
always  stood  forth  the  bold  and  fearless  defender  of  the  constitu 
tion  and  so  as  that  instrument  guarantees  them  to  us  you  have 
been  the  advocate  of  the  rights  of  the  south.  What  then  in  your 
opinion  has  the  south  a  right  to  expect  from  the  north?  Upon 
what  platform  are  the  whigs  north  and  south  to  stand  in  the  com 
ing  presidential  contest?  Is  the  constitution  to  be  the  bond  of 
Union  between  them?  Are  the  late  adjustment  measures  to  be 
considered  a  final  settlement  in  principle  and  substance  of  all  the 
subjects  which  they  embrace  or  is  the  whig  party  henceforth  to 
be  a  sectional  instead  of  a  great  national  party.  These  are 
questions  which  address  themselves  to  the  friends  of  the  Consti 
tution  to  the  friends  of  the  Union.  They  are  questions  upon 
which  the  patriotic  of  all  parties  should  speak  out  their  senti 
ments.  May  we  not  hope  that  we  shall  have  the  benefit  of  your 
counsel  ? 

Very  Respectfully  Your  Obt.  Svt. 

G.  A.  TAVENNER 

(ToG.  A.  Tavenner.1) 

„.  WASHINGTON,  April  9.  1852 

Dear  Sir, 

I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of 
the  8th  inst.,  and  thank  you  for  what  you  are  pleased  to  say,  of 
my  fidelity,  to  great  national  Whig  principles.  I  trust,  there  is 
not  a  man  in  the  country  who  doubts  my  approbation  of  those 
measures,  which  are  usually  called  "Compromise  Measures,"  or 
my  fixed  determination  to  uphold  them  steadily  &  firmly.  Noth 
ing  but  a  deep  sense  of  duty,  led  me  to  take  the  part  which  I  did 
take,  in  bringing  about  their  adoption  by  Congress,  and  that 
same  sense  of  duty,  remains  with  unabated  force.  I  am  of  opin 
ion  that  those  measures,  one  and  all,  were  necessary  and  expedi 
ent,  and  ought  to  be  adhered  to,  by  all  friends  of  the  Constitu- 

1  See  Tavenner's  letter  to  Webster.     This  letter  is  copied  from  the  original 
draft  of  the  letter  sent. 


522  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

tion,  and  all  lovers  of  their  country.  That  one  among  them, 
which  appears  to  have  given  the  greatest  dissatisfaction,  I  mean 
the  Fugitive  Slave  Law,  I  hold  to  be  a  law,  entirely  Constitu 
tional,  highly  proper,  and  absolutely  essential  to  the  peace  of  the 
country.  Such  a  law  is  demanded  by  the  plain  written  words  of 
the  Constitution;  and  how  any  man,  can  wish  to  abrogate  or 
destroy  it,  &  at  the  same  time  say,  that  he  is  a  supporter  of  the 
Constitution,  and  willing  to  adhere  to  those  provisions  in  it,  which 
are  clear  &  positive  injunctions  and  restraints,  passes  my  power 
of  comprehension.  My  belief  is,  that  when  the  passions  of  men 
subside,  and  reason  and  true  patriotism,  are  allowed  to  have  their 
proper  sway,  the  public  mind,  north  and  south,  will  come  to  a 
proper  state  upon  these  questions.  I  do  not  believe  that  further 
agitation,  can  make  any  considerable  progress  at  the  north.  The 
great  mass  of  the  people,  I  am  sure,  are  sound,  and  have  no  wish 
to  interfere  with  such  things,  as  are,  by  the  Constitution  placed 
under  the  exclusive  control  of  the  separate  states.  I  have  noticed, 
indeed,  not  without  regret,  certain  proceedings  to  which  you  have 
alluded,  and  in  regard  to  these,  I  have  to  say,  that  gentlemen 
may  not  think  it  necessary,  or  proper,  that  they  should  be  called 
upon,  to  affirm,  by  resolution,  that,  which  is  already  the  existing 
law  of  the  land.  That  any  positive  movement,  to  repeal  or  alter, 
any  or  all,  the  Compromise  Measures,  would  meet  with  any  gen 
eral  encouragement,  or  support,  I  do  not  at  all  believe.  But 
however  that  may  be,  my  own  sentiments  remain,  and  are  likely 
to  remain,  quite  unchanged.  I  am  in  favor  of  upholding  the 
Constitution,  in  the  general,  and  all  its  particulars.  I  am  in 
favor  of  respecting  its  authority  and  obeying  its  injunctions ;  and 
to  the  end  of  my  life,  shall  do  all  in  my  power,  to  fulfill,  hon 
estly  and  faithfully,  all  its  provisions.  I  look  upon  the  Com 
promise  Measures,  as  a  just  proper,  fair,  and  final  adjustment  of 
the  questions  to  which  they  relate;  and  no  re-agitation  of  those 
questions,  no  new  opening  of  them,  no  effort  to  create  dissatisfac 
tion  with  them,  will  ever  receive  from  me  the  least  countenance  or 
support,  concurrence  or  approval,  at  any  time,  or  under  any 
circumstances.1 

I  am,  with  regard  Your  obt.  servt 

1  Charles  W.  March,  in  a  letter  dated  New  York,  April  1.5,  1852,  says: 
"Your  letter  to  Mr.  Taveimer  of  Va.  is  well  received  here.  I  have  heard  no 
one  speak  against  it  and  the  press,  with  the  exception  of  the  Evening  Post, 
always  captious  and  censorious  and  unjust  where  your  name  is  mentioned — 
speak  favorably  of  it." 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  523 

(Hiram  Ketchum  to  Peter  Harvey.* ) 
Private 
My  dear  Sir  MONDAY.  Apl.  12",  1852. 

The  young  men  make  a  great  demonstration  on  the  evening  of 
Monday  19th.  Mr.  Stevenson,  among  other  speakers,  is  I  learn 
invited  to  be  present.  Now  I  have  been  at  great  pains  to  get  up 
this  meeting  hoping,  and  believing,  it  would  produce  a  new  era 
in  our  proceedings — an  era  of  enthusiasm.  This  is  what  we 
want,  and  I  desire  our  friend  S.  to  know  that  the  purpose  is  to 
set  the  prairie  on  fire.  An  excellent  address  is  prepared,  and  the 
young  men  will  get  up  spirited  resolutions.  It  is  not  exclusively 
a  Whig  meeting,  but  a  meeting  of  young  men.  The  address 
will  be  to  the  young  men  of  the  United  States.  It  will  cost  us  a 
great  deal  to  get  certain  portions  of  our  press  right — that  is  to 
say  we  shall  have  to  pay  for  an  immense  issue  of  papers.  Not 
less  than  20000  extras  containing  the  proceedings  of  the  meeting 
will  be  issued.  Say  this  to  our  friend  S.  I  am  now  arranging 
for  this  purpose 

Bye  the  bye  in  respect  to  money  the  only  safe  and  efficient  way 
is  to  let  a  number  of  rich  men  say  to  one  of  their  number  advance 
whatever  is  necessary  and  we  will  see  you  re-funded — or  if  any 
friend  wishes  to  limit  the  amount  for  which  he  wishes  to  be  held 

liable  let  him  say  not  exceeding  $ No  man  has  paid  any 

thing  but  M.  H.  Grinnell  and  he  has  paid  more  than  $3000 — he 
knows  however  to  whom  to  look.  We  must  fight  the  battle  to 
win,  and  we  can  win.  I  cannot  enter  into  particulars  now,  but 
we  feel  strong  confidence,  and  are  vigorously  at  work. 

Yrs  truly 
H.  KETCHUM 

(To  C.  J.  McCurdy.) 
(Private) 

30TH  APRIL,  1852. 

We  suppose  it  is  not  the  purpose  of  Mr.  Hiilseman  the  Aus 
trian  Charge  d' Affaires  here,  to  remain  in  the  Country.  His 
relations  with  this  Department  to  which  he  was  accredited,  have 
not  been  amicable,  for  some  time ;  &  his  conduct,  in  some  respects, 
has  been  so  extremely  irregular,  that  I  was  much  inclined  some 
months  ago,  to  sngnify  that  his  presence  here  was  not  longer  de- 

1  Harvey,  of  course,  represented  Webster. 


524  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

sirable.     But  it  was  thought  better,  on  the  whole,  that  his  with 
drawal  should  be  his  own  voluntary  act. 

I  leave  Washington  today,  for  my  own  residence,  &  shall  be 
absent  ten  or  twenty  days,  &  on  my  return  I  shall  write  you,  par 
ticularly,  on  this  subject,  stating  fully  what  has  occurred,  and  if 
you  think  proper  you  may,  on  receipt  of  this,  intimate  this  pur 
pose  to  the  Austrian  Secretary  of  State,  for  Foreign  Affairs ;  & 
you  may  state  distinctly,  at  the  same  time,  that  neither  the  Presi 
dent  nor  myself  have  the  slightest  intention  of  treating  the  Aus 
trian  Government  with  disrespect,  the  complaint  is  personal,  & 
confined  to  Mr  Hiilseman. 

[D.  WEBSTER] 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  Fletcher  FRIDAY  1  O  clock.  [May.  1852] 

I  have  yrs  of  yesterday,  contain'g  an  acct.  of  the  meet'g  &c. — 
I  had  intended,  before  its  receipt,  to  say  someth'g  on  the  political 
contents  of  your  last. 

It  seems  to  me,  with  great  deference,  that  things  are  not  in  a 
good  way.  Nobody  does  any  thing,  on  our  side. 

Notwithstanding  all  the  "good  feel'g,"  results  appear  always 
adverse.  You  say,  today,  that  the  Atlas  Clique  have  managed 
to  elect  their  own  Deputy, — as  you  fear ;  &  that  Mr  Harvey  con 
demns  the  whole  set.  But  what  does  Mr  Harvey  propose  to 
do?— 

Really,  I  am  tired  of  hear'g  any  thing  upon  this  subject, 
unless  it  is  a  proposition  to  do  someth'g.  If  any  friends  wish 
to  meet  to  consult  for  action,  I  will  meet  with  them,  at  any  time, 
if  not  confined  to  my  home.  But  I  have  had  eno.  of  cheer'g  pros 
pects  &  sicken'g  results.  When  is  "the  meeting"  to  be  called  ? — 
&  when  held.  I  wish  you,  &  Mr.  Harvey,  would  go  &  pass  an  hour 
with  Mr.  Everett — and  come  to  some  conclusions,  abt.  some- 
th'g. 

Yrs.  D.  W. 

(Edward  Curtis  (?)  to  Peter  Harvey.) 

Peter  Harvey—  WASHINGTON  D.  C.  4"  May  1852. 

My  dear  Sir — If  your  Bay   State  Delegates  shall  have  no 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  525 

Lunts  among  them,  and,  by  their  example,  shall  keep  firm  all  the 
New  England  delegates  that  have  been  chosen  as  Webster  men, 
our  friend  stands  a  good  chance  to  be  nominated.  There  is  now 
no  reason  to  believe  that  Scott  will  be  nominated,  unless  the 
Webster  men  of  the  North  desert,  and  join  the  drum  &  fife  party. 
Those  who  see  Scott,  here,  every  day,  say  that  he  swears  by 
the  edge  of  his  sword,  that  he  will  not  make  any  promise  or 
declaration  about  the  Compromise.  He  says  to  Southern  Men 
that  he  is  as  much  of  a  Compromise  man  as  Mr.  Webster;  but 
he  will  get  no  Southern  vote  in  the  Convention,  unless  he  come 
out,  with  a  declaration  of  the  Compromise  faith.  If  he  make 
such  a  proclamation  of  his  adherence  to  the  Compromise  he  will 
lose  a  large  share  of  his  Northern  supporters,  and  will  get  few 
or  no  votes  from  the  South. 

If  Scott  can  hire  the  support  in  the  Convention,  of  so  many 
delegates  from  the  free-states,  including  deserters  in  New  Eng 
land  of  delegates  chosen  for  Mr.  Webster,  as  to  get  a  majority, 

&  be  nominated,  it  is  agreed,  all  around  the  C ,  that  the 

Southern  Whigs  will  go  in  for  the  Democratic  Candidates  ( being 
some  man  sound  on  the  Compromise)  and  elect  him  over  Scott. 
The  Southern  men  who  bolted  from  the  Caucus  do  not  declare 
this,  in  so  many  words ;  but  it  is  what  they  mean — they  will  prob 
ably  attend  the  Convention,  and  if  our  Webster  delegates  give 
way,  and  Scott  is  thus  nominated,  they  will  have  another  meeting, 
and  turn  in  to  the  support  of  the  Democratic  Candidate,  if  he 
be,  as  he  will  be  sound  &  firm  on  the  Compromise  question.  On 
the  other  hand,  Peter,  if  the  North,  (I  mean  the  Webster  force 
limited  as  it  is)  will  not  give  up,  the  South  will  not  keep  back. 
The  Fillmore  men  of  the  South,  seeing  the  danger  of  having 
Scott,  and  having  voted  for  Fillmore  two  or  three  times,  will 
cheerfully  join  themselves  to  the  supporters  of  Mr.  Webster,  and 
nominate  him.  Besides,  I  know,  if  you  do  not,  that  the  Scott 
men,  of  the  State  of  New  York,  would  not  go  and  hang  them 
selves,  if  General  Scott  failing  of  a  southern  vote  should  not  get 
quite  enough  in  other  states  for  a  nomination.  So  that  they 
could  keep  Fillmore  from  having  a  majority,  they  would  help  the 
South,  &  and  the  N.  E.  States  to  nominate  Mr.  Webster.  Peter, 
take  courage  &  faint  not.  Now  is  the  day.  The  great  superiority 
of  Mr.  Webster  over  all  other  Statesmen  &  orators  was  never  so 
acknowledged  by  the  mass  of  our  people  as  at  this  time.  His 
mental  efforts  are  more  distinguished  for  force  and  variety,  this 
year,  than  ever.  &  this  is  generally  acknowledged.  Peter,  I  am 


526  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

directed  to  draw  upon  you.  (ask  Mr.  Horn  if  I  am  not,)  for  the 
enormous  sum  of  $300.  for  the  support  of  domestic  missions — 
the  missionaries  are  out,  and  I  am  in,  for  twice  that  sum  since  Mr. 
Horn  was  here. 

Allow  me  to  say  that  Mr.  Warren1  of  Bunker  Hill,  is  one  of 
most  sensible,  judicious  and  practical  D.  W.  men  that  I  have  ever 
seen  in  Washington  from  the  Bay  State —  He  has  been  here  a 
few  days —  He  has  seen  &  made  himself  well  acquainted  with 
everybody  here  whom  it  was  profitable  to  know  &  confer  with. 


(D.  Fletcher  Webster  to  Peter  Harvey.) 

My  dear  Harvey  SUNDAY,  [May  9.  1852] 

Father  is  doing  very  well.  He  has  only  strained  his  wrists.2 
Come  down  &  see  him.  He  will  be  here  a  week  or  more.  He 
cannot  write  himself  or  he  would  to  you. 

Yr  always 

F  WEBSTER. 


(Hiram  Ketchum  to  Peter  Harvey.) 

My  dear  Sir  MONDAY  May  10—1852— 

I  returned  from  Washington  last  evg.  While  I  was  there,  less 
than  two  days,  I  assisted  in  organizing  a  club  of  good  fellows  at 
Washington  to  keep  an  open  room,  and  to  entertain  delegates  and 
other  important  men.  Ed  Curtis  is  treasurer,  and  for  their  im 
mediate  use  their  club  will  want  $1000 — one  half  of  which  must 
come  from  this  place.  I  desire  Curtis  to  be  written  to  at  once  by 
your  committee.  We  must  now  use  our  time,  and  means  to  the 
very  best  advantage. 

It  is  the  universal  sentiment — Let  not  Mr.  Webster  make  an 
other  Speech.  I  have  received  repeated  requests  to  write  Mr. 
Webster  to  this  effect.  I  want  you  to  say  it  to  him,  and  it  is  my 
earnest  request  that  he  speak  no  more. 

Very  truly 

HIRAM  KETCHUM. 

1  G.  Washington  Warren. 

2  Webster  was  injured  by  a  fall  from  his  carriage.     See  account  by  Lanman 
in  Curtis'  "Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  606. 


527 

(From  Millar d  Fillmore.) 

My  Dear  Sir,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  May,  20th  1852. 

Yours  of  the  12th  inst.  came  duly  to  hand,  but  I  have  delayed 
answering  it,  for  the  purpose  of  seeing  a  translation  of  Mr. 
Hiilsemann's  letter,  which  I  did  not  get  until  yesterday.  I  am 
exceedingly  gratified  to  learn  that  your  injury  was  not  so  severe 
but  that  we  may  soon  hope  to  see  you  with  us  again.  The  anec 
dote,  which  you  relate  of  your  old  friend  who  watched  you  so 
intently  in  the  moment  of  danger,  is  truly  touching,  and  the 
graphic  manner  in  which  you  have  described  it  presents  a  scene, 
which  would  form  a  beautiful  subject  for  a  painting.  It  must 
have  been  some  gratification,  at  least,  amid  your  afflictions  to  wit 
ness  the  universal  sympathy  at  your  misfortune,  and  the  deep 
interest  which  everyone  took  in  your  recovery.  I  perceive,  by 
the  papers,  that  you  are  soon  to  speak  at  Faneuil  Hall,  and  I 
therefore  infer,  that,  with  the  exception  of  your  hands  and  arms, 
you  are  quite  recovered. 

In  regard  to  a  further  reply  to  Mr.  Hiilsemann's  letter  we  will 
consider  of  that  when  you  return.  My  own  impression  is,  how 
ever,  that  the  most  dignified  as  well  as  expedient  course  for  us,  will 
be,  to  limit  the  reply  or  communication  to  Mr.  Me.  Curdy  to  that 
part  of  it  which  complains  of  the  disclosure  of  his  communications 
by  the  State  Department.  Mr.  Bodisco  expressed  a  doubt  to  me 
whether  he  is  the  "Hiilsemann,"  the  Author  of  the  Travels  in 
America,  which  were  so  justly  and  severely  criticised  in  the  North 
American  Review.  But  whether  he  be  or  not,  it  seems  to  me 
that  he  is  hardly  worth,  as  you  say,  "a  discharge  of  the  lower 
tier,"  and  it  might  serve  further  to  irritate  the  Austrian  Govern 
ment,  with  which  it  is  our  interest,  if  possible,  to  be  on  good 
terms. 

The  Mexican  Minister  has  not  yet  been  received,  but  probably 
will  be  on  Saturday.  I  have  a  copy  of  his  address,  which  is 
quite  general  with  warm  professions  of  friendship  and  a  desire  to 
maintain  amicable  relations  between  the  two  governments.  I  am 
a  little  apprehensive,  from  what  President  Arista  says  in  his  let 
ter  to  me,  that  Mr.  Letcher  went  farther  than  was  intended,  in 
threatening  the  Mexican  government  with  an  interruption  of  our 
peaceful  relations  in  case  she  did  not  ratify  the  treaty.  By  as 
suming  to  treat  with  her,  we  certainly  conceded,  that  she  had  a 
right  either  to  adopt  or  reject  the  treaty.  It  was  our  duty,  as 
well  to  the  Tehuantepec  Company  as  to  the  United  States,  to 


528  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

make  every  reasonable  effort  to  secure  this  right  of  way  and  pro 
tect  whatever  rights  the  Company  might  have  under  the  Garay 
grant,  but  the  rights  of  the  Company,  like  the  rights  of  every 
other  contractor  with  a  foreign  nation,  or  its  subjects,  are  rights 
growing  out  of  a  private  contract,  and  if  the  Mexican  govern 
ment  refuses  to  fulfil  that  contract,  the  proprietors  doubtless 
have  a  claim  for  pecuniary  indemnity,  but  that  is  to  be  settled, 
like  every  other  claim  of  this  kind  that  our  citizens  may  have 
against  a  foreign  government.  President  Arista  insists,  that 
they  are  willing  to  grant  the  right  of  way  to  our  citizens,  or 
others,  who  will  construct  the  railroad.  But  I  infer,  that  the 
great  objection  to  the  Garay  grant  consists  in  the  fact,  that  a 
large  territory  was  granted  with  it,  on  each  side  of  the  proposed 
railroad,  and  a  much  larger  territory  was  to  be  open  to  coloniza 
tion,  and  that  the  Mexicans  were  justly  apprehensive,  that  if  the 
Americans  established  so  large  a  colony  on  the  Southern  borders 
of  their  territory,  that  it  might  turn  out  to  be  another  Texan 
colony  which  would  involve  their  nation  in  war,  and  might  result 
in  another  annexation;  and,  considering  what  has  passed,  these 
apprehensions  were  not  unreasonable —  Since  you  left,  Mr.  Har- 
gous  has  submitted  a  proposition  on  the  subject,  which  if  adopted 
by  the  Administration,  and  sanctioned  by  Congress,  would,  I 
doubt  not,  finally  result  in  a  war  between  the  two  countries.  Cer 
tainly  nothing  has  been  left  undone,  that  could  have  been  done, 
to  secure  the  rights  of  the  Company  and  guarantee  them  by  a 
treaty  between  Mexico  and  the  United  States ;  but  the  treaty  has 
failed,  and  under  such  circumstances,  that  I  am  satisfied,  that  it 
can  never  be  ratified,  and  I  shall  therefore  now  wait  to  see  what 
propositions  the  new  Mexican  minister  is  authorized  to  make,  and 
I  doubt  not  you  will  be  here  before  it  is  necessary  to  consider 
them. 

I  handed  your  letter  to  Mr.  Hunter  that  he  might  copy  for 
you  that  part  of  it  which  you  desire.  The  weather  is  yet  quite 
cool,  and  a  fire  is  not  uncomfortable  in  the  morning.  It  would  be 
agreeable  at  all  times  to  have  you  here,  and  especially  at  the 
Council  board,  but  yet  there  is  nothino-  particularly  pressing, 
and  I  beg  of  you,  to  make  yourself  contented  and  happy,  without 
any  unnecessary  anxiety  about  matters  here,  until  you  shall  feel 
your  self  perfectly  restored  and  able  to  return,  when  I  shall  bo 
most  happy  to  welcome  you. 

I  am  your  obt.  servt. 

MlLLARD  FlLI/MORE. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  529 

(Edward  Curtis  to  P.  Harvey.)   (?) 

WASHINGTON  D.  C.  25  May  1852 
My  dear  Sir. 

I  reed  your  letter  of  April  20th.  I  concur  with  the  feelings 
you  express,  in  regard  to  Mr.  Fillmore;  but,  if  the  N.  E.  dele 
gates  which,  except  Maine,  have  been  counted  for  Mr.  Webster 
would  stand  firm,  not  going  off  to  Scott,  the  South  will  come  in 
for  Mr.  Webster  after  a  few  votes  for  Fillmore.  This  is  mani 
fest,  from  the  declarations  of  the  leading  Southern  Whigs  who 
go  for  Fillmore —  They  declare  this,  in  the  Southern  Newspa 
pers,  at  the  meetings  held  in  Alabama,  last  week,  to  choose  Whig 
Delegates  they  resolved  to  go  for  Webster  after  "discharging 
their  duty"  to  Mr.  Fillmore —  But  if  the  Webster  Whigs  at  the 
North,  after  a  vote  or  two  for  him,  desert  and  go  for  Scott,  then 
the  game  is  up — no  chance  is  given  to  the  South  to  turn  from 
Fillmore  to  Webster. 

It  is  safe  for  the  Northern  men,  who  wish  to  see  Mr.  Webster 
President,  but  who  prefer  Scott  to  Fillmore  to  hold  on  for  Web 
ster  without  flinching,  because  the  figures  show  that  Fillmore, 
with  all  his  South,  &  South  Western  votes,  will  not  have,  and 
cannot  have  votes  enough  to  nominate  him.  You  know  that  many 
of  the  leaders  of  the  Scott  party,  in  New  York,  w'd  prefer  Mr. 
Webster,  and  if  Scott  be  not  nominated  on  the  first  Ballott,  they 
will  show  the  South  that  if  they  redeem  their  pledges  to  Mr. 
Webster  they  can  nominate  him.  Everything  depends  upon  our 
friends  holding  on —  I  repeat,  that  they  run  no  risk  whatever 
with  Fillmore  in  holding  on  to  Mr.  Webster.  With  all  the  noise 
now  made  Fillmore  cannot  get  a  majority,  and  will  be  a  cruel 
business  in  the  Webster  men  of  the  North  to  go  off  for  Scott 
before  we  give  Mr.  Webster  a  chance  to  get  the  South —  If 
there  were  any  danger  of  having  Fillmore  hoisted  on  us,  by 
adhering  to  Mr.  Webster,  the  case  w'd  be  very  different. 

We  have  a  certainty  that  Fillmore  will  fall  short,  though  his 
vote  will  be  large —  Under  these  circumstance,  there  is  no  ex 
cuse  for  any  body  to  quit  Mr.  Webster,  who  affects  to  prefer  him. 

We  have  a  Webster  Committee  Room  in  this  City,  and  we  are 
doing  our  best  to  get  ready  for  the  convention. 

Yours  truly 

EDWARD  CURTIS. 


530  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(Memorandum,1 ) 

[JUNE  14,  1852] 

Suggestions  for  the  establishment  of  friendly  relations  between 
Austria  &  the  United  States. — 

An  official  note  from  the  Secretary  of  State  to  the  Austrian 
Charge  d'Affaires  in  Washington  appears  to  be  indispensable, 
and  a  preliminary  &  mutual  understanding  on  the  contents  of  the 
note  is  deemed  necessary. 

Without  pretending  in  the  least  to  dictate  the  terms  of  the 
note — the  following  points  appear  to  be  essential  for  the  pur 
pose. 

It  would  be  mentioned  that  the  President  had  been  confiden 
tially  informed  by  the  Minister  of  a  friendly  power  that  after  his 
recent  arrival  from  Havana,  Mr.  Hiilsemann  had  decided  to  leave 
Washington  &  return  to  Vienna  &  that  he  had  come  to  this  deter 
mination  mainly  on  account  of  an  incident  connected  with  the 
reception  of  Kossuth  and  in  consequence  of  his  unpleasant  posi 
tion  towards  the  Secretary  of  State. 

The  President  has  also  been  informed  that  his  last  verbal 
declaration  to  Mr.  Hiilsemann  had  been  found  satisfactory  by 
the  Austrian  government,  but  that  a  certain  public  demonstra 
tion  and  the  pending  misunderstanding  between  Mr.  Hiilsemann 
&  Mr.  Webster,  rendered  it  desirable  that  the  verbal  declaration 
of  the  President  should  be  officially  corroborated  &  in  consequence 
of  that  desire  Mr.  Fillmore  had  authorized  Mr.  Webster  to  renew 
the  assurance  that  the  President  most  sincerely  desired  to  see  the 
former  friendly  relations  completely  re-established  and  to  accom 
plish  that  object  Mr.  Webster  was  authorized  to  invite  Mr. 
Hiilsemann  to  resume  forthwith  his  suspended  intercourse  with 
the  American  Government. 

Mr.  Webster  could  state  in  his  note  that  he  adhered  entirely 
to  the  contents  of  the  President's  last  declaration  &  it  would  be 
very  courteous  if  Mr.  Webster  mentioned  in  his  note  his  high 
respect  for  the  Emperor  of  Austria  &  express  his  best  wishes  for 
the  prosperity  and  the  integrity  of  the  Austrian  Empire.  Mr. 
Webster  would  then  state  that  he  was  ready  to  renew  the  former 
friendly  intercourse  with  Mr.  Hiilsemann  and  in  so  doing  comply 
as  much  with  the  Presidents  wishes  as  well  as  with  his  personal 
feelings. — 

1  In  Webster's  handwriting. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  531 

Mr.  Webster  will  probably  admit  the  propriety  of  sending  his 
card  to  Mr.  Hiilsemann.  This  courtesy  would  be  highly  appre 
ciated.  Mr.  Hiilsemann  would  immediately  return  the  visit  in 
person  and  express  the  desire  that  the  Secretary  of  State  would 
enable  Mr.  Hiilsemann  to  present  his  respects  to  the  President 
in  the  usual  way  but  without  any  speech. 

A  short  notice  to  be  inserted  in  the  Republic  stating  that  after 
having  received  friendly  and  satisfactory  explanations  Mr. 
Hiilsemann,  the  Austrian  Charge  d'Affaires,  on  his  return  from 
Havana,  had  resumed  his  position  and  his  friendly  relations  with 
the  American  government. — 


(To  Mlllard  Fillmore.) 
(Private) 

WASHINGTON  June  [17]  1852. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  have  sent  a  communication  to  Baltimore  this  morning  to  have 
an  end  put  to  the  pending  controversy.1  I  think  it  most  prob 
able  you  will  be  nominated  before  1 .  o'clock.  But  this  is  opinion 
merely.  Yrs.  D.  W. 


(Webster's  Interview  with  Chas.  A.  Stetson.2) 

JUNE  1852 

"When  he,  (Mr.  Webster)  came  down  from  Washington,  after 
the  Baltimore  Convention,  I  thought  him  feeble  and  very  unwell ; 
several  gentlemen  called  to  see  him,  who  noticed  it.  After  a 
very  serious  conversation  with  him  for  some  time  in  relation  to 
his  personal  matter  and  the  condition  of  politics,  I  left  him. 

Late  in  the  day,  as  I  came  round  the  corner  of  the  entry-way 
near  his  room,  he  was  standing  alone.  I  walked  up  to  him,  and 
put  my  hand  upon  his  breast,  and  said  to  him,  'I  hope  all  is  right 
here.'  'Yes,  sir,'  he  replied,  'I  am  too  near  God  to  have  a  single 
heart  burning  against  a  human  creature  on  the  earth,  but  I  have 
a  chagrin  as  profound  as  my  entire  nature,  and  it  is,  that  after 
having  performed  my  duty  to  my  southern  brethren,  they  had 

1  The  Whig  Convention  was  then  sitting  at  Baltimore,  and  General  Scott's, 
Mr.  Fillmore's,  and  Mr.  Webster's  names  were  before  them. 

2  Account  of  an  interview  with  Daniel  Webster  after  the  Baltimore  Conven 
tion  by  his  friend,  Charles  A.  Stetson,  of  the  Astor  House. 


LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

neither  the  courage  or  kindness  to  place  me  on  the  record  of  that 
convention.  I  do  not  say  I  did  not  want  the  nomination,  but  I 
would  rather  have  had  their  record  than  the  nomination.'  I 
was  struck  very  forcibly  with  the  manner  and  feeling  with  which 
he  uttered  these  words."1 


(From  Chas.  A.  Stetson.2) 

ASTOR  HOUSE  June  29th.  1852. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  have  yielded,  and  you  must  not  blame  me,  to  the  request  of 
some  old  personal  friends,  to  write  a  letter  for  Col.  Howard  of 
Michigan.  I  have  no  word  for  myself,  no  heart,  had  I  a  word, 
to  write  it.  I  feel  like  saying  to  Whig  friends 

"I  hold  it,  Sir,  that  we  shake  hands,  and  part : 

You,  as  your  business,  and  desire,  shall  point  you. — 
For  every  man  hath  business,  and  desire, 

Such  as  it  is, — and  for  my  own  poor  part, 
Look  you,  I  will  go  pray." 
I  will  not  trouble  you  again  in  these  matters 
Ever  yours  faithfully 

C.  A.  STETSON. 


(To  Fletcher  Webster.) 
Secret 

Jui/r  4.  '52 
My  Dear  Son 

I  confess  I  grow  inclined  to  cross  the  Seas.  I  meet,  here,  so 
many  causes  of  vexation,  &  humiliation,  growing  out  of  the  events 
connected  with  the  convention,  that  I  am  pretty  much  decided  & 
determined,  to  leave  the  Department  early  in  August,  &  either  go 
abroad,  or  go  into  obscurity.  You  may  mention  this  to  Mr. 
Paige,  but  to  no  other  soul.  We  leave  on  Tuesday. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL,  WEBSTER 

1  This  interview  is  taken  from  a  newspaper  clipping1  in  the  possession  of  Mr. 
C.  E.  Bliss,  of  Banker,  Me.  The  d-ite  and  name  of  the  paper  cannot  be 
ascertained.  There  is  no  one  to  vouch  for  the  authenticity  of  the  interview. 
See,  however,  the  volume  "  Webster  Centennial." 

8  Proprietor  of  the  Astor  House. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  533 

(To  Edward  Curtis.) 

WASHINGTON — July  4"  1852. 
My  Best  of  Friends ! 

I  send  you  a  copy  of  my  Speeches ;  but  I  write  nothing  on  the 
blank  leaf,  but  Your  Name  &  my  own. 

I  shall  not,  now  or  ever,  attempt  to  thank  you,  for  your  affec 
tionate  and  long  continued  attachment,  and  your  unbounded 
Devotion  to  my  character  and  fortunes. 

May  Almighty  God  bless  you,  and  Yours ! 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Charles  A.  Stetson.) 

WASHINGTON  July  5th.  1852 
My  Dear  Sir, 

The  Bar  and  Bench  and  others  at  Detroit  have  requested  that 
the  appointment  of  a  Marshal  might  be  delayed  till  they  can  be 
heard  from. 

I  leave  here  tomorrow-morning,  and  hope  to  be  with  you  to 
morrow  night. 

I  agree  with  you  that  it  is  time  to  shake  hands1  with  some 
folks  and  part,  and  there  are  others  I  am  willing  to  part  with 
without  shaking  hands. 

Yours  truly, 
DANL  WEBSTER. 

(To  Millar d  Fillmore.) 

To  the  President,  NEW  YORK>  July  8th'  1852- 

My  Dear  Sir. 

At  Philadelphia  a  Despatch  from  Mr.  Letcher  was  put  into 
my  hands,  which  I  think  of  considerable  importance,  and  which 
I  send  to  the  Department  to  day.  When  you  shall  have  read  it, 
there  are  several  points  to  which  I  ask  your  attention. 

1st.  Shall  not  this  Despatch  be  read  to  Mr.  Crampton,  on  ac 
count  of  the  favorable  sentiments  expressed  by  the  British  min 
ister  in  Mexico?  I  know  Mr.  Doyle.  He  is  a  countryman  of 
Mr.  Crampton  &  a  good  tempered  man. 

'  See  Stetson's  letter  of  June  29,  1852. 


534  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

2nd.  Does  not  this  Despatch  enhance  the  importance  of  a  wise 
selection  of  a  minister  to  Mexico? 

3d.  Would  it  not  be  well  that  I  should  inform  Mr.  Hargous, 
who  is  now  here  that  the  Mexican  Government  proposes  a  neur 
contract,  &  that  his  Company  should  consider  whether  it  would 
not  be  wise  in  them  to  send  an  agent  immediately  to  Mexico  to 
negotiate  for  that  contract?  You  will  perceive  that  Mexico  is 
afraid  of  our  reclamations  in  favor  of  the  Company. 

4th.  Whether  it  might  not  be  well  that  Mr.  Hunter  should 
write  a  note  to  the  Mexican  Minister  to  say,  that  if  he  has  such 
instructions  from  his  Government,  as  make  it  desirable  for  him  to 
see  me,  &  if  he  desire  to  escape  for  a  few  days  from  the  hot 
weather  of  Washington,  I  will  meet  him  in  Boston  at  any  time 
agreeable  to  himself. 

Yours  always  truly 

D..  W. 

(To  John  Stimpson.1) 

FRANKLIN  July  13.  1852. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  beg  you  to  accept  my  sincere  thanks,  for  your  present  of  a 
Cane,  made  out  of  the  old  Ship  Constitution,  and  also  for  the 
friendly  expressions  contained  in  the  accompanying  letter.  The 
relic  is  both  interesting  and  valuable,  and  I  shall  ever  take  pleas 
ure  in  exhibiting  it  to  my  friends. 

I  remain  Dear  Sir,  with  high  regard  Your  obt.  Servt. 

DAN.  WEBSTER. 


(From  Chas.  W.  March.)     (?) 

N.  Y.  JULY  14/52. 
My  dear  Sir — 

The  Scott  men  are  resorting  to  all  kind  of  expedients  to  elect 
Genl.  Scott,  by  attempting  to  impress  upon  the  country  that  you 
had  committed  yourself  to  the  support  of  their  ticket —  A  Mr. 
Talmadge  of  this  city  is  out  in  a  letter  to  show  you  signified  your 
intention  to  sustain  the  Whig  party  &  argues  that  you  go  for 
Scott —  It  is  too  contemptible  to  treat  seriously —  I  hope  you 
will  accept  a  nomination  if  tendered  to  you —  No  matter  what 

1  Of  Somerville,  Mass. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  535 

your  opponents  may  say  or  do? —  Had  Scott  not  reed  the 
nomination  it  was  agreed  to  break  up  the  convention? —  This 
is  one  of  the  reasons,  why  I  feel  anxious  to  have  you  accept  in 
common  with  thousands  of  others,  to  prevent  if  possible  the  elec 
tion  of  Scott  under  any  contingency —  A  moments  reflection 
will  satisfy  you  that  the  suggestion  is  not  ill  advised  nor  im 
politic —  You  have  every  thing  to  gain  &  nothing  to  lose. 
Had  you  not  been  treacherously  dealt  with  you  could  not  do  it, 
but,  what  stronger  reasons  can  be  assigned  to  warrant  you  meet 
ing  the  wishes  of  your  friends  &  foiling  the  ambitious  scheming 
of  your  opponents. 


(To  Millard  Fillmore.) 

Private  $  Confidential.) 

MAESHFIELD  Aug.  4.  1852. 
My  dear  Sir; 

Enclosed  you  will  find  the  draught  of  two  Treaties,  prepared 
by  Mr  Crampton  and  myself, — one  respecting  Oregon,  and  one 
respecting  Copy-right.  I  forward  them  in  advance  of  my  own 
arrival ;  to  the  end  that  you  may  have  the  longest  time  for  their 
consideration.  I  think  it  very  probable  that  you  will  be  of  opin 
ion  that,  in  the  embarrassed  state  of  the  business  before  Congress, 
it  will  be  hardly  worth  while  to  submit  either  of  them  to  the  Sen 
ate  this  Session.  Indeed,  in  regard  to  the  Oregon  Treaty,  the 
draught  differs  so  far  from  Mr.  Crampton's  instructions,  that 
he  thinks  it  will  be  necessary  for  him,  before  he  signs  it,  to  con 
sult  his  Government. 

I  have  been  informed  of  the  flare-up  in  the  Senate,  yesterday 
respecting  the  Fisheries.  I  have  very  considerable  alarm  on  this 
subject.  Your  enemies,  and  mine,  among  the  Whigs,  and  the 
Young  Americans  among  the  Democrats,  are  very  like  to  join  in 
opposing  the  Administration  and  in  embarrassing  the  State  of 
our  affairs  with  England.  I  have  reflected  much  on  the  subject 
of  these  English  orders ;  as  well  from  the  Home  Government,  as 
the  Canadian  Government,  respecting  interference  with  our  ves 
sels.  In  my  opinion  there  is  solid  grounds  for  remonstrating 
against  both  independently  of  anything  which  has  yet  been  sug 
gested.  Certainly,  such  seizures  are  not  within  the  ordinary 
jurisdiction  of  a  Court  of  Admiralty.  I  think  the  High  Court 
of  Admiralty  in  England  could  not  take  cognizance  of  such  a 


536  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

seizure,  or  condemn  the  vessel  seized,  without  a  special  act  of  the 
Imperial  Parliament ;  and,  as  to  the  Acts  of  the  Provinces,  I  am 
prepared  to  say  at  once,  that  we  ought  not  to  admit  any  seizures 
to  be  made  by  Provincial  vessels.  It  appears  to  me,  that  this  is 
a  case  of  an  alleged  violation  of  Treaty,  by  alleged  encroachment 
upon  Territory  in  time  of  peace.  It  is  something  like  the  con 
verse  of  McLeod's  case.  Its  appropriate  remedy  is  diplomatic 
complaint,  from  one  Government  to  the  other ;  and  not  of  redress 
by  the  exercise  of  local  jurisdiction.1 
Have  the  goodness  to  think  upon  this. 

Yours  always  truly 

D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON,  August  10th  1852 
Dear  Fletcher, 

I  arrived  last  night  and  am  quite  well.  Found  all  well  in  the 
household.  I  feel  much  better  and  stronger,  than  when  I  left 
Marshfield.  I  shall  stay  here  for  some  days.  I  know  not  yet, 
how  long.  The  weather  is  cool,  cloudy,  a  little  rainy  and  quito 
agreeable.  I  have  seen  the  President  who  appears  quite  cordial 
and  glad  to  see  me. 

Yours  affectionately, 

DANL  WEBSTER. 


(To  J.  L.  Petigru.2) 

WASHINGTON.  Aug.  15.  1852. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  am  very  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  friendly  letter  of  the 
3d  ult,  which  I  have  not  had  time  before  to  acknowledge.  I  know 
your  talents  and  character ;  I  know  the  truly  patriotic  sentiments 
of  your  breast;  I  value  most  highly  your  good  opinion  and 
regard ;  and  the  good  opinion  and  regard  of  other  men  like  you. 
As  to  the  rest,  I  have  little  to  say.  The  ot  TCO\\OI  of  the  Whig 
party,  especially  in  the  north  and  east,  were,  in  March  1850,  fast 

1  Before  "Webster's    death,   in   October,    1852,   he  partly  prepared  a   long 
diplomatic  letter  upon  this  subject  of  the  fisheries. 

2  Of  Charleston, 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  537 

sinking  into  the  slough  of  free  soilism  and  abolitionism.  I  did 
what  I  could  to  rescue  the  country  from  the  consequences  of  their 
abominable  politics.  I  disdain  to  seek  the  favor  of  such  persons, 
and  have  no  sympathy  with  their  opinions.  You  are  of  the 
South,  my  Dear  Sir,  and  I  of  the  North ;  but  if  the  degrees  of 
latitude,  which  divide  us,  were  ten  times  as  many  as  they  are, 
your  thoughts,  and  my  thoughts,  your  hopes  and  my  hopes  for 
the  good  of  the  country  would  still  rush  together  in  a  warm, 
glowing  sentiment  and  a  fervent  prayer  for  the  preservation  of 
the  Union.  God  help  the  right. 

In  regard  to  your  friend,  Mr.  Charles  Warley,  let  me  say  that 
I  shall  be  most  happy  to  be  useful  to  him.  Inform  me  where 
he  now  is  and  I  will  send  him  letters  which  shall  make  him  known 
in  England  and  France. 

I  pray  you  to  remember  me  most  kindly  to  all  the  members  of 
your  Family,  and  believe  me,  with  entire  regard, 
Your  obedient  and  humble  servant 

[DANL  WEBSTER] 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

My  Dear  Son ;  SUNDAY  MOR'G,  Aug.  22.  '52. 

I  am  quite  well  yet,  &  feel  no  symptoms  of  approaching  Ca 
tarrh,  altho'  tomorrow  will  be  the  23d.  Sarah  says  my  eyes  are 
clear  yet. 

I  am  gett'g  thro'  my  official  affairs,  &  winding  them  all  up. 
I  shall  leave  a  clear  field,  &  there  will  be  little  to  do,  for  a  month 
or  two,  unless  there  come  some  new  out-break. 

I  hope  the  Inspectors  will  not  be  fools  enough  to  pay  Greeley  a 
cent.  The  only  effect  would  be  that  it  would  be  brought  agst 
them,  under  the  next  Administration,  &  Genl  Peirce's  friend 
would  turn  them  all  out,  for  that  cause.  Nobody  would  inter 
pose  for  them. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER, 

(From  W.  H.  Grmnell  et  al.) 

-~        0.  NEW  YORK,  September  24  1852. 

Dear  Sir, 

After  much  consideration  we  have  thought  it  not  improper  to, 


538  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

address  to  you  a  few  words  on  the  present  aspect  of  political 
affairs  with  the  Whig  party.  We  venture  to  do  this  in  the  con 
fidence  that  you  will  receive  this  from  us,  as  prompted  only  by 
our  sincere  interest  in  whatever  affects  your  position  before  the 
Country,  now  as  ever  regarded  by  us  as  that  of  our  most  eminent 
Citizen. 

Of  the  ill  success  which  attended  the  efforts  to  promote  the 
honor  and  safety  of  the  Country,  by  presenting  you  as  the  Can 
didate  of  the  great  Whig  party  for  the  Presidency,  we  can  only 
say,  that  it  has  occasioned  to  us,  at  least;  as  much  sorrow  and 
chagrin  as  to  any  others  of  your  friends  political  or  personal, 
and  the  more  that  every  day  adds  to  the  conviction  which  we  ex 
pressed  always  and  everywhere  before  the  nomination,  that  the 
triumph  of  the  Whig  party  would  be  assured  under  the  auspices 
of  your  great  name. 

With  all  these  feelings,  however,  we  confess  that  we  have  ob 
served  with  much  solicitude  the  movements  made  by  many  of  your 
friends,  in  various  parts  of  the  Country  to  connect  your  name 
with  the  impending  Canvas  for  the  Presidency.  We  can  antici 
pate  no  result  from  them  at  all  suitable  to  your  dignity,  or  at  all 
likely  to  correspond  with  their  wishes.  If  the  matter  should  come 
to  the  point  of  a  nomination  and  the  formation  of  electoral  tick 
ets,  we  can  see  no  prospect  of  any  other  issue,  than  a  most  false 
record  of  the  state  of  feeling  in  the  Country  towards  you,  an 
issue  most  unfortunate  for  the  Country,  and  gratifying  only  to 
that  faction  whom  your  patriotism  and  great  public  services  have 
made  your  enemies. 

Nor  do  we  think  it  unworthy  of  notice  that  all  the  best  con 
sidered  and  effective  efforts  in  your  behalf  before  the  meeting 
of  the  Convention  took  the  shape  of  presenting  your  name  to  the 
Ordeal  of  that  body's  selection  from  the  Candidates  proposed  by 
the  Whig  party,  a  shape  suggested,  as  we  then  believed,  no  less 
by  a  wise  policy  than  by  a  just  sense  of  political  fidelity.  In  the 
disaster  which  has  fallen  upon  our  hopes  and  plans,  we  do  not 
find  any  warrant  to  disregard  the  observance  of  that  good  faith 
towards  the  successful  competitor,  which  in  a  different  result  we 
should  rightfully,  have  claimed  from  his  friends. 

The  best  reflections  (which)  we  have  been  able  to  give  to  this 
whole  subject,  have  induced  us  to  think  that  sound  and  sober 
public  opinion,  which  should  never  be  lightly  regarded,  deems 
a  public  disclaimer  from  you  of  any  favor  towards  movements 
further  connecting  your  name  with  the  coming  Presidential  elec- 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN 

tion,  as  required  by  your  past  and  present  eminent  position 
whether  as  a  Whig  or  a  Statesman ;  that  such  is  our  own  feeling 
we  respectfully  submit  to  you,  and  beg  you  to  consider  that  what 
ever  may  be  your  decision,  we  shall  never  cease  to  acknowledge 
the  great  obligators  which  the  Country  and  the  Whig  Party 
have  always  owed  to  you,  and  shall  ever  remain1 
Your  sincere  friends  and  obedient  Servants, 

W.  H.  GRINNELL 
WM.  M.  EVARTS 

A.  C.  KlNGSLAND 
T.  TlLESTON 

JAMES  S.  THAYER 
J.  WATSON  WEBB 
C.  A.  STETSON 


(To  Le  Roy  Pope  et  al.) 

Gentlemen,  MARSHFIELD,  Sept.  28",  1852. 

I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  communi 
cation  of  the  1st,  instant,  and  thank  you,  most  cordially,  for  the 
kind  and  friendly  sentiments  which  it  expresses. 

I  regret  to  say,  however,  that  official  engagements,  of  a  press 
ing  nature,  will  prevent  me  from  accepting  your  invitation  to 
address  the  citizens  of  Memphis,  [Tennessee]  and  its  vicinity,  in 
the  month  of  October. 

I  must,  therefore,  defer,  for  the  present,  the  pleasure  of  meet 
ing  with  you,  and  the  enjoyment  of  your  proffered  hospitality. 

I  am,  Gentlemen,  with  entire  regard, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

DANL  WEBSTER. 


(From  Richard  J.  Mapes.) 

MARI/TON  Burlington  Co  N.  J.  Oct.  10'  /52. 
Mr  Webster 

Dear  Sir 

Having  been  choosen  by  the  American  party  a  candidate  for 
one  of  the  Presidential  Electors  of  New  Jersey  and  they  having 

1  See  Webster's  reply  on  October  13,  1852. 


540  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

choosen  you  as  their  candidate  for  the  highest  office  in  the  gift 
in  the  people  of  this  greate  Republic  and  having  not  yet  heard 
or  seen  anything  to  say  definately  wether  you  will  alow  the 
American  people  to  cast  their  sufferage  for  you  or  not  wether 
you  will  suffer  your  name  to  be  used  as  such  I  therefor  have 
taking  the  boldness  (by  this  method)  to  ask  you  the  following 
question 

1st  Are  you  willing  to  stand  the  nomination  of  the  American 
Party  or  do  you  intend  to  decline  it 

2nd  do  you  approve  of  the  principles  of  that  party  as  adopted 
by  their  National  convention  July  5th  1852  at  Trenton  (of 
which  I  send  you  a  coppy) 

I  find  in  this  part  of  our  state  a  great  many  of  both  of  the  old 
parties  who  will  not  vote  for  either  Scott  or  Pierce  but  have  a 
greate  desire  to  cast  their  Votes  for  the  man  of  their  first  choice 
namely  Daniel  Webster  of  Massachusetts  for  the  following  rea 
son 

1st  for  the  American  principles  that  has  always  charicterised 
your  long  life  of  public  services  to  your  country. 

2nd  for  your  greate  Adheisiveness  to  the  Union  and  the  Con 
stitution 

3rd  As  the  most  capable  most  worthy  and  most  entitled  to  it 
for  the  public  services  rendered  the  country 

The  above  is  no  flattery  but  the  true  sentiment  of  the  Ameri 
can  people  of  this  District  which  I  have  given  to  you  in  my  own 
plain  contry  stile.  I  shall  look  anxiously  for  an  answer  from 
you1  

(G.  J.  Abbott  to  Peter  Harvey.) 

(Private  8?  Confidential.)         MARSHFIELD — Oct.  11/52. 

Monday.  3  o'clock 
My  Dear  Sir — 

You  will  doubtless  have  seen  Drs.  Jeffries  &  Jackson,  &  will 
have  learned  from  them  precisely  what  Mr.  Webster's  position 
is. —  Saturday  &  Sunday — he  kept  his  bed  most  of  the  time, 
&  did  not  leave  his  chamber. —  To  day  he  came  down  for  an 
hour  &  then  returned  to  his  bed.  He  is  more  sick  than  I  have 
yet  seen  him. — 

1  This  letter  is  given  as  an  example  of  many  about  this  date  and  of  like  nature 
found  by  the  editor  among  Webster's  papers. 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  ,541 

Dr.  Jeffries  will  be  here  to  night. 

I  am  afraid  that  we  can  look  forward  but  for  a  short  time. — 
If  you  are  now  in  Boston  you  had  better  see  Dr.  Jeffries  to 
morrow. — 

He  has  not  set  at  the  Table  since  Thursday  noon. —  He  dic 
tates  letters  every  day — has  done  so  to  day — &  also  attended  to 
his  business  matters. 

Yours  always  truly 

G.  J.  ABBOTT 

(From  Moses  H.  Grinnell.1 ) 

My  dear  Sir.  OCTOBER  9.  1852. 

I  enclose  a  communication2  from  some  of  your  friends  in  this 
City,  it  breathes  the  sentiments  of  your  friends  here.  I  send  it 
to  you  with  a  heart  full  of  interest  and  solicitude  for  your  happi 
ness. 

Sincerely  your  friend 

M.  H.  GRINNELX 

(To  M.  H.  Grinnell) 

MARSHFIELD  Oct.  12'  1852. 
My  dear  Mr.  Grinnell, 

I  received  your  note  of  the  9th  inst,  only  yesterday  with  its 
enclosure;  to  which  enclosure  you  will  herewith  receive  an  an 
swer.3 

Your's  with  constant  regard 

DANIEL,  WEBSTER. 

(To  M.  H.  Grinnell  et  al) 

Gentlemen:  MARSHFIELD,  Oct.  13,  1852. 

I  received  only  yesterday  your  communication  of  the  24th  of 
September. 

I  beg  you  to  believe  me  sincerely  grateful  for  the  assurances 

1  Representative  from  New  York  (1830-1841)  and  a  member  of  the  famous 
New  York  firm  of  Grinnell,  Minturn  &  Co. 

2  Encloses  the  letter  dated  September  24,  1859. 

3  Upon  a  letter  from  Joseph  Cook  et  al.,  asking  his  support  of  General  Scott, 
Webster  indorsed,  "  No  answer." 


542  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

of  attachment,  political  and  personal  contained  in  your  letter. 

In  respect  to  the  subject  of  it,  I  have  now  to  say  to  you,  and 
to  others  who  have  addressed  similar  letters  to  me,  that  I  enter 
tain  no  new  opinions,  inconsistent  with  those  which  I  have,  here 
tofore,  publicly  declared  in  the  strongest  manner;  and  to  which 
I  now,  and  shall  always,  adhere  in  their  whole  length  and  breadth. 
I  refer  you  Gentlemen  to  my  published  Works ;  and,  more  es 
pecially  to  my  speeches  in  Fanueil  Hall,  and  at  Marshfield,  on 
the  20th  of  September  1842,  and  the  1st  of  September,  1848 
respectively. 

With  the  highest  respect  and  the  warmest  attachment 
I  remain  Gentlemen 

Most  truly  Yours 

DANIEL  WEBSTEB. 
Messrs 

M.  H.  Grinnell 
Wm.  M.  Evarts 
A.  C.  Kingsland 
T.  Tileston 
James  S.  Thayer 
J.  Watson  Webb 
C.  A.  Stetson 


(Memorandum  dictated  by  Daniel  Webster.) 

OCT  21, 1852. 

My  Island  farm,  so  called,  contains  about  150  acres.  With 
a  very  fair  new  built  tenants'  house  &c.  I  should  think  with  care 
it  might  be  disposed  of  for  $3000.  I  do  not  know  how  saleable 
it  might  be  on  account  of  the  remoteness  of  its  situation.  But  it 
is  excellent  land,  and  has  this  year  been  the  most  productive  & 
remunerative  of  any  of  my  real  estate  here. 

It  is  under  a  Mortgage  of  1300  dollars,  as  I  think,  to  the 
Hingham  Saving's  Bank.  Mr.  Thomas  knows  all  about  it. 
This  property  if  a  purchaser  offers  may  be  sold  for  the  benefit 
of  the  Marshfield  estate. 

I  do  not  know  whether  the  whole  or  any  part  of  it  is  within 
the  Marriage  Settlement.1 

1  Mr.  Curtis  has  added:  "The  above  was  dictated  by  Mr.  Webster  to  me  on 
the  21st  October  1839,  at  the  time  he  was  preparing  his  Will. 

''He  directed  me  not  to  incorporate  it  in  the  Will,  but  to  leave  it  a  memo 
randum  for  the  guidance  of  his  Executors.  GEO.  T.  CUBTIS." 


THE   NATIONAL   STATESMAN  543 

(To  Mr.  Hatch.) 

MAESHFIELD  [Oct  20,  1852]  * 

Mr.  Hatch,2  I  have 

A  secret  to  reveal  to  you. 

I  want  you  to  light  a  lamp  on  on  the  home  squadron — 3 

"My  light  shall  burn  &  my  flag  shall  fly  as  long  as  my  life 
lasts." 

Do  you  see  to  this  Mr.  Hatch  &  let  nobody  know  of  it  &  take 
them  by  surprise  in  the  even'g  by  six  o'clock. 

There  is  no  one  here  in  my  room  but  you  &  I  &  William4  &  if 
he  mentions  it  I  will  put  a  brace  of  bullets  through  him.5 

D.  W. 

(From  Mr.  Abbott  to  Millard  Fillmore.) 
Q.  MARSHFIELD  Oct  25, 1852 

B1F, 

It  was  my  mournful  duty  *  *  *  to  transmit  to  you  yes 
terday  the  sad  intelligence  of  the  death  of  Mr  Webster,  the  Sec 
retary  of  State,  at  his  mansion  house  on  the  early  morning  of  the 
Sabbath  [Oct  24.  1852]  *  *  *  His  remains  will  be  en- 
terred  by  the  side  of  those  of  his  family,  whose  gentle  spirits  had 
preceded  his  own  to  their  destined  rest.6  *  *  * 

1  This  note  in  Daniel  Webster's  hand,  a  wretched  scrawl,  was  written,  as  Mr. 
Harvey  has  indorsed,  about  three  days  before  Webster's  death. 

'2  Hatch  was  one  of  the  servants  who  like  Peterson  often  accompanied 
Webster  upon  his  fishing  expeditions. 

3  The  "home  squadron"  was  Webster's  name  for  one  of  his  boats. 

4  Probably  William  Paige. 

6  The  note  is  evidently  a  bit  of  pleasantry  on  the  part  of  Webster,  but  see 
Hatch's  own  account  as  given  in  Curtis'  "  Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  684. 

6  Webster's  funeral  has  been  beautifully  described  by  his  friend  Hilliard,  who 
was  present.  I  give  here  the  passage  that  dwells  upon  the  spiritual  effect  of 
the  day : 

"Who  that  was  there  present  will  ever  forget  the  scene  on  which  fell  the 
rich  light  of  that  soft  autumnal  day?  There  was  the  landscape,  so  stamped 
with  his  image  and  identified  with  his  presence;  there  were  the  trees  he  had 
planted,  the  fields  over  which  he  had  delighted  to  walk,  and  the  ocean  whose 
waves  were  music  to  his  ear;  there  was  the  house,  with  its  hospitable  door;  but 
the  stately  form  of  its  master  did  not  stand  there,  with  outstretched  hand  and 
smile  of  welcome.  That  smile  had  vanished  forever  from  the  earth  and  the 
hand  and  form  were  silent,  cold,  and  motionless.  The  dignity  of  life  had  given 
place  to  the  dignity  of  death.  There,  among  the  scenes  that  he  loved  in  life, 
he  sleeps  well.  He  has  left  his  name  and  memory  to  dwell  forever  upon  those 
hills  and  valleys,  to  breathe  a  more  spiritual  tone  into  the  winds  that  blow  over 
his  grave,  to  touch  with  finer  light  the  line  of  the  breaking  wave,  to  throw  a 
more  solemn  beauty  upon  the  hues  of  autumn  and  the  shadows  of  twilight." 


'g  family  Belationg 


are  set  aside  the  letters  that  will  furnish  a  thread  of 
family  history.  The  births  and  deaths  and  marriages  get  into 
such  letters.  The  statesman's  i/nterest  in  his  home  is  illustrated, 
and  also  his  character  in  the  family  life.  We  may  see  his  interest 
in  the  children,  his  ambition  for  them,  and  the  means  he  took  to 
further  it.  Their  opinions,  as  formed  under  his  strong  influence, 
give  us  often  by  reflex  suggestion  a  hint  as  to  his  own.  The 
traits  of  the  children  excite  an  interest  as  to  their  source.  There 
are  suggestions  about  his  method  of  governing.  We  may  learn 
whether  the  family  was  thoughtful  in  saving  the  time  and  energy 
of  its  distinguished  head,  and  whether  he  turned  from  the  absorb 
ing  public  life  to  show  a  kindly  attention  to  the  family. 

We  shall  learn  here  the  trials  of  the  home-loving  wife  of  the 
great  statesman.  The  letters  of  the  first  wife  show  the  strain 
of  continual  sacrifice  to  the  public.  She  grows  apprehensive  for 
him,  but  still  trusts  "a  life  so  useful  must  be  the  peculiar  care  of 
Providence."  At  times,  the  eager  watch  for  news  of  the  great 
actor  in  human  affairs  gives  way  to  a  despair  and  the  wonder 
whether  it  is  all  worth  the  anxiety  and  deprivation.  Again  she 
fears  that  he  has  no  interest  in  the  family,  and  that  her  letters 
weary  him  with  trivial  detail  of  household  care.  The  news  she 
writes  is  "not  quite  so  important  as  the  news  from  the  Chamber 
of  Deputies,"  but  he  must  remember  that  "a  woman's  life  is  made 
up  of  trifles,  so  of  course  must  be  her  letters."  She  shows  a 
modest  jealousy  of  the  claims  of  the  unrequiting  public.  The 
letters  give  ample  proof  of  her  own  religion  and  charity,  and  of 
her  sweet  and  motherly  character. 

In  the  letters  to  and  from  the  second  wife  an  entirely  different 
relation  may  be  detected.  Here  is  a  woman  who  has  had  greater 
social  advantages,  and  who  keenly  relishes  the  popularity  of  her 
husband,  and  the  social  position  which  his  greatness  gives  her. 
That  is  a  charming  and  characteristic  picture  which  we  get  of 
her,  sitting  all  New  Year's  afternoon  with  her  refreshments  im 
readiness,  and  none  coming  to  enjoy  them.  She,  too,  has  a  warm 

[544] 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  545 

affection  for  the  husband,  aside  from  the  admiration  for  his 
worldly  fame,  but  it  is  not  the  same  affection  which  the  first  wife 
had  bestowed  upon  the  humble  and  unknown  Webster. 

Finally,  there  are,  of  course,  occasional  allusions  to  the  great 
world  outside  of  the  family,  and  no  doubt  at  times  these  allusions 
may  give  light  to  the  political  career  of  Webster.  If  so,  the  ar 
rangement  m  chronological  order  will  enable  the  student  to  find 
such  passages  with  ease. 


(From  William  Sweatt.1) 

SOUTH  STRAFFORD.  Vt. 
Hon'l.  Dan'l.  Webster;  Apr.  7th  1851. 

Dear  Sir : — 

*  *  *  — You  mention  the  names  of  some  of  the  school 
mates  of  your  early  life,  and  I  have  already,  some  of  mine,  and  I 
know  you  will  bear  with  me  in  patience,  while  I  give  you  the  names 
of  some  few  of  the  School  Mistresses  of  my  early  days —  Miss 
Poor,  Miss  McGaw  Miss  Ruth  and  Miss  Judith  Elkins,  and  last, 
tho  by  no  means  the  least,  in  my  kind  remembrance,  was  Miss 
Grace  Fletcher,  afterwards  Mrs.  Webster  I  think  I  attended  her 
School,  two  or  three  summers —  If  she,  as  a  wife,  exercised  that 
patience,  and  that  sweetness  of  disposition  she  did,  as  a  teacher, 
blessed  indeed  were  you  in  your  selection —  *  *  * 
I  am  dear  Sir,  your  native  townsman 

WILLIAM  SWEATT 

(From  Daniel  Fletcher  Webster.2) 

BOSTON  Jany.  1  1822 
Dear  Papa. 

I  wish  you  a  happy  new  year.  I  send  you  with  this  a  lock  of 
dear  little  Brothers  hair.3  Julia4  has  been  a  very  good  girl — 
Edward4  is  a  pretty  good  boy.  Mama  wishes  to  know  what  our 
little  brothers  name  is  to  be.5 

1  An  old-time  friend  of  Webster.  Webster  indorsed  this,  "Answered — send 
the  writer  speeches  and  give  the  letter  to  Mr  Curtis." 

9  Webster's  first-born  son  and  the  only  child  who  survived  him.  He  kept 
this  letter  thirty  years. 

3  Indorsed  by  Daniel  Webster,  "Eliza  and  Kippy  with  Baby's  hair." 

4  Julia  was  born  January  16,  1818;  Edward,  July  20,  1820. 

5  The  "little  brother,"  born  December  31,  1821,  was  named  Charles. 


546  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

we  all  send  much  love  to  you. 
I  am  dear  Pappa 

Your  affectionate  Son 

DANIEL. 
Little  Brother  is  a  New  Years  present  from  mama  to  papa 

PARLOUR  Jan  2rd  1822 

Mr.  Page  desires  me  to  fill  this  page  &  it  will  prevent  the  neces 
sity  of  his  writing  to  day —  Mrs.  Webster  continues  remarkably 
well  &  the  babe  looks  already  as  if  he  could  make  a  good  speech 
before  a  Jury —  *  *  * 

E.  B. 


(To  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 
P.  S.— * 

[JAN.  1822] 
My  dear  wife — 

I  have  rec'd  jrour  good  letter  of  Saturday —  I  am  glad  you 
had  a  good  ride —  I  am  [expect] ing  another  letter  from  Kip 
&  puss.  [As  to]  little  Baby's  name,  I  have  no  choice  between 
two  or  three.  I  do  dislike  double  names,  unless  given  for  some 
friend —  There  seems  to  be  a  show  about  it —  If  you  would 
incline  to  call  him  simple  William,  I  am  perfectly  content —  It 
is  a  good  name,  &  would  respond  to  the  name  of  my  uncle,  and 
his  uncle. 

Yours  always, 

D.  W. 


(From  C.  W.  Greene.2) 

JAM.  PLAIN,  Deer.  15,  1823. 
Dear  Sir 

*  *  *  Little  Charley  has  had  n  cold,  but  Hannah  says  "he 
is  getting  over  it  nicely."  He  sends  a  kiss  to  every  one  &  says 
"Pa's  gone  to  Wa'n  to  make  'peeches."  He  is  a  sweet  little  dog : 
he  insists  upon  my  playing  with  him  when  we  are  together,  &  I 

1  This  P.  S.  was  included  in  a  letter  addressed  to  "Mr.  James  W.  Paige, 
merchant,  Boston." 

3  With  whom  Webster  had  left  Daniel  F.  and  Charles  for  the  winter.  Webster 
preserved  this  letter  twenty-nine  years. 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  547 

was  glad  to  escape  from  his  chamber  on  Saturday,  to  avoid  his 
importunity  that  I  would  get  into  the  cradle  &  permit  him  to 
rock  me.  When  Mrs.  Greene  puts  on  a  particular  turban  he 
always  calls  her  Mama  &  seems  to  love  her  better  for  a  fancied 
resemblance.  The  youngest  Appleton  has  just  returned  from 
town  &  opportunely  remarked  "Oh  Mr.  Green  I  tried  to  bring 
you  the  paper  for  you  to  read  a  short  but  sleek — (I  don't  know 
the  orthography  of  this  word)  speech  of  Mr.  Webster  about  the 
Greeks."  I  do  not  yet  know  how  "sleek"  the  speech  may  have 
him  say  "No,  /  do."  Julia  and  Edward  are  racing  about  mak- 
pleased  to  hear  any  of  the  trifles  I  have  mentioned  above  about 
your  youngest  hope.  *  *  * 

I  am  Dear  Sir,  Very  Respy  Yr  Ob  Servs 

C.  W.  GREENE. 

*  *  *  I  should  be  sorry  that  the  frequency  of  my  letters 
should  injure  the  cause  of  The  Greeks  by  withdrawing  your  at 
tention  from  it.  I  have  witnessed  for  months  their  oppression 
by  the  Turks  &  I  ardently  long  for  their  liberation. 


(Mrs.  Grace  Webster  to  Daniel  Fletcher  Webster.) 

My  dear  Son,  WASHINGTON  Jany  3,  1824. 

*  *     *     You  must  write  and  tell  me  all  about  yourself  and 
Charles  and  how  much  he  has  learned  to  talk,  and  if  he  looks 
just  as  he  did  when  mama  left  him.     I  wish  you  and  he  were 
here,  with  Hannah,  and  then  I  should  be  very  happy,  but  now 
I  do  want  to  see  you  so  much.     You  must  not  let  Charles  forget 
"Mama  Mama."     Sweet  boy,  how  much  I  would  give  to  hear 
him  say  "No,  I  do."     Julia  and  Edward  are  racing  about  mak 
ing  a  great  noise.     Papa  is  engaged  in  writing  as  usual.     Re 
member  much  love  to  Mrs.  Greene,  regards  to  Mr.  Greene,  and  a 
great  deal  of  love  to  Charley.     *     *     * 

Your  affectionate  Mother 
G  W 

(Mrs.  Grace  Webster  to  D.  F.  Webster.) 

My  dear  Son,  WASHINGTON  Jany  16,  1824. 

*  *     *     We  have  all  been  to  Congress  to  day — we  went 
with  the  expectation  of  hearing  Mr.  John  Randolph  but  he  dis- 


548  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

appointed  us  completely,  he  did  not  even  make  his  appearance  in 
the  House.  Poor  Neddy  went  with  Janette  and  John  and  tho't 
it  a  pretty  dull  way  of  passing  a  forenoon  and  in  truth  I  thought 
so  too,  tho'  Mr.  McDuffie  made  a  long  talk,  the  man  who  fought 
a  duel  so  many  times  over  a  year  ago.  I  would  rather  he  had 
been  engaged  in  the  same  way,  provided  it  had  been  as  harmless 
as  in  the  former  case.  *  *  * 

Papa  has  bought  him  a  new  saddle  and  bridle  and  whip  and 
rode  out  this  morning  on  one  of  the  coach-horses,  he  went  very 
well  but  not  quite  so  well  as  Leicester.  *  *  * 

MOTHER. 


(Mrs.  Grace  Webster  to  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  March  13,  1824. 

I  am  very  much  obliged  to  you  my  dear  Son,  for  a  very  nice 
letter,  which  I  received  this  week  from  you.  Papa  was  much 
pleased  to  see  it  so  well  written.  I  am  glad  to  hear  that  dear 
little  Charley  pities  the  Greeks  and  intends  giving  them  plum 
pudding.  I  conclude  it  is  his  favourite  dish.  *  *  * 

Your  affectionate 

MOTHEE. 


(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

BOEDENTON  Sunday  Morning 

[June  6,  1824]  10  O'clock. 

I  hope  ere  this  hour,  my  dear  Husband,  you  are  almost  at  the 
end  of  your  journey.  You  are  first,  and  last,  and  always  in  our 
hearts,  and  on  our  minds.  I  say  ours  for  Julia's  bonny  hazel 
eye  has  often  filled  with  tears  since  we  parted  and  she  could 
hardly  enjoy  the  luxury  of  a  nice  bedroom  and  delightful  bed 
because  dear  Papa  was  in  the  steamboat  and  her  apprehensions 
for  your  safety  are  very  great.  I  comforted  her  and  quieted 
her  fears,  by  our  own  safety,  and  by  the  beauty,  and  brightness, 
and  stillness,  of  the  night,  which  on  your  account  was  a  cause  of 
great  joy  and  thankfulness  to  me. 

The  morning  tho'  warm,  is  delightful !  A  calm  tranquility,  a 
sort  of  sacred  stillness,  seems  to  pervade  everything  around,  on  a 
Sabbath  morning  in  the  country. 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  549 

Mrs.  H.1  wishes  me  to  tell  you  that  I  hear  the  "church  going- 
bell"  tho'  I  follow  the  example  of  the  family  and  stay  at  home, 
and  she  hopes  the  children  hear  it  also  as  one  of  them  tho't  it  a 
strange  village  without  a  church — it  must  have  been  one  of 
Puss'  remarks.  *  *  * 


(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

SUNDAY  EVENING,  [June  6,  1824.] 
My  dear  Husband 

We  have  been  to  Point  Breeze  to  pay  our  respects  to  the 
Count.2  We  found  them  standing  in  the  door  all  ready  for  a 
little  excursion  on  the  water.  They  very  politely  urged  us  to 
accompany  them  &  stay  to  supper — but  we  had  taken  the  chil 
dren  with  Mrs.  H's  woman  and  Janette  and  they  were  walking  in 
the  grounds  and  I  feared  Julia  might  be  unhappy  to  see  me 
launched  off  again  in  a  boat.  I  therefore  told  Mrs.  Hopkinson 
if  it  would  be  equally  agreeable  to  her  we  would  accompany  the 
party  to  the  barge  and  then  return,  which  we  did.  After  walk 
ing  a  long  way  we  came  to  the  same  covered  way  which  you 
doubtless  remember.  There  are  many  relicts  of  broken  statuary 
of  the  finest  Marble  huddled  together  in  the  remaining  part  of 
one  of  the  wings  of  the  former  Palace.  It  looks  more  like  things 
we  read  of  than  anything  I  ever  saw  before.  You  will  see  I 
soon  forget  that  I  promised  never  to  write  excepting  just  to  say 
we  are  well,  because  you  do  not  take  the  trouble  to  read  your 
letters,  but  this  I  expect  you  to  read  every  word,  that  is  if  you 
can — as  it  is  to  be  conveyed  to  Philadelphia  by  hands  that  once 
swayed  a  scepter.2 

Mrs.  H.  desires  to  be  especially  remembered  to  you.  Good 
night  and  pleasant  dreams  to  you  my  dear  love, 

Yours— G.  W. 


(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

DEC.  4th,  (1824)  Sat.  morning. 
My  dear  Husband, 

I  have  not  written  to  you  for  several  days — indeed,  I  am  sur- 

1  Mrs,  Joseph  Hopkinson.  2  Count  Wallenstein, 


550  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

prised  to  find  how  many,  I  believe  not  a  line  since  monday.  I 
have  been  a  good  deal  occupied,  but  still  not  sufficiently  so  as  to 
have  prevented  me  from  writing  a  line.  William  told  me  he 
would  write  you  yesterday.  I  supposed  he  told  you  dear  little 
Charles  is  sick  of  a  lung  fever — he  is  better  this  morning  the  Dr 
thinks,  and  I  hope  he  will  soon  get  over  it.  *  *  * 

Julia's  greatest  trouble  is  that  she  can  not  go  to  school.  She 
is  looking  on  to  see  me  write  and  says  ask  Papa  what  he  makes 
such  an  x  for  on  his  letters,  and  wishes  me  likewise  to  remember 
that  she  sends  love  and  kisses.  How  many  hundreds  of  time  I  have 
I  written  to  you  love  and  kisses —  I  think  you  must  be  tired  of 
both.  Charley  asked  me  this  morning,  "Where  is  Papa."  I 
told  him.  Why  don't  he  come  home,  said  he,  and  I  confess  the 
truth  this  has  been  a  very  long  fortnight  since  you  left.  It 
seems  as  you  had  been  gone  long  enough  to  return. 

from  your  afft.  G.  W. 


'(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

MONDAY  MORNING,  Dec.  6,  [1824.] 

Our  dear  little  Charley  continues  much  as  he  has  been  since 
the  first.  Tho'  he  has  still  a  very  high  fever  Dr.  Warren 
thinks  there  is  not  at  present  any  danger.  I  don't  know  but  it 
would  have  been  better  to  have  kept  all  my  troubles  to  myself  as 
your  knowledge  of  them  can  do  me  no  possible  good  and  will 
give  you  some  anxiety,  but  you  will  not  I  trust  be  over  anxious, 
but  hope,  and  believe  all  will  yet  be  well.  Julia  and  Edward 
are  better.  Julia  finds  it  hard  to  reconcile  herself  to  staying 
at  home  from  school,  but  it  is  not  an  affair  of  great  grief  to 
Neddy.  *  *  * 

This  morning  my  dear  Husband,  you  will  probably  resume 
your  duties  in  the  House  of  Representatives,  which  I  trust  you 
will  discharge  with  fidelity  to  your  country,  and  honor  to  your 
self.  I  feel  now  as  if  I  could  never  again  be  spared  from  home, 
and  since  it  seems  to  be  so  ordered  that  you  must  be  away  we 
must  be  separated.  I  hope  it  will  be  for  our  mutual  good. 
Adieu !  Ever  yours, 

G.  W. 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  551 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

THURSDAY  MORNING  (Dec.  9,  1824)1 
My  dear  Husband, 

*  *     *     I  have  just  received  your  letter  of  Sat  evening  from 
Washington     I  rejoice  you  have  been  once  more  preserved  from 
the  perils  of  sea  and  land,  and  reached  your  place  of  destination 
in  safety.     I  am  sorry  to  hear  you  have  a  cold  and  headache  and 
other  things  that  are  not  to  your  mind.     You  mention  but  one 
letter  from  me,  and  that  seems  rather  to  have  given  offence 
than  pleasure.     I  am  most  unfortunate,  not  only  in  my  own 
speeches,  but  in  quieting  those  of  my   friends.     Mr.   B.   cer 
tainly,  I  tho't  well  enough  understood  by  you  not  to  be  taken 
in  earnest.     It  is  my  prayer  that  I  may  never  again  offend  either 
in  word,  deed,  or  thought  present,  or  absent  I  will  set  a  watch 
both  over  my  tongue  and  my  pen.     *     *     *     Adieu! 

Yours  as  ever 
^^^  G.  W. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

SAT  ?  MORNING.  (Dec.  11,  1824) 
My  dear  Husband, 

*  *     *     I  hoped  I  should  have  another  letter  to  day  written 
in  better  spirits  than  your  last  which  was  when  you  had  just  ar 
rived  arid  things  did  not  go  right  and  you  had  a  headache,  and 
you  did  not  like  my  letter  and  I  know  not  how  many  other  things 
were  wrong.     In  the  hope  that  all  things  are  now  right  and  pleas 
ant  and  that  your  cold  is  well,  I  am  my  dear  Love, 

Truly  yours, 


(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

MONDAY  MORNING,  (Dec.  13,  1824) 
My  dear  Husband, 

You  will  probably  receive  with  this  a  letter  from  Dr.  Warren 

1  On  December  9th  Mr.  Webster  and  a  party  left  Washington  to  visit  Madi 
son  and  Jefferson.  He  received  one  letter  during  the  excursion,  which  con 
tained  the  news  that  his  son  was  ill.  He  became  much  depressed  and  eager  to 
return  to  Washington.  On  his  arrival  he  received  the  news  of  the  death  of 
this  favorite  child.  See  Curtis'  "Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  i,  p.  222. 


552  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

which  give  you  a  more  satisfactory  account  of  our  dear  little  boy 
than  I  can  give,  the  Dr  thinks  there  is  no  alteration  in  his 
symptoms  since  last  evening  he  must  of  course  grow  rather 
more  feeble. 

I  cannot  tell  you  how  much  I  regret  that  the  unpleasant  in 
telligence  reached  you  before  you  had  set  out  for  Monticello,  if 
you  had  but  got  away  before,  you  might  have  enjoyed  the 
excursion,  and  I  now  hope  my  accounts  were  so  favorable  as  not 
to  destroy  your  pleasure.  I  regretted  very  much  not  to  answer 
your  letter  which  I  received  yesterday  giving  me  a  little  idea 
how  you  were  situated.  *  *  * 

I  am  glad  you  do  not  intend  to  work  hard.  I  hope  you  will 
stick  to  that  resolution.  I  am  greatly  obliged  to  all  my  friends 
who  wish  to  see  me  with  you,  but  I  cannot  be  sufficiently  thankful 
that  I  am  with  dear  little  Charles,  it  would  be  much  more  dis 
tressing  to  you  as  well  as  me  if  I  were  absent.  I  hope  you  will 
not  be  too  anxious  about  dear  little  Charles  all  will  be  just 
right.1  He  has  been  a  delightful  little  creature  to  me,  and  I 
hope  he  will  be  spared  to  us,  and  if  it  is  best  he  should  be,  I 
know  he  will — I  would  therefore  say  not  my  will  but  thine  O 
Lord!  be  done. 

Adieu  my  best  earthly  friend,  may  Heaven  in  mercy  preserve 


you!  prays  your 


Ever  afft 

G.  W. 


{From  James  W.  Paige.2) 

SUNDAY  Dec.  19,  1824. 
Dear  Sir, 

In  my  letter  yesterday  I  mentioned  that  Charles  Fever  had 
abated  &  that  the  pressure  on  his  lungs  increased  which  Doct 
Warren  tho't  no  unfavourable  symptom.  *  *  *  His  stom 
ach  seemed  entirely  insensible  to  any  medicine.  Altho  every 
thing  that  could  be  tho't  of  was  resorted  too  By  giving  wine 
and  water  he  revived  a  little  &  lingered  along  until  Seven  this 
morning — when  sad  as  it  may  be  I  am  under  the  necessity  of 
informing  you  that  a  few  minutes  past  seven  this  morning  he 

1  See   among  political  letters  the  one  addressed  to  William   Plummer  by 
Daniel  Webster,  dated  December  18,  1824:  also  the  letter  to  Edward  Everett, 
dated  December  31,  1824. 

2  Half-brother  of  Mrs.  Webster. 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  553 

breathed  his  last  &  we  trust  is  in  a  happier  world  where  all  pain 
will  cease.  You  may  rest  assured  that  nothing  was  left  undone 
that  could  have  been  of  service  to  him. 

Little  did  any  of  us  think  that  our  next  letter  to  you  would  be 
of  this  character.  Mrs  Webster  is  as  well  &  resigned  to  her  lot 
as  could  be  expected.  Cousin  Eliza  is  with  her  &  a  no  small 
comfort.  Dan'l,  Julia  &  Edward  were  much  affected  at  the  loss 
of  poor  Charlie  &  E.  in  particular  seemed  very  much  grieved  & 
also  Dan'l.  Julia  shows  less  feeling,  but  may  have  felt  as  bad. 

J.  W.  PAIGE 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.1) 

DEC.  29,  (1824) 

Till  yesterday  my  dear  Husband,  I  have  not  for  a  long  time 
had  the  satisfaction  of  writing  to  you.  I  should  not  again  at 
tempt  it  with  the  difficulty  I  find  in  holding  the  pen  but  for  the 
hope  that  it  may  be  some  small  consolation  to  you. 

Yours  of  friday  I  received  this  morning.  I  am  well  aware 
how  different  must  now  be  your  feelings  at  the  coming  in  of  the 
mail  —  now  that  hope  is  dead.  Yes  my  love,  we  were  too  happy, 
and  no  doubt  needed  to  be  reminded  that  these  treasures  which 
we  call  ours  are  but  lent  favors  from  the  moment  I  receive  them 
I  endeavor  to  consider  them  as  such,  but  I  have  need  to  be  re 
minded  —  of  the  frail  tenure  of  this  mortal  life.  *  *  * 

Heaven  bless  you  my  love  and  comfort  and  sustain  you  in  every 
trial  and  bring  you  at  the  last  to  the  reward  of  the  righteous 

prays  your  afft. 


(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.2) 

FRIDAY  MORNING  Dec.  31st  (1824) 

This  my  dear  Husband,  is  dear  little  Charles'  birthday!  but 
where  is  he  !  in  his  bed  of  darkness  —  every  thing  looks  bright  and 
gay,  but  cannot  bring  joy  to  the  heart  of  a  mother  who  mourns 
the  untimely  death  of  a  beloved  child.  When  years  since,  I  sent 
you  a  lock  of  hair  with  emotions  how  different  from  the  pres- 

1  This  letter  is  printed  in  Harvey's  "Reminiscences  of  Daniel  Webster," 
p.  322. 

2  This  letter  is  printed  in  Harvey's   "Reminiscences  of  Daniel  Webster," 
p.  323. 


554  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

ent — I  now  send  a  precious  little  lock  which  you  have  often  seen 
on  his  beautiful  brow.  I  think  it  will  be  some  satisfaction  to 
look  on  it  once  more.  I  am  sorry  not  send  the  pin  but  it  is  not 
quite  done.  I  have  often  tho't  why  was  the  pin  you  had  made 
for  me  with  the  little  lock  I  sent  you  a  mourning  one,  but  it  is 
all  right  now.  *  *  * 

I  am  very  glad  that  you  say  you  are  well.  May  Heaven  long 
continue  the  blessing.  The  children  are  now  all  well  and  all  at 
school. 

Yours  ever 

G.  W. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

JAN  1st  1825 

I  send  you  a  mournful  present  for  New  Years — My  dear  Hus 
band,  but  you  will  accept  it  together  with  my  best  wishes.  My 
thoughts  often  recur  to  the  past — with  an  aching  heart  at  the 
break  in  our  little  circle — since  last  New  Years.  Yet  I  endeavor 
not  to  embitter  the  present  by  useless  repining.  I  know  that 
ours  is  a  common  calamity  and  I  could  not  expect  to  be  exempt 
from  an  event  which  happens  to  all.  I  desire  so  to  receive  this 
chastisement,  that  I  may  be  saved  one  more  severe.  *  *  * 

I  have  no  letter  today.  I  fear  you  have  grown  weary,  with 
writing.  Daniel  has  several  times  begun  to  write  to  you  but  has 
not  accomplished  a  letter.  He  seems  to  recollect  with  some  de 
gree  of  pain  that  you  did  not  write  him  a  single  line  during  your 
long  absence  the  last  year.  I  fear  he  has  a  little  of  the  mother 
in  him.  *  *  * 

Yours  ever 
G.  W. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

FRIDAY  MORNING,  Jany  7th  (1825) 
My  dear  Husband, 

In  my  sleep  last  night  you  were  with  us — but  I  awoke  and  the 
delightful  vision  fled!  And  long  must  it  be  ere  I  can  hope  to 
see  you  save  in  the  visions  of  sleep  or  fancy.  It  is  a  long  seven 
weeks  since  you  left  us.  But  here  is  a  letter  and  from  you  my 
dear  husband  which  proves  we  are  not  forgotten.  It  contains 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  555 

the  interesting  epitaph  on  our  lamented  friend,  from  Mr.  Whit 
ney — it  is  doubly  interesting  considering  the  melancholy  fate  of 
the  author.  What  a  dreadful  calamity  is  that  to  friends  but 
how  much  more  dreadful  to  be  the  parents  of  such  a  son — as  the 
perpetrator  of  that  horrid  crime.  Such  things,  my  dear  love, 
ought  to  reconcile  us  to  our  loss.  No  doubt  we  ought  to  rejoice 
that 

Ere  sin  could  blight,  or  sorrow  fade, 
Death  timely  came  with  friendly  care ; 

The  opening  bud  to  Heaven  conveyed, 
And  bade  it  bloom  forever  there. 

But  it  is  hard  to  resign  objects  so  dear.1     *     *     * 

Yours  ever, 
^^^  G.  W. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

BOSTON  Jany  12th  (1825) 

I  intended  to  practice  the  golden  rule  my  dear  Husband,  and 
tho'  I  have  not  received  a  letter  for  two  or  three  days  to  have 
written,  *  *  * 

The  bell  rings  I  hope  there  is  a  letter  for  me.  It  is — The 
letter  as  I  hoped  is  from  yourself.  I  am  sorry  to  hear  you  have 
the  rheumatism.  I  hope  it  will  soon  leave  you  and  that  you  will 
be  able  to  preserve  your  health.  I  see  you  have  called  up  your 
bill.  It  is  quite  a  comfort  to  see  your  name  in  the  papers  with 
now  and  then  a  word  of  your  own. 

Daniel  likes  his  school  very  much,  but  I  am  thinking  you  did 
not  sufficiently  appreciate  Mr.  Green  D.  says  he  does  not  have 
half  as  much  study  as  he  had  there.  I  fear  there  is  more  play 
than  anything  else.  I  do  not  mean  in  school,  but  there  are  so 
many  boys  here  I  am  convinced  Boston  is  not  a  good  place  for 
Daniel.  Boys  must  have  parties  &  balls,  wear  white  kid  gloves 
and  I  know  not  what.  But  I  have  endeavored  to  reconcile  Daniel 
to  the  privation  of  living  without  these  things.  There  is  the 
greatest  folly  at  this  day — children  are  anticipating  all  the  pleas 
ures  and  amusements  of  Gentlemen  <§•  Ladies,  what  then  can  be 
left  for  those,  who  shall  arrive  at  that  period  I  am  unable  to  fore- 

1  See  also  the  letter  printed  in  Harvey's  "  Reminiscences  of  Daniel  Web 
ster,"  p.  393. 


556  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

see.  Boys  even  have  supper  parties  and  in  some  instances  have 
drunk  so  much  wine  they  could  hardly  be  got  home  and  they  could 
not  be  blamed,  how  could  any  one  suppose  they  could  have  judg 
ment  sufficient  to  govern  them. 

I  fear  you  will  think  this  is  pretty  much  like  my  scolding  the 
servants  You  have  to  hear  it.  I  hope  you  will  excuse  it  as  it  is 
a  long  time  since  I  have  exercised  my  talent.  *  *  * 

Ever  yours, 
G.  W. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

FRIDAY  MORNING  Jany  14  (1825) 

Yours  of  the  9th  my  dear  Husband,  tells  me  that  you  are  soli 
tary,  and  that  you  still  have  the  rheumatism,  both  of  which  I 
regret  without  the  power  to  cheer  or  alleviate.  There  is  a  strik 
ing,  and  painful  contrast  between  the  present  season,  and  the  last, 
with  us  my  dear  Love,  but  I  hope  we  shall  make  this  as  profitable 
to  ourselves  as  the  last  was  pleasant. 

Now  is  your  family  agreeable?  I  have  heard  much  of  Mrs. 
Wool's  uncommon  powers  at  conversation — extraordinary  in 
formation  &c  &c.  and  how  do  you  find  Mrs.  Dwight?  And  Mrs. 
Rankin,  is  she  ought  like  your  rib.  You  will  excuse  the  vanity 
which  leads  me  to  remember  that  yours  was  tho't  by  Mr.  R.  to 
be  a  model — you  need  not  add  he  did  not  know  her — I  am  well 
aware  of  that. 

Af  yours 

G.  W. 


(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

TUESDAY  MORNING  Jany  18th  1825. 

*  *  *  Yesterday  we  had  Mr.  Everetts  oration,  there  are 
some  fine  passages  in  it,  indeed,  it  is  all  very  good  and  I  have 
no  doubt  it  was  very  interesting  to  those,  who  heard  it;  but  I 
should  rather  be  the  author  of  one  page,  of  the  one  that  I  heard 
there,  than  the  whole — don't  be  afraid  that  I  shall  make  any 
such  remark — 

This  is  as  bright  and  beautiful  a  morning  as  that  which  gave 
joy  to  your  good  mother  in  the  birth  of  a  darling  son.  May 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  557 

many  as  bright  and  more  happy  dawn  on  that  son  tho'  the  mother 
who  gave  him  birth  know  it  not — 

Julia  desires  much  love.  She  has  too  bad  a  cold  to  go  to 
school  and  poor  little  Neddy  has  taken  their  little  green  satchel, 
not  with  whining  face — but  a  very  happy  one  and  gone  to 
school 

Yours  ever, 

GRACE  WEBSTER. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

JANY  20th  1825. 

I  conclude  you  are  much  engaged  my  dear  Husband,  as  I  have 
no  letters  yesterday  nor  to  day.  I  somehow  depended  so  much 
on  that  pleasure  to  day  as  be  a  little  disappointed —  You  know 
"indulgence  spoils  ladies"  and  you  are  so  good  in  writing  I  ex 
pect  now  a  letter  at  least  every  other  day.  *  *  * 

As  you  once  promised  to  read  all  my  letters  I  ought  to  be 
merciful — but  perhaps  you  may  have  forgot  the  promise,  and  if 
so,  I  own  I  ought  to  excuse  you  when  I  prose  in  this  way  if  you 
treat  mine  as  you  do  many  of  your  "esteemed  favours."  *  *  * 

Adieu — Yours  ever 

G.  W. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

JANY  26th.  (1825) 
My  dear  Husband, 

I  had  the  pleasure  of  two  letters  this  morning  one  from  your 
Brother  and  one  from  your  goodself.  Uncle  E.1  says  his  busi 
ness  at  Concord  is  adjusted.  I  hope  the  good  man  will  get  a 
woman  worthy  of  him2 — he  thinks  her  all  that  she  ought  to  be. 
I  hope  he  never  will  have  occasion  to  alter  his  opinion,  he  knows 
a  little  of  the  sex  and  therefore  probably  will  not  be  as  sanguine 
as  he  might  have  been  once.  He  tells  me  he  lodged  with  Mr. 
Mason  and  I  think  he  is  delighted  with  him — he  says  he  should 
be  proud  of  the  state  with  such  a  man  for  a  senator  in  congress — 
I  could  add  with  such  a  senator  and  such  a  representative  as  they 

1  Ezekiel  Webster. 

2  People  in  Concord,  N.  H.,  who  knew  Mrs.  E.  Webster  bear  witness  that 
'Uncle  E."  did  "get  a  woman  worthy  of  him." 


558  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

might  have  I  should  be  proud  of  N.  H. — but  they  are  a  degener 
ate  race. 

We  are  all  better  today.     I  have  only  time  to  say  how  much 

I  am  Ever  Yours, 

G.  W. 


(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

FEIDAY  Jany  24th  (1825) 
My  dear  Husband, 

*  *  *  Do  you  indeed  believe  Mr.  Adams  will  be  Presi 
dent?  The  important  day  is  at  hand,  big  with  the  fate  of 
Caesar  and  of  Rome"  Mr.  George  Adams  is  going  to  be  present 
— it  will  be  a  proud  day.  I  have  been  expecting  Judge  Story 
yesterday  and  this  morning  this  was  the  day  fixed  for  his  de 
parture.  *  *  * 

Your  ever  afft 

G.  W. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

BOSTON  Jany  31st  1825. 

I  had  no  letter  from  you  yesterday  my  dear  Husband,  but  hope 
for  one  to  day,  but  I  do  not  insist  upon  it,  knowing  how  much 
you  have  to  do.  It  is  a  great  shame  that  you  have  to  fight  your 
bill  along  so.  I  am  sorry  to  find  Mr.  Livingston  so  much  against 
you.  I  don't  care  about  Mr.  Wickliffe  and  such  sort  of  men  I 
like  to  hear  you  abuse  them. 

Judge  Story  leaves  this  morning,  he  has  been  sick  with  the 
prevailing  epidemic,  which  prevented  him  from  going  last  week 
with  a  little  party  of  which  Mr.  Winthrop  not  Mr.  Bowdoin 
made  one.  I  had  quite  a  party  for  me  last  evening — Judge 
Story,  Judge  Davis,  Mr.  Willis  &  Mr.  Bliss  they  are  all  much 
engaged  in  the  affairs  of  Harvard  College.  The  Judge  feels 
himself  much  injured  by  the  proceedings.  Mr.  Everett  I  am 
sorry  to  find  has  incurred  a  good  deal  odium  by  the  course  he  has 
taken.  Next  Thursday  he  is  to  reply  to  Judge  Story — there 
will  doubtless  be  a  great  crowd  to  hear  him.  *  *  * 

Adieu!     Yours  Ever 

G.  W. 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  559 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

My  dear  Husband,  FEE  3d  Thursday  morning  (1825) 

*  *  *  My  poor  old  thimble!  I  did  not  know  what  had 
become  of  it.  I  value  it  only  as  being  a  purchase  I  made  when  I 
lived  in  Portsmouth;  ere  the  "blight  of  sorrow  had  ever  come 
oe'r  me.  You  were  with  us  here  so  short  a  time  my  Love,  I  fear 
you  can  hardly  see  us  in  your  mind's  eye  —  and  if  you  do  it  is 
but  a  melancholy  picture  —  The  little  circle  broken:  one  deal- 
bright  link  in  the  chain  gone  —  but  yet  we  hope  to  be  happy 
when  you  return.  *  *  * 

The  Coronation  is  well  done,  both  in  paint  and  likeness.  His 
Grace  looks  frighfully  like  the  New  Speaker.  Who  could  have 
done  it?  I  shall  be  afraid  to  show  it  without  your  leave.  *  *  * 

Yours  ever, 
^^^  G.  W. 

'(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

SAT.  MORNING  Feb'y  5,  (1825) 

I  somewhat  expected  a  letter  from  you  to  day  my  dear  Hus 
band,  but  from  the  newspapers  I  conclude  you  are  very  busy, 
one  of  the  papers  said  Congress  was  like  a  beehive  just  before 
swarming.  Mr.  Clay  I  see  is  in  a  fearful  passion.  It  is  dread 
ful  to  be  so  abused  All  the  honors  this  Government  can  bestow 
would  be  no  equivalent  to  me  —  but  I  do  not  believe  if  a  man  acts 
always  with  honor  and  integrity  there  is  any  danger  of  such 
abuse.  If  I  should  talk  of  things  too  high  for  me  you  must  just 
put  it  into  the  fire  and  forget  it  —  not  me.  The  children  have 
come  home  clamouring  for  something  to  eat.  They  wish  thev 
could  go  into  Aunt  Coyles  closet  and  get  some  of  her  good 
ies."  *  *  * 

Always  Your  Affte 


r(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

FEBY  8th,  Tuesday  morning.  (1825) 

Do  you  know  my  dear  Husband,  that  it  is  a  long  time  since 
you  have  written  to  me?  or  are  you  so  much  occupied  with  the 
important  affairs  of  the  nation  as  to  make  you  forgetful  of  such 


560  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

a  trifle  as  wife.  I  have  not  written  for  a  day  or  two  and  I  recol 
lect  I  wrote  a  most  stupid  uninteresting  letter — and  I  cannot 
promise  to  do  better  today  my  head  does  not  feel  quite  right. 

You  will  have  seen  before  this  that  Gov.  Eustis  is  no  more  A 
new  one  is  already  talked  of.  I  have  heard  Mr.  Blake  named  as 
successor.  Now  would  that  suit  ?  Julia  has  spoken  to  two  votes 
for  you  Mr.  Bliss'  and  Uncle  Williams. 

The  papers  have  already  killed  the  Hon.  speaker1  in  a  duel. 
I  hope  he  will  take  warning  and  tho,  Mr.  Kremer  should  "cry 
aloud  and  spare  not"  it  would  be  a  pity  to  have  bloodshed  upon 
the  occasion.  Our  friend  Mr.  Blake  thinks  there  will  be  much 
spilt.  *  *  * 

Every  Yours  G.  W. 


(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

My  dear  Husband,  BOSTON  Feb'y  10th,  1825. 

Now  that  the  important  business  of  making  a  President  is  as  I 
trust  over,  I  hope  I  shall  have  letters  as  usual.     I  have  been 
wholly  neglected  for  a  long  week,  which  being  a  rare  occasion 
makes  it  the  more  worthy  of  note.     *     *     * 
My  dear  Husband, 

Ever  Yours, 
G.  WEBSTEE. 

<fFrom  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

FRIDAY  MORNING,  Feby  llth  [1825] 

I  am  very  happy  in  receiving  a  short  letter  from  you  my  be 
loved  Husband.  I  knew  your  time  must  be  all  filled,  and  that 
you  can  have  very  little  for  me.  The  great  question  is  undoubt 
edly  decided,  which  has  for  a  long  time  agitated  the  Public. 
Tho'  we  have  very  little  doubt  as  to  the  success  of  the  Northern 
Candidate,  yet  we  are  anxious  to  know  how  it  is.  And  I  am 
anxious  also  to  know  how  Mr.  Clay  and  Kremer  are  coming  out.2 
I  think  you  have  a  great  many  silly  heads  as  well  as  wise  ones 
in  that  honorable  body.  I  cannot  tell  you  how  happy  I  am  that 

1  Henry  Clay.     See  McMaster's  "  History  of  the  United  States,"  vol.  v,  pp. 
78,  79. 

2  See  McMaster's  "History  of  United  States,"  vol.  v,  pp.  491-495, 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  561 

the  fourth  of  March  must  put  an  end  to  those  wise  deliberations, 
otherwise  I  should  fear  that  the  whole  winter  would  be  taken  up 
in  debating  how  the  office  should  be  settled.  I  fear  you  think  it 
very  foolish  in  me  to  meddle  with  these  high  matters,  but  I  am  so 
much  interested  in  whatever  you  are  engaged  I  must  prate  a 
little. 

Yours  ever, 

G.  WEBSTER. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

nr     j        TT    u     j  MONDAY  MORNING  (Feb  14.  1825) 

My  dear  Husband, 

My  letter  was  forgotten  yesterday  till  it  was  too  late.  The 
news  came  last  night  of  the  election  Mr.  Adams.  I  was  awak 
ened  by  the  cannon.  We  had  been  rather  anxiously  awaiting  the 
news.  I  should  like  to  know  how  the  poor  old  President,  Father 
I  mean,  bears  it.  He  is  very  much  indisposed  Mr.  I.  P.  told 
me  last  evening  with  the  prevailing  epidemick  of  this  region,  I 
doubt  if  he  will  live  to  see  his  son  clothed  with  his  new  hon 


ors. 


*     *     # 


Your  letter  of  the  9th  which  I  received  this  morning,  was  an 
unexpected  pleasure  I  am  glad  you  get  so  well  over  the  impor 
tant  affair.  I  do  not  think  the  Gentlemen  who  wasted  so  much 
time  debating  .how  the  thing  should  be  done  have  raised  them 
selves  in  the  public  opinion.  Good  sense  is  an  invaluable  gift. 
I  tho't  Mr.  McDuffie  had  had  too  much  to  have  talked  so  long 
and  to  so  little  purpose.  Excuse  the  opinions  of  one  who  has  no 
right  to  such  a  privilege.  Ever  your  afft. 

G.  W. 

Pray  tell  me  how  Mr.  A.1  received  the  intelligence?  I  have 
a  wish  to  know  if  he  was  moved. 


(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

FEB.  17th  Thursday  morning.  (1825) 

I  consider  it  a  very  fortunate  accident  my  dear  Husband,  that 
procured  me  a  letter  of  nearly  three  pages  I  shall,  however,  be 
very  glad  of  one  an  "inch  long."  *  *  * 

1  Adams. 


562  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

You  have  doubtless  heard  that  Mr.  Adams  heard  the  news 
of  his  son's  honors  with  great  composure.     His  health  is  bet- 
Ever  affectly  Yours, 
G.  W. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

FRIDAY  MORNING  Feb.  18th  (1825) 

Whenever  I  receive  a  letter,  my  dear  Husband,  I  feel  as  if  I 
must  reply.  Yours  of  Sunday  was  an  unexpected  favour  as  I 
had  one  yesterday,  but  tho'  unexpected,  not  the  less  welcome. 

The  papers  are  full  of  speculations  about  the  offices  to  be 
filled  and  the  characters  who  are  to  will  them,  even  you  do  not 
escape.  Mr.  Adams  situation  is  not  an  enviable  one.  I  have 
felt  very  much  interested  in  the  great  affairs  at  W.  and  should 
rather  have  been  there  on  many  accounts  than  at  another  session, 
but  I  doubt  if  I  ever  go  there  again.  Our  children,  if  they  live, 
will  require  my  constant  care — more  than  I  could  bestow  in  such 
a  place — and  if  it  must  be  so,  if  your  duty  calls  you  there,  I  must 
submit — it  is  doubtless  best  it  should  be  so.  *  *  * 

Adieu     Yours  Ever 

GRACE  WEBSTER. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

MONDAY  MORNING,  Feb.  21st  (1825) 

I  am  indebted  to  you,  my  dear  Husband,  for  a  letter  of  un 
usual  length  and  spirits  too. 

I  have  not  written  for  several  days  for  I  fear  if  I  write  oftener 
my  letters  will  be  entirely  without  value.  I,  who  never  stir  from 
my  own  fireside  but  to  enter  a  Church,  can  have  nothing  to  com 
municate  but  the  health,  or  sickness  of  my  family,  as  it  please 
Providence, — the  shining  of  the  glorious  sun,  or  the  howling  of 
the  storm.  My  life  is  monotonous  indeed,  and  somewhat  dull — 
but  it  is  doubtless  best  for  me;  it  gives  me  time  for  reflections 
which  the  frequent  intercourse  with  the  world  is  too  apt  [to] 
banish — from  a  mind  so  trifling  as  I  find  mine  is — and  I  have 
many,  very  many  painfully  mortifying  reflections.  It  is  morti 
fying  to  reflect  how  much  I  am  behind  you  in  everything.  I 
know  no  one  respects,  but  rather  dispises  those  they  consider  very 
much  their  inferiors.  You  will  perhaps  say  I  am  unusually 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  563 

humble,  but  these  are  not  the  feelings  of  an  hour  or  a  day  they 
are  habitual.     *     *     * 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tickner  have  returned.  She  made  me  a  very 
friendly  visit  the  day  after  her  return.  I  have  not  yet  seen 
Mr.  T.  I  would  not  forget  that  Mrs.  Tickner  desired  me 
to  mention  her  particularly  to  you.  When  you  compare  her 
letters  with  mine,  my  dear  Husband,  I  am  well  aware  that  the 
difference  in  length  would  be  the  most  trifling.  You  must  have 
the  mortification  to  reflect  that  Mrs  T.  is  the  daughter  of  a  man 
of  millions,  and  has  enjoyed,  since  her  infancy,  every  advantage, 
which  wealth  can  bestow,  while  your  wife  is  the  daughter  of  a 
poor  country  clergyman — all  the  early  part  of  her  life  passed 
in  obscurity,  toiling  with  hands  not  "fair"  for  subsistence.  These 
are  humiliating  truths,  which  I  regret  more  on  your  account  than 
any  other.  But,  however  poor,  or  however  obscure 
I  am  always, 

Affectionately, 

Yours  G.  W. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

FEB.  24th  (1825) 
My  dear  husband,  Monday  morning. 

*  *  *  I  shall  tell  Mrs.  Blake  how  much  you  wished  for  her 
at  [illegible],  I  hope  you  were  as  well  entertained  as  upon  a 
former  occasion.  Mrs  B.  will  never  forget  the  lady  in  black 
crescents  who  amused  you  both  so  much. 

I  wish  I  had  something  to  interest  you  but  have  nothing.  Ac 
cording  to  Dr.  Johnson  I  have  the  true  "epistolic  art"  which  he 
says  is  "doubtless  to  make  a  letter  without  affection,  without  wis 
dom,  without  gaiety,  without  news,  and  without  a  secret"  affec 
tion  excepted,  have  I  not  ?  I  believe  my  letters  are  not  wholly 
without  that.  *  *  * 

Yours  Ever 
^^^  G.  W. 

'(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

TUESDAY  MORNING  March  1st,  (1825)  11  o'clock. 
My  dear  Husband, 

Mr.  Bliss  has  just  been  here  to  inquire  if  I  had  any  news  from 


564  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

you  knowing  I  had  a  letter  this  morning.  I  told  him  your  letter 
contained  none — he  then  told  me  there  was  a  report  current  in 
town  last  evening  that  Mr.  Randolph  had  challenged  you  for 
some  remarks  of  yours  last  year  which  had  just  reached  him. 
Mr.  B.  did  not  for  a  moment  believe  the  report,  but  had  manfully 
contradicted  it,  still  he  tho't  he  should  like  to  know  what  you  had 
written,  which  happened  to  be  merely  a  short  notice  of  your  din 
ner  with  the  President,  your  enjoyment  of  our  old  room,  &c.,  &c. 
not  a  word  of  duels  or  anything  of  the  sort.  I  heard  the  same 
story  at  N.  Jersey  on  my  return  last  year — the  duel  excepted, 
as  Mr.  R.  was  then  on  the  great  and  mighty  deep  he  could  not 
have  heard  if  you  had  made  the  threat.  I  told  Mr.  Stockton 
you  were,  I  believe  very  angry  with  Mr.  R.  but  you  would  not 
be  very  likely  to  threaten  any  man  with  a  whipping.  I  have  not 
the  least  disagreeable  apprehension  of  the  truth  of  the  report,  my 
dear  Husband,  I  neither  believe  Mr.  R.  would  challenge,  nor  if 
he  did,  that  you  would  accept.  *  *  * 

G.  W. 


(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

SAT.  MORNING  March  5.  (1825) 

I  have  not  written  you  for  several  days  my  dear  Husband,  but 
among  your  numerous  correspondents  I  can  hardly  flatter  myself 
that  my  poor  epistles  will  be  missed.  I  owe  you  for  two  letters 
received  yesterday  which  should  have  been  answered,  but  I  was 
not  in  spirits,  and  as  you  know  that  "out  of  the  abundance  of  the 
heart  the  mouth  speaketh"  I  tho't  it  better  for  me  to  be  silent. 

Mrs.  Blake  came  in  and  sat  an  hour  and  a  half  in  the  morning, 
after  having  been  jambed  to  a  moderate  size  in  attempting  to  see 
the  dinner  tables  at  old  Faneuil  where  the  famous  dinner  was 
eaten  yesterday  in  honor  of  our  Yankee  President.1  *  *  * 

That  affair  of  yours  and  Mr.  Randolphs  will  serve  to  astonish 
the  people  here  for  some  time  to  come.  It  is  now  said  that  as 
you  would  take  no  notice  of  Mr.  R.  Mr.  Benton  espoused  the 
cause  and  the  quarrel.  Can  there  be  any  truth  in  this  ?  2  *  *  * 

Yours  ever 

GRACE  WEBSTER. 

1  John  Quincy  Adams. 

2  See  the  correspondence  between  Daniel  Webster  and  Benton. 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  565 

(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

BOSTON  March  9th,  1825. 
My  Dear  Father 

I  am  very  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  letter  and  am  very 
sorry  that  I  have  been  so  long  in  answering  it.  I  hope  I  shall 
always  be  a  good  boy  and  reallize  your  wishes  and  when  you  are 
old  I  shall  be  a  comfort  to  you  in  your  old  age.  I  have  just 
finished  my  French  which  is  about  the  condition  of  peace  which 
Charles  the  XII  gave  to  king  Augustus.  Edward  and  Julia  are 
writing  you  letters ;  Neddy  says  that  he  has  written  you  a  hun 
dred  letters  and  you  have  not  written  him  one,  and  Julia  says  that 
she  has  written  you  twice.  *  *  * 

Your  Dutiful  and  affectionate  son 

DANIEL  F.  WEBSTER. 


(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

THURSDAY  MORNING  March  10th  (1825) 

I  must  write  this  morning  my  dear  Husband,  if  it  be  but  tell 
you  how  much  I  am  disappointed  in  not  having  a  letter.  Your 
letters  are  indeed  like  Angels  visits,  short  and  far  between.  But 
I  have  done  complaining — as  I  hope  you  perceive — I  have  even 
become  quite  stoical.  This  is  the  time  you  fixed  on  for  your 
return,  but  I  have  been  silent — I  am  patience  personified.  *  *  * 

The  Inaugural  addresses  have  arrived  I  have  not  finished  the 
Presidents  but  as  far  as  I  have  read  I  tho't  it  sensible.  I  don't 
know  what  sort  of  an  address  is  expected  of  a  Vice  President 
Mr.  Calhoun  is  a  sensible  man  and  I  suppose  his  is  right. 

I  had  a  letter  from  your  excellent  Brother  this  week  he  in 
tends  to  be  here  about  the  time  of  your  return.  It  is  before  this, 
decided  whether  he  is  to  be  one  of  the  Representatives  to  Con 
gress1  I  very  much  fear  he  is  not  If  they  do  not  elect  him 
and  Mr.  Mason  New  Hampshire  ought  to  be  blotted  out  from 
the  catalogue  of  States. 

We  are  all  well.  Edward  I  think  you  will  find  grown  con 
siderably.  Julia  is  about  the  same.  I  fear  you  will  not  find 
them  much  improved  I  believe  I  have  lost  the  art  of  managing 
children — and  Julia  requires  a  wiser  head  than  mine,  and  a  bet- 

1  Ezekiel  Webster  was  not  elected. 


566  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

ter  heart  I  fear — she  is  very  peculiar  in  her  temper  and  feelings. 
I  think  it  would  be  for  her  good  to  go  from  her  mother  but  I 
doubt  if  I  could  be  happy  without  her. 

Adieu,  remember  a  little  oftener — Your  affectionate 

GEACE 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

BOSTON  Jany  16"  1827. 

*  *     *     I  read  with  delight  Mr  Cannings  speeches  in  Par 
liament  he  is  Jewel  in  the  crown  of  Great  Britain     Such  a  mind 
is  one  of  heavens  best  gifts  every  other  earthly  possession  is  dross 
to  it —     You  will  think  I  fear,  that  I  am  in  the  heroics  this 
morning.     I  do  feel  inspired  with  two  letters  from  you  and  read 
ing  Mr  Canning  speech — but  I  am 

As  Ever  entirely  Yours 

GRACE  WEBSTER 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

JANY  17th  [1827] 
Wednesday  morning 

*  *     *     I  see  a  little  sparing  between  you  and  Mr  Forsyth 
• — but  I  dont  get  all  the  debates — only  extracts — it  is  rather  too 
late  or  I  would  ask  to  have  the  Intelligencer  sent  me — I  have 
nothing  to  say  today — Julia  has  been  making  hearts  for  you 
which  are  to  go  in  this  so  you  will  have  our  hearts  with  few  words 
as  they  are  made  up  of  love 

Yours  ever 

GEACE  WEBSTER 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

BOSTON,  Jany  21st,  1827. 

*  *     *     Have  you  seen  Mr  Channings  discourse  at  the  dedi 
cation  of  a  Church  in  N.  York —     I  wish  you  would  read  it  & 
tell  me  what  you  think  of  it ;  for  myself  I  am  sorry  he  preached 
such  doctrine.     I  should  be  unwilling  to  believe  him  right,     and 
I  cannot  but  fear  we  are  wrong  to  appear  to  be  of  that  sect — 
I  am  anxious  that  our  children  should  be  taught  the  right  way  if 
it  be  possible  to  ascertain  what  that  is.     I  fear  my  dear  Hus- 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  567 

band  that  you  have  not  sufficiently  considered  the  subject  and  I 
have  been  myself  too  easy — If  you  have  time  to  give  some  con 
sideration  to  the  subject  I  wish  you  would  and  write  to  me — 
With  much  love 

Ever  Yours 
______  G  WEBSTEE. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

BOSTON  Jany  29  1827 

Full  many  a  Mail  has  arrived  without  bringing  a  line  from 
you  my  dear  Husband,  but  I  know  how  you  are  occupied  and  that 
your  whole  mind  must  be  engaged  in  arduous  duties  and  labours. 
I  hear  proud  accounts  of  you  by  way  of  Mr  Bliss — which  recon 
ciles  me  to  the  deprivation  I  mentioned — My  Husband  is  the 
centre  and  the  height  of  my  ambition — I  fear  you  will  think  it 
would  be  better  if  I  were  more  so  for  myself — No  one  could  more 
ardently  wish  to  be  all  woman  ought  to  be  than  I  do,  but  I  have 
not  the  courage  to  pursue  a  course  that  would  make  me  what  I 
would  be — The  weakness  of  my  sight  is  too  discouraging — I  can 
not  write  a  short  letter  without  feeling  uncomfortable — But  no 
more  of  my  infirmities.  *  *  * 
P.  S.  (omitted). 

saB5asaBHa  G.  W. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

BOSTON  Feb.  5,  1827 

I  am  very  glad  to  receive  a  short  letter  from  you  to  day,  mv 
dear  Husband,  together  with  the  childrens  bon  bons  they  will 
be  much  pleased  to  see  something  or  anything  coming  under  your 
direction — Julia  asked  me  this  morning  to  write  for  her  she 
wished  me  to  say  she  was  studying  grammar  and  that  she  had  got 
to  the  head  of  her  class  again  in  geography  and  goes  again  to 
dancing  school —  *  *  * 

I  am  as  Ever  Yours 
G.  WEBSTEE 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

SAT  Feb  10th  [1827] 
*     *     *     You  told  me  in  your  last  that  Mr  McCready  dined 


568  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

with  you  how  do  you  find  him  in  private?  he  is  one  of  the 
few  Tragedians  that  I  should  feel  inclined  to  know  something 
of  *  *  *  Mrs  J.  P.  was  here  Thursday  evening  she  de 
sired  me  to  ask  you  the  colour  of  Mrs  Lymans  dress  at  the  French 
Ministers?  Julia  said  do  you  suppose  Papa  can  tell  black  from 
<vhite  in  the  night  ?  for  Mr  Davis  sake  I  hope  you  will  endeavour 
to  recollect  this  important  item —  I  hope  the  Court  go  on 
well_  *  *  * 

With  much  love — 

Yours  Ever — 
^^^  GW. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

BOSTON  Feb  15th  1827 

Amidst  your  cares,  your  business,  &  your  pleasures,  My  dear 
Husband,  I  sometimes  fear  that  if  I  did  not  obtrude  myself  upon 
you  I  should  be  a  thing  quite  forgotten.  Perhaps  you  will  blame 
the  thought,  but  after  looking  day  after  day  even  more  than  a 
week  for  a  letter  in  vain,  I  feel  a  little  impatient,  but  I  do  not 
mean  to  be  unreasonable —  Julia  is  anxiously  waiting  for  a 
letter  also  she  says  "tell  Papa  I  am  his  correspondent  but  he 
dont  correspond."  *  *  * 

_____  G.  W. 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

BOSTON  Feb.  16th  1827 

The  fear  that  you  will  think  I  wrote  rather  a  complaining  let 
ter  yesterday  my  dear  Husband,  induces  me  to  write  again  to 
day — tho'  I  have  little  to  say  but  the  often  told  tale — the  repeti 
tion  of  yesterday,  our  health  the  weather  and  our  employ 
ments —  *  *  * 

I  devoted  last  evening  to  the  reading  of  the  debates  in  Con 
gress  last  Saturday —  I  don't  wonder  that  you  were  "right  reg 
ular  tired"  you  had  many  battles  to  fight.  I  cannot  be  thank 
ful  enough  that  the  session  is  so  near  the  close. 

Gov. — Lincoln  as  you  will  see  most  unequivocally  declines  the 
honor  of  Senator — so  that  matter  I  suppose  is  at  rest.  *  *  * 

Yours  Ever 

GW. 


FAMILY  RELATIONS  569 

(From  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.) 

THURSDAY  March  8th  [1827] 

I  have  got  another  unexpected  pleasure  my  dear  Husband, 
yours  of  Saturday.  You  must  indeed  feel  relieved  from  a  load 
of  care  I  rejoice  with  all  my  heart  that  you  have  got  over  it 
so  well  and  so  soon  too  for  I  expected  you  would  have  to  sit  up 
all  night  but  you  anticipated  and  sat  up  on  Friday  night — 
I  hope  your  good  long  nap  of  24  hours  has  restored  you  and 
that  we  shall  find  there  is  something  "left  of  you  yet."  *  *  * 
Poor  Mrs  Bliss  expected  fully  to  see  her  good  husband  last 
evening  but  she  has  not  yet  Whether  the  storm  delayed  the 
boat,  or  whether  he  waits  for  the  next  is  uncertain.  O !  if  a  hus 
band  could  know  the  disappointment  a  woman  feels ;  if  he  could 
but  know  the  meaning  of  this  most  true  saying  of  the  wise  man 
hope  deferred  makes  the  heart  sick  it  would  not  be  so  often  felt, 
but  as  they  do  not  know — they  cannot  be  so  greatly  to  blame  so 
here  my  reasoning  ends — - 

Yours  Ever 

G.  W. 

Julia  wishes  she  had  a  speaking  trumpet  that  would  reach 
your  ear  she  says  she  wants  to  talk  with  you — 


(Mrs.  Grace  Webster  to  James  W.  Paige.) 

N  YORK  Dec  2d  (1827) 

Sunday  1  'Oclock 
My  dear  Brother, 

Mr.  W.  I  believe  has  kept  you  informed  till  yesterday  of  our 
state  and  condition  but  yesterday,  we  were  neither  of  us  well 
enough  to  write  conveniently,  and  did  not  like  to  employ  anyone 
for  fear  of  alarming  you.  I  tho't  when  I  found  myself  confined 
to  the  bed  with  a  blister  that  it  would  detain  as  I  could  not  fore 
see  how  long  that  we  had  reached  the  climax  of  our  misfortunes 
but  yesterday  morning  Mr.  W.  had  a  sudden  and  violent  attack 
of  rheumatism  in  his  back  which  has  prostrated  him  completely, 
he  has  only  sat  up  long  enough  to  have  his  bed  made — to  day — 
I  hope,  however,  that  the  worst  is  over  he  has  much  less  pain, 
indeed  is  quite  easy  if  he  keeps  entirely  still.  I  think  I  see  mercy 
in  this  for  if  he  had  been  well  he  tho't  he  must  leave  tomorrow, 


570  LETTERS    OF    DANIEL   WEBSTER 

which  he  was  very  unwilling  to  do  without  me  and  it  would  be 
almost  a  thing  impossible  for  me  to  go,  for  it  is  with  pain  & 
difficulty  that  I  sit  at  all—  *  *  * 

Yours  G  WEBSTER 


(To  James  W.  Paige.) 

Dear  William,  NEW  YORK  Dec"  3rd"  1827 

Mrs  Webster  wrote  you  yesterday  &  I  must  now  continue  the 
melancholy  narrative.  I  write  by  the  hand  of  Henry  Perkins — 
I  begin  with  myself — It  seems  to  me  that  I  am  a  little  better  to 
day  than  yesterday — I  am  free  from  pain,  &  while  I  lie  still  am 
easy  &  quiet — but  I  cannot  get  upon  my  feet,  nor  when  on  them 
walk  across  the  room  without  help —  But  as  I  am  convalescent 
&  my  complaint  not  dangerous  I  pay  it  little  regard — the  weighty 
matter  is  Mrs.  Webster's  illness,  &  this  I  fear  has  become  alarm 
ing — last  night  and  to  day  she  has  suffered  at  intervals  intense 
pain  from  her  foot  to  her  hip — to  day  she  has  been  quite  con 
fined  to  her  bed — I  am  fully  convinced  that  it  will  not  be  proper 
to  proceed  farther  with  her  until  a  favourable  change  shall  take 
place — but  how  much  of  her  present  suffering  arises  from  the 
disease  itself,  or  from  its  natural  progress,  &  how  much  from 
temporary  causes  I  cannot  tell.  If  Mrs.  Webster  should  again 
be  as  well  as  when  we  left  home,  I  think  I  shall  proceed  to  Wash 
ington,  leaving  her  here  for  a  while ;  &  to  come  to  Washington, 
or  return  to  Boston  according  to  circumstances  hereafter.  But 
until  she  is  much  better  than  she  now  is,  I  should  not  leave  her 
even  if  I  were  able  to  travel  myself.  As  it  is  there  is  little  pros 
pect  of  my  getting  away  before  next  week.  I  shall  write  you 
daily,  &  nothing  remains  but  to  hope  &  pray  for  the  best. 
We  all  send  much  love  to  you  &  Daniel. 

Yrs.  always  truly, 

DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  James  W.  Paige.) 

NEW  YORK  Deer.  4th,  1827. 
Dear  William,  Tuesday  eveng. 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  say  that  Mrs.  Webster  is  better  than 
she  was  yesterday — she  slept  well  last  night,  &  has  passed  a  com- 


FAMILY  RELATIONS  571 

fortable  day —     As  for  myself,  I  am  much  the  same,  though 
rather  convalescent. 

Riley  has  returned  from  New  Brunswick —  As  a  part  of  our 
common  luck  on  his  way  thither  a  carriage  drove  up,  furiously, 
behind  him,  forced  its  pole  into  our  coach,  &  stove  the  back  part 
of  it  all  to  pieces —  We  shall  try  to  get  it  mended. 

Mrs  Webster  says  that  she  has  nothing  to  add  but  that  the 
children  are  well  &  all  send  love 

Yrs.  truly 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 


(To  James  W.  Paige.) 

FRIDAY  1  Oclock 

Dear  William, 

I  have  yours  of  Wednesday,  in  which  you  say  something  of 
going  to  Boston  &c. — 

I  really  know  not  what  is  best  to  be  done,  but  will  suggest  what 
occurs  to  me. — 

In  the  first  place,  I  am  not  now  well  eno'  to  set  off,  on  a  jour 
ney,  to  N.  Y.1 —  My  cold,  or  what  remains  of  it,  (which  is 
more  than  I  could  wish)  is  on  my  chest  &  lungs. —  I  have  a 
cough,  though  not  hard  &  obstinate,  yet  so  serious  as  to  admonish 
me  to  be  careful.  Taking  chances  of  health  &  weather,  Tues 
day  or  Wednesday  would  be  the  earliest  day  that  I  should  expect 
to  be  able  to  get  away. —  That  would  bring  it  near  the  end  of 
the  month,  before  I  reached  N  York —  Now,  if  Judge  &  Mrs. 
Story  left  home  at  the  expected  time,  they  will  be  leaving  N 
York  by  the  time  I  shall  arrive. —  So  that,  after  all,  I  must 
come  back  very  soon,  or  come  alone  afterwards. — 

I  have  looked  at  all  my  causes  in  Court,  &  am  satisfied  that  I 
can  very  easily  make  such  arrangements,  as  that  I  may  be  gone 
a  fortnight  any  time  before  the  1.  of  Feby. 

Now  the  question  is — whether  I  had  not  better  wait  till  the 
Judge  &  his  lady  come  here,  &  get  settled — &  then  go  &  see 
Grace  ? 

I  should  prefer,  it  is  true,  going  while  the  Boats  yet  run ;  but 

1  December  13,  1827,  Webster  left  Mrs.  Webster  and  went  to  Washington, 
where  the  pressure  of  public  business  demanded  his  presence.  He  returned  to 
heron  January  3,  1828,  and  on  January  21  she  died.  See  Curtis'  "Life  of 
Daniel  Webster,"  vol.  i,  p.  310. 


572  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

a  land  journey,  in  health,  is  less  hazardous  than  water  passages, 
while  sick — 

What  occurs  to  me,  as  best,  on  the  whole,  is  that  on  receipt 
of  this,  you  go  to  Boston,  &  give  the  necessary  attention  to  your 
own  affairs.  If,  after  being  there  a  few  days,  you  could  return, 
without  any  degree  of  inconvenience,  I  should  be  glad —  But  I 
would  not  have  you  derange  your  own  affairs  at  all. —  In  the 
mean  time, -I  will  be  governed  by  my  own  health,  &  by  what  I 
hear  from  N.  York,  as  to  my  going  there  before  your  return. — 
I  do  most  devoutly  wish  I  was  able  to  go  tomorrow! 

It  is  obvious  to  me,  that  if  Mrs  W's  case  should  continue,  with 
out  material  alteration  for  some  time,  I  must  vacate  my  place 
here.  Personally,  I  care  very  little  about  it,  but  wish  only  to 
fulfill  the  expectation  of  my  friends,  as  far  as  circumstances  will 
allow. —  But  on  this  point,  I  shall  do  nothing  hastily. — 

You  will  receive  this  on  Monday  morning —  I  shall  get  your 
answer  on  Wednesday. — but,  in  the  mean  time,  if  I  hear  that 
Mrs  W.  is  worse,  or  I  should  get  well  myself  sooner  than  I  expect, 
I  may  probably  set  off. — 

The  most  I  shall  fear,  after  you  go,  &  while  you  are  gone,  is, 
that  I  shall  not  get,  daily,  true  accounts.  The  Dr.  will  naturally 
think  that  I  could  do  no  good,  &  therefore  if  Grace  should  be 
rather  worse  might  not  think  it  worth  while  to  give  me  notice. 
/  must  depend  on  you  to  make  some  arrangement  by  which  I 
shall  know,  from  day  to  day,  $  every  day  precisely  how  she  is — 

P.  S.  Mr  Sparhawk,  one  of  the  reporters  of  the  Senate, 
thinks  of  leaving  this  place  for  New  York  tomorrow — if  he 
should,  I  will  try  to  send  a  small  trunk  of  children's  clothes — if 
I  can  get  them  selected  &  packed — 

Yrs  D.  WEBSTER 

A  certain  other  situation,  ab't  which  the  Papers  talk,  is  equally 
inconsistent  with  the  present  condition  of  things,  even  if  I  had 
the  option. — * 


(From  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

PORTSMOUTH  Jany  27,  1828 
My  dear  Friend 

Your  two  letters  from  N.  York  prepared  us  to  expect  what  has 

1  Daniel  Webster  was  talked  of  as  Minister  to  England, 


FAMILY  RELATIONS  573 

happened.  We  most  sincerely  sympathize  with  you  in  this  event, 
in  all  its  bearings  &  aspects,  so  melancholy  &  distressing.  I 
know  of  no  occasion,  on  which  I  have  seen  Mrs.  Mason  more 
deeply  affected. 

Without  perhaps  fully  appreciating  their  extent,  I  know  your 
sufferings  have  been,  &  still  are  excessive.  You  have  all  the  con 
solation  that  the  sympathy  of  friends,  &  universal  condolence 
can  give.  But  my  knowledge  of  you,  my  dear  Sir,  forbids  the 
hope  of  much  relief  or  benefit  from  this  source.  Your  consola 
tion  must  come  from  a  higher  source.  Your  relief  in  this  great 
calamity  rests  with  yourself  &  your  God.  And  there  I  con 
fidently  trust  &  hope  you  will  find  it.  This  is  one  of  those  events 
which  strikingly  illustrates  the  vanity  of  human  expectations,  & 
the  imbecility  of  all  human  power. 

Mr.  Ticknor,  in  a  letter  of  yesterday,  says  he  understands 
your  intention  to  be  to  return  to  Washington  in  eight  or  ten 
days.  This  as  it  seems  to  me  ought  to  depend  entirely  on  your 
own  feelings  &  the  condition  of  your  health.  I  learn  from  Mr. 
Ticknor  that  your  business  in  the  Supreme  Court  will  not  be  per 
mitted  to  be  pressed  on  you  at  this  term.  This  I  had  anticipated. 

We  know  nothing  of  the  arrangements  you  have  made,  or 
think  of  making  for  your  children  this  winter.  We  understand 
they  are  now  with  you  at  Mr.  Blake's.  Mrs.  Mason  desires  me 
to  say  to  you,  that  in  case  you  can  form  no  plan  for  taking  care 
of  them  more  satisfactory?  she  will  most  willingly  take  charge  of 
the  two  youngest,  till  your  return  from  Washington  next  spring. 
She  is  aware  of  the  nature  of  the  trust  she  offers  to  assume,  & 
will  of  course  execute  it  with  all  possible  care.  If  this  arrange 
ment  appears  to  you  preferable  to  any  other  you  can  make,  I 
request  you  will  assent  to  it  without  fear  of  any  apprehended 
trouble  to  us.  For  be  assured,  my  Dr  Sir,  Mrs.  Mason  will 
undertake  it  most  cheerfully. 

When  I  first  heard  of  your  being  at  Boston,  I  thought  of 
going  there  to  see  you.  But  I  fear  I  shall  not  be  able.  A  vio 
lent  snow  storm  is  now  raging,  &  it  is  impossible  to  foresee  how 
it  will  leave  the  travelling.  I  am  likewise  at  this  time  much 
pressed  with  engagements  for  the  winter  session  of  Our  Supr. 
Court,  which  summons  at  Dover  the  first  of  next  week.  Mrs. 
Mason  desires  her  most  affectionate  regards  to  you. 
I  am  my  Dr  Sir  most  faithfully  yours 

J.  Mason. 


574  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(From  Lafayette.) 

PARIS  March  13th  1828 
My  dear  Sir 

While  I  Have  Been  for  More  than  eight  Weeks  Confined  by 
illness,  a  Situation  much  aggravated  By  the  Loss  of  one  of  My 
Beloved  grand  daughters,  and  an  intimate  old  female  friend  and 
relation,  I  Have  Had  also  to  grieve  for  the  dreadful  Blow  you 
are  doomed  to  Bear.  My  most  affectionate  Sympathies  are  with 
you,  My  dear  friend.  George  and  M.  C.  Valleur  Beg  to  Be 
Remembered  on  the  Melancholy  occasion.  Of  that  sort  of  afflic 
tion  I  Have  too  Cruel  an  experience  not  to  feel  the  whole  extent 
of  the  Calamity  that  Has  befallen  you.  receive  the  affectionate 
Regards  of  1 

(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

BOSTON,  April  20th,  1828. 
My  Dear  Father, 

I  received  yours  of  the  13th  inst,  enclosing  my  report,  I  hope 
Mr  Gould  will  change  his  opinion.  Edward  is  getting  on  in 
school,  at  a  great  rate.  I  agree  with  you,  in  your  opinion,  of 
Virgil  and  Cicero ;  but  I  do  not  like  Sallust,  quite  so  well.  I  am 
now  much  interested,  in  Virgil.  If  when  Double  Speeder  comes 
down,  she  "speeds  me  away  from  my  studies,"  I  shall  be  content, 
to  have  her  speed  back  again.  *  *  * 

Your  affectionate  and  dutiful  son, 

DANIEL.  F.  WEBSTER. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  May  11.  1828 

Sunday  morng 
My  Dear  Son 

Accustomed,  in  our  happy  days,  to  have  my  children  round  me, 
on  Sunday  morning,  &  being  now  deprived  of  that  pleasure,  & 
indeed,  never  expecting  to  enjoy  it  again,  in  so  great  a  degree  as 
it  has  been  enjoyed,  I  devote  this  morning  to  the  only  practicable 
way  of  holding  intercourse  with  them.  The  rest  &  quiet  of  the 

1  The  signature  has  been  cut  out  of  the  original,  but  the  letter  is  in 
Lafayette's  hand. 


FAMILY  RELATIONS  575 

Sabbath  brings  you  all  very  freshly  to  my  recollection;  &  now 
that  the  cares  &  labors  of  the  week  have  ceased,  I  have  pleasure 
in  devoting  my  thoughts  to  my  children,  altho'  accompanied  with 
much  melancholy  &  painful  recollections. —  My  first  wish  on 
this  occasion,  My  Dear  Son,  is  to  express  my  satisfaction  with 
your  conduct  &  character,  &  the  good  behavior  &  amiable  deport 
ment  of  Julia  &  Edward.  I  am  sorry  to  be  absent  from  you, 
feeling  how  especially  it  has  become  my  duty  to  redouble  my  care 
of  you,  by  the  death  of  your  blessed  mother.  The  prospect  is, 
that  I  shall  now  soon  be  with  you,  &  I  anticipate  the  happiness  of 
finding  you  all  in  good  health,  and  of  hearing  good  accounts  of 
you  from  the  friends  among  whom  you  have  passed  the  winter — 

Congress  will  adjourn  the  26 — inst —  That  will  bring  it  to 
the  first  of  June  before  I  get  home,  which  will  be  about  the  close 
of  the  Vacation  in  your  School.  I  was  in  hopes  to  spend  the 
vacation  with  you,  but  that  is  now  not  possible 

My  wish  is  you  should  pass  the  vacation,  under  Uncle  Williams 
advice,  in  the  way  most  agreeable  to  yourself.  Perhaps  you 
may  as  well  go  to  Boscawen,  as  any  where.  Uncle  W.  will  have 
Speeder  down,  if  you  write  to  him — or  you  may  go  up  in  the 
Stage  Coach,  &  ride  down  on  Speeder —  Whatever  arrangement 
you  &  uncle  William  agree  to,  for  passing  the  holidays,  will  suit 
me; — but  I  think  a  journey  into  the  Country  is  probably  the 
best.  Your  uncle,  Aunt,  &  cousins  will  be  very  glad  to  see  you. — 

I  bejieve  I  owe  Mr  Emerson  a  letter  which  I  have  not  time  to 
write.  He  must  take  care  of  you  till  I  come  home,  &  unless  he 
shall  already  have  made  you  so  full  of  knowledge  as  that  you  can 
hold  no  more,  his  further  contributions  will  be  desirable — 

Give  my  affectionate  love  to  Julia  &  Edward — 

Your  loving  father 

DANL.  WEBSTER 

Master  D.  F.  Webster 

P.  S.  Since  writing  this  letter,  I  have  reed  yrs,  with  Mr 
Goulds  report,  which  I  enclose.  You  must  try  to  correct,  what  he 
finds  amiss,  &  to  add  exactness  to  your  other  attainments —  Tell 
Mr  Emerson  I  duly  reed  his  letters — &  postpone,  for  a  fortnight 
&  to  personal  communication,  a  reply  thereto — 

He  does  not  right  to  infer  assent  from  silence 

Yrs     D.  W.— 


576  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Mrs.  Ezekiel  Webster.1) 

BOSTON,  May  16,  1829. 
My  Dear  Sister. 

I  was  glad  to  hear  from  you,  two  days  ago.  Julia  went  to 
Mrs.  Lee's,  on  Monday,  &  seems  very  happy  there.  I  am  to  go 
for  her  this  afternoon,  to  stay  with  us  till  Monday.  We  are  all 
quite  well,  &  get  along  much  as  usual,  except  that  the  House  is 
very  sorry,  &  solitary. 

On  Thursday  next,  I  go  to  N.  York — to  be  gone  a  fortnight — 
then  I  have  three  weeks  hard  work  at  home,  and  what  will  be 
next  is  more  than  I  foresee,  but  I  hope  it  will  be  a  trip  to  Bosca- 
wen.  Your  friends  constantly  inquire  for  you,  with  great  in 
terest,  whenever  I  meet  with  them. 

I  believe  Mr.  P.  or  Daniel  is  writing  to  you  today,  &  will  tell 
you  all  the  news  if  there  be  any.  I  hear  of  none,  except  disasters 
among  the  Commercial  Gentlemen.  Mr.  P.  brings  "another  fail 
ure"  almost  every  day.  Judge  Story's  court  is  in  session ;  &  this 
with  preparation  for  my  journey,  leaves  me  little  leisure.  I  shall 
probably  send  you  another  line,  before  I  go,  tho'  I  shall  have 
noth'g  interest'g  that  I  know  of,  to  impart. 

Yrs.  affectionately, 

D.  WEBSTER. 

(From  Eliza  Buckminster  Lee.2} 

R.  PLACE  Jan  1"  1830 
My  dear  friend, 

I  am  perhaps  the  last  to  offer  you  my  congratulations  on 
the  late  happy  event,3  but  I  assure  I  am  not  the  least  interested, 
nor  the  most  indifferent  of  your  friends —  The  date  of  my  letter 
also  reminds  me  that  it  is  a  new-year — and  I  can  add  also  the 
wishes  of  the  day ;  that  this  year  may  be  as  happy  as  the  happiest 
of  your  life,  and  though  I  have  always  believed  it,  every  one  who 
has  had  the  pleasure  of  an  acquaintance  with  Mrs.  Webster  tells 
me,  that  she  will  make  every  year  a  year  of  happiness  to  you. 

I  thank  you  for  your  letter  giving  me  notice  of  your  mar- 

1  The  original  of  this  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 

2  See  Curtis'  "  Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  i,  p.  82. 

3  See  Curtis'    "Life  of  Webster,"   vol.  i,  p.  345.      Daniel   Webster   was 
married  in  December  of  1829  to  Miss  Caroline  LeRoy,  the  second  daughter  of 
Hermann  LeRoy,  a  wealthy  merchant  of  New  York. 


FAMILY  RELATIONS  577 

riage —  It  was  deficient  in  a  few  important  particulars — as  to 
who  were  the  parties — who  were  the  guests,  and  by  whom  it  was 
solemnized —  You  are  in  truth  not  a  good  narrator  of  what  all 
ladies  like  to  hear,  and  my  imagination  must  fill  up  the  great 
deficiencies  your  letter.  *  *  * 

always  truly  yrs 

ELIZA  LEE. 


(To  Jacob  McGaw.1) 

BOSTON,  Nov.  18,  1829. 
My  Dear  Sir: — 

I  have  a  thousand  thanks  to  give  you  and  Mrs.  McGaw  for 
your  kind  invitation  to  have  Julia  with  you  for  the  winter.  I 
assure  you  there  are  no  persons  living  to  whom  I  would  more 
cheerfully  give  such  a  pledge  of  confidence.  I  know  you  would 
both  love  her  for  her  own  sake,  as  for  her  father's  and  mother's 
also;  but  Julia  is  at  present  so  exceedingly  well  situated  and  so 
attached  to  her  present  condition,  that  it  seems  it  would  be  wrong 
to  change  it.  She  has  passed  the  summer  at  Brookline  with  Mrs. 
Lee  (Eliza  Buckminster),  and  had  her  instruction  from  Miss 
Searle,  a  young  lady  of  our  acquaintance  of  the  best  character 
and  qualifications,  who  lives  at  Brookline  with  her  mother  and 
sisters.  Julia  has  become  quite  attached  to  her,  and,  now  that 
Mrs.  Lee  has  come  into  town  for  the  winter,  Miss  Searle  has  taken 
her  altogether  to  herself.  In  addition  to  being  in  an  excellent 
family  and  having  good  means  of  instruction,  she  is  near  town, 
so  that  her  Uncle  Paige  and  other  friends  can  see  her  frequently 
in  my  absence.  Under  these  circumstances,  with  hearty  and  re 
peated  thanks  for  your  friendship  and  kindness,  I  have  concluded 
to  leave  her  where  she  is. 

And  now,  my  dear  sir,  I  must  tell  you  and  Mrs.  McGaw  (in 
confidence)  a  little  news — nothing  less  than  my  expectation  of 
being  again  married.  The  affair  is  not  of  long  standing,  but  it 
looks  so  much  like  terminating  in  a  marriage  that  I  may  venture 
to  mention  it  to  you — to  go  no  further  until  you  shall  hear  it 
from  other  quarters.  The  lady  is  Miss  Caroline  LeRoy  of  New 
York,  aged  31  years  or  thereabouts.  She  is  the  daughter  of  a 
highly  reputable  gentleman,  now  some  years  retired  from  mercan 
tile  business.  Mrs.  McGaw  will  want  to  know  all  about  her. 

1  The  original  of  this  letter  is  owned  by  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


578  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

What  I  can  say  is  that  she  is  amiable,  discreet,  prudent,  with 
enough  of  personal  comeliness  to  satisfy  me,  and  of  the  most  ex 
cellent  character  and  principles.  With  this  account  of  the  lady 
your  wife  must  rest  content  till  she  has  the  means  of  personal 
acquaintance,  which  I  sincerely  hope  may  happen  soon.  Tell  her 
she  will  be  sure  to  like  her.  Whether  this  same  lady  will  go  to 
Washington  the  first  of  next  month,  or  whether  she  will  be  so 
cruel  as  to  oblige  me  to  go  without  her  and  to  return  for  her  to 
New  York,  about  Christmas,  are  secrets  worth  knowing,  but 
which  are  not  known  to  me.  I  shall  endeavor  to  set  forth 
strongly  the  inconvenience  of  a  winter  journey  from  W.  to  N.  Y. 
and  back. 

I  hope  to  get  away  on  the  27th  inst.,  and  intend  taking  Julia 
to  New  York  to  make  a  little  visit  to  Mrs.  Perkins  and  for  the 
purpose  of  giving  her  an  opportunity  of  seeing  the  aforesaid 
lady. 

With  grateful  and  affectionate  remembrance  to  you  all,  my 
good  old  friend,  very  truly  yours, 

DANIEL,  WEBSTER. 


](To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.1) 

FEB. — 15.  1830.  Monday  morn'g 
My  Dear  Caroline 

I  suppose  we  receive  just  about  the  same  time  the  melancholy 
tidings  of  the  death  of  your  dear  sister.  Altho'  it  was  so  fear 
fully  expected,  it  yet  is  a  great  shock  to  lea,rn  the  reality  &  cer 
tainty  of  what  was  so  much  dreaded.  I  have  the  news  in  a  letter 
from  your  father,  which  I  enclose  to  you,  although  he  has  prob 
ably  written  as  fully  to  you  as  to  me. 

Her  friends  have  the  consolation  of  knowing  that  all  was  done 
for  her,  which  kindness  &  affection  could  do,  as  well  as  that  her 
excellent  principles  &  sober  &  thoughtful  character  &  feelings 
have  prepared  her  for  the  change.  Her  daughter  will  doubtless 
feel  the  loss  most  deeply,  she  has  been  always  so  much  with  her 
mother,  &  has  left  her  home  recently. 

I  have  fully  made  up  my  mind  to  go  home,  just  as  soon  as  the 
Boats  run.  Although  there  is  now  a  great  deal  of  snow  &  ice,  yet 
we  may  expect  a  change  soon. —  I  have  never,  more  than  once, 
known  the  Boats  obstructed  by  ice  after  the  first  of  March. 

1  See  the  letter  of  Mrs.  Lee  to  Webster,  January  1,  1830. 


FAMILY  RELATIONS  579 

If  I  can  get  to  N.  Haven,  I  shall  not  mind  taking  the  stage 
there  for  Worcester.  All  arrangements  about  your  coming  here 
may  therefore  be  postponed  till  I  get  home. 

My  cold  is  nearly  gone  off—  If  the  ground  were  in  such  a 
condition  that  I  could  walk,  I  think  I  would  soon  be  quite  well, 
but  it  is  either  very  icy,  &  slippery,  or  quite  wet  all  the  time.  It 
has  been  a  severe  winter  here,  as  well  as  everywhere  else.  I  learn 
that  in  the  Western  part  of  New  York  the  snow  was  five  feet 
deep,  on  a  level,  ten  days  ago  they  have  had  one  heavy  fall  since. 

Fletcher  wrote  me  about  his  matter,  but  as  I  am  going  home 
so  soon,  it  may  be  as  well  to  defer  any  particular  answer. 

Yrs  ever  constantly 

DANIEL  WEBSTER 


(From  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

FRIDAY  MOR'G.  14th  May 
My  dear  husband 

Your  very  welcome  letter  came  to  hand  a  few  moments  since — 
dated  tuesday  &  the  magnolia — which  as  you  imagined  has  lost  its 
fragrance — but  yet  valued  as  coming  from  one  I  sincerely  love — 

We  all  envy  you  the  peas  &  strawberries  I  presume  we  shall 
very  soon  have  them — we  have  had  a  cold  storm  for  a  week  but 
to  day,  getting  warm  I  hope  for  a  pleasant  change — Last  ev'g 
drank  tea  socially  with  Mrs  A.  Schmerhorn — Mr  &  Mrs.  A. 
Ogden  &  Mr  Mrs  E  K  Jones  &  daughter —  R.  Rutgers  &  Genl 
Jones  &  Dr  Bilby — had  a  tolerably  pleasant  evg  You  were  par 
ticularly  enquired  after — I  see  by  the  papers  to  day  McKinley 
has  proposed  the  31st  inst  for  adjournment  &  Mr  Noble  passed  a 
consideration  by  putting  it  on  the  table — I  fear  &  believe  now 
1  shall  not  see  you  until  June — but  hope  for  the  last  time — I 
expect  to  get  off  all  my  boxes  this  afternoon — its  a  monstrous 
task  for  me — as  I  have  to  attend  to  it  all —  *  *  * 

Julia  is  quite  well — she  wrote  Mrs  Lindsley  yesterday  &  to  day 
is  writing  her  brother  Daniel  I  strive  to  keep  her  a  little  em 
ployed — not  hard  work — where  so  many  temptations  surround 
her — she  is  going  to  see  Mrs  Perkins  this  morg. 

Father  seemed  gratified  with  your  letter  of  yesterday — I  beg 
you  will  continue  to  write  me  daily — for  I  feel  greatly  disap 
pointed  if  the  day  passes  without  my  hearing  from  you — I  ex 
pect  to  see  Noah  in  a  few  days  bitter  against  you — I  regretted 


580  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Kendalls  appointment  Will  it  not  make  the  Vice  President  un 
popular — that  seems  the  impression  here — his  vote  gives  in  his 
favor — Remember  me  to  all  friends — All  here  unite  in  love  to  you 
&  want  very  much  to  see  you — 

Believe  me  yours  very  truly 

CAROLINE  WEBSTER 
*     *     *     Dont  criticise  my  servants 


(From  Samuel  B.  Wallcot.) 

BOSTON  Aug  28,  1830. 
My  dear  Sir, 

Daniel  was  yesterday  admitted  to  the  Sophomore  Class  in 
Harvard  University  after  a  pretty  strict  examination,  which  I 
believe  he  passed  creditably  to  himself.  His  character  there  will 
depend  very  much  on  his  associates  &  the  firmness  with  which  he 
may  pursue  the  good  resolutions  he  has  formed.  A  year  of  con 
stant  &  agreeable  intercourse  with  him  has  made  me  feel  a  deep 
interest  in  his  welfare,  &  I  believe  that  your  fondest  wishes  for 
him  may  yet  be  realised,  if  he  will  only  use  with  vigour  &  con 
stancy  the  capacities  with  which  he  is  blest.  *  *  * 
Y'rs  very  sincerely  &  respectfully, 

SAMUEL,  B.  WALCOTT. 


(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

NEW  YORK,  Jan.  3,  1831. 
My  Dear  Father, 

*  *  *  1  I  am  very  sorry  indeed,  that  I  have  not  done  more 
this  term,  in  reading  those  authors  of  whom  you  approved.  I 
know  I  have  not  done  enough.  I  will  not  attempt  to  excuse  my 
self  any  more,  for  my  negligence ;  but  show  you  that  I  will  amend 
for  the  future,  and  I  hope  to  meet  your  approval,  at  the  end  of 
the  second  term.  Mr.  Quincy  told  me  that  I  had  done  very  well, 
and  that  the  government  have  nothing  to  say  against  me.  Mr. 
Farrar  had  the  kindness  to  pay  me  a  compliment.  I  think,  I 
stand  very  well  with  the  government,2  and  I  know  I  do  with  the 
students.  If  I  apply  myself  as  I  hope  to  do;  I  may  perhaps 

1  The  minor  amenities  are  omitted.  *  /.  e.,  the  faculty  at  Harvard. 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  581 

graduate  higher  than  you  seem  to  expect  I  shall,  from  the  last 
term.     The  chief  fault  is,  my  dear  father,  a  restlessness ;  I  cannot 
stick  to  the  same  thing  long,  a  fault  of  which  I  am  as  well  aware, 
as  yourself.     Time  and  care  will  I  hope  correct  this.     I  am  a 
little  troubled  with  my  eyes ;  which  are  very  weak,  and  it  is  almost 
impossible  to  read  in  the  evening.     I  have  been  to  Dr  Randall 
and  he  gave  me  a  wash,  which  assists  them.    I  shall  go  home  pre 
pared  to  study  and  to  give  you  satisfaction. —     *      *     * 
Julia  joins  with  me  in  love  to  you  and  Mother 
I  remain  your  truly  affectionate  son, 

D.  F.  WEBSTER. 


(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

CAMBRIDGE  Febry  6th  1831. 
My  Dear  Father, 

I  am  still  pursuing  my  Greek  and  Latin  with  industry,  and 
hope  not  to  give  way,  any  more,  to  any  "besetting  sin" ;  I  find 
pleasure  in  study,  as  it  brings  a  reward  of  satisfaction ;  which  is 
sufficient  to  compensate  labour.  *  .  *  *  We  have  been  study 
ing  Greek  for  the  last  week,  I  have  done  pretty  well  in  that,  and 
better  than  ever  in  Mathematics.  We  are  now  on  Nautical  as 
tronomy,  a  pretty  hard  thing,  but  practical  and  therefore  inter 
esting.  *  *  * 

Please  give  my  love  to  Mother  and  I  remain 
Your  obedient  and  affectionate  son, 

D  F  WEBSTER. 

(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

CAMBRIDGE  Feb.  25th,  1832. 
My  Dear  Father, 

*  *  *  I  hope  that  there  is  more  in  me  than  has  yet  ap 
peared,  for  I  have  done  nothing  heretofore,  and  should  be  very 
sorry  to  think  that  a  son  of  yours  was  wholly  good  for  nothing ; 
but  I  fear  that  people  think  there  is  more  in  me  than  there  really 
is.  I  must  do  all  I  can  to  answer  their  expectations,  for  it  is 
hard  to  have  expectations  raised  which  can  never  be  fulfilled,  yet 
one  ought  not  to  be  blamed  for  not  answering  them,  when  they  are 
not  just,  and  founded  upon  sufficient  grounds.  *  *  * 

Julia  wrote  a  letter  in  French  to  Cousin  Eliza  a  few  days  ago 


582  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

which  was  very  correct  and  well  written.  I  hope  she  is  doing 
well.  She  has  improved  a  great  deal  in  writing.  Edward  is 
studying  well,  I  believe  and  attends  to  his  books.  He  has  a  great 
deal  of  taste  for  speaking  and  reading.  I  have  no  doubt  he  will 
be  a  high  scholar. 

There  is  a  society  here  which  has  been  lately  formed  called  the 
Harvard  Union  the  object  of  which  is  to  encourage  debating  and 
speaking.  It  is  formed  by  the  junction  of  the  Junior  and  Senior 
classes.  The  first  scholars  in  both  founded  it.  They  wish,  as 
much  as  possible  to  do  away  the  distinction  of  Class  and  therefore 
have  their  officers  half  from  each  class.  The  sixth  or  seventh 
scholar  among  the  Seniors  and  the  best  debater  has  been  chosen 
president  and  the  first  scholar  secretary ;  among  the  Juniors  the 
first  scholar  also  is  secretary  and  I  am  president.  The  officers  sit 
alternately  on  succeeding  evenings.  This  was  an  unexpected 
honour  and  I  must  do  something  to  deserve  it.  It  will  be  my  turn 
soon  to  deliver  an  essay  before  them  and  I  am  exceedingly 
anxious  to  appear  well  and  talk  sense.  To  this,  the  choice  of  a 
good  sub j  ect,  in  which  they  will  all  be  interested,  and  upon  which 
I  can  give  some  information  is  mainly  necessary.  If  you  can  tell 
me  of  some  one,  of  which  you  may  happen  to  think  &  which  I 
can  understand,  it  will  help  me  very  much.  I  was  rather  averse 
at  first  to  join,  but  thinking  afterwards  that  if  I  could  ever  be 
anything,  I  could  be  something  now,  and  also  that  considering 
my  connexions  I  ought  not  to  be  behind  hand  in  such  things,  I 
signed  my  name  to  the  constitution.  I  hope  you  will  approve  of 
my  conduct. 

Your  very  affectionate  son 

D.  FLETCHER  WEBSTER. 


(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

CAMBRIDGE  March  llth,  1832 
My  Dear  Father, 

I  am  very  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  long  and  kind  letter. 
I  hardly  see  how  you  found  time  to  write  me  so  long  a  one.1  I 
assure  I  will  do  my  best  to  meet  your  expectations.  It  is,  on  my 
word,  impossible  for  me  to  become  first  scholar.  I  asked  my  chum 
about  it,  and  he  is  a  sensible  fellow,  not  telling  him  anything 
about  your  letter,  and  he  said,  he  had  no  doubt  I  was  a  high 

1  This  letter  has  not  been  preserved. 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  583 

scholar  and  might  be  higher,  but  knew  I  could  not  be  first.  The 
fact  is  that  we  have  some  very  capable  men  in  the  class,  much 
older  than  I,  and  with  minds  much  more  matured. 

I  have  no  taste  for  Mathematics  and  only  get  them  by  hard 
study,  while  to  many  of  my  class,  it  is  a  recreation  to  study  me 
chanics  and  algebra. 

I  am  perfectly  content  to  stay  in  Cambridge,  and  will  employ 
my  time,  as  far  as  know  how,  to  the  best  advantage.  You  speak, 
Dear  Father,  as  if  I  were  deficient  in  something.  Now,  I  am  not 
conscious  of  having  failed  in  any  thing,  this  year.  My  rank 
has  never  been  so  good,  and  I  have  omitted  no  duties.  I  am  at  a 
loss  to  know  where  you  had  the  idea,  that  I  had  neglected  any 
thing.  My  leisure  hours  are  mostly  employed  in  reading  history 
or  some  useful  book,  and  I  endeavor  to  waste  none  of  the  time  I 
can  get  from  my  studies.  *  *  * 

I  shall  deliver  that  lecture  upon  Labor,  and  thank  you  very 
sincerely  for  sending  me  some  ideas  on  the  subject,  as  well  as  the 
subject.     I  will  try  to  do  myself  credit.     *     *     * 
Ever  your  affectionate  son 

D.  FLETCHER  WEBSTER. 


(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

CAMBRIDGE  April  21st,  1832. 
Dear  Father, 

I  received  your  kind  letter  and  also  those  papers  you  were  so 
good  as  to  send  me —  I  am  very  happy  to  be  able  to  read  the 
debates  in  Congress  which  are  now  very  interesting  and  will  I 
suppose  grow  more  so,  as  the  Session  advances  to  a  close. 

There  has  been  a  good  deal  of  anxiety  here  to  know  the  result 
of  Mr  Houston's  affair,1  People  in  general  wish  him  punished. 

*  *  *  I  saw  your  portraits  of  the  family,  and  am  proud 
to  say,  I  possess  in  an  equal  degree  with  you,  the  talent  of  paint 
ing. 

E.  is  doing  very  well  he  was  last  week  No.  5  and  is  now  the 

fourth  in  his  class,  with  hope  of  being  the  third  next  week. 

*     *     # 

Yours  very  affectionately 

D.  FLETCHER  WEBSTER. 

1  Referring  to  the  trial  of  Samuel  Houston  then  pending  before  the  House  of 
Representatives. 


584  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(From  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

TIT    TA        TT    1.     j         BOSTON  Monday  Eve.  Dec.  31st  1832 
My  Dear  Husband 

*  p*  *  Mr  Davis  told  me  that  he  intruded  himself  into 
your  bedroom  &  disturbed  your  repose;  he  told  me  several  anec 
dotes  about  you — asked  me  if  I  knew  you  had  two  young  ladies 
under  your  care  &  that  application  was  also  made  to  you,  to  know 
if  you  did  not  want  a  boy — I  think  if  I  had  been  you,  I  should 
have  declined  the  care  of  the  two  ladies.  Mr  Davis  said  also 
that  father  told  him  he  never  had  seen  you  look  so  well,  or  appear 
in  such  good  spirits  since  he  had  known  you,  all  of  which  grati 
fied  me  exceedingly.  *  *  * 

Every  one  I  see  looks  &  talks  very  blue  the  Tariff  seems  now 
to  alarm  the  manufacturers.  Mr  Crowninshield  &  Blake  last 
night  declared  they  were  prepared  for  the  worst  &  now  let  it 
come — Mr  Haynes  proclamation1  I  have  read  &  think  it  a  bold 
one — he  will  soon  meet  with  his  deserts  I  imagine. 

I  hear  Mr  Appleton  has  taken  possession  of  our  old  parlour  & 
shall  not  be  surprised  to  hear  you  have  determined  to  remain  with 
with  him.  I  quite  long  to  hear  where  you  are  settled  &  all  your 
arrangements.  I  only  entreat  of  you  to  keep  cool  &  not  to  sub 
ject  yourself  to  an  attack  from  those  hot  headed  nullifiers.  Poor 
Duff  Green  is  in  a  sad  condition  with  a  broken  arm.  I  trust 
however  that  your  business  will  not  be  delayed  on  his  account  & 
a  second  Houston  trial  ensue.  Do  you  believe  Congress  will  be 
convened  after  the  4th  of  March.  I  see  some  hints  of  the  kind 
in  the  papers. 

Tomorrow  being  New  Year  I  shall  sit  up  in  due  form  but 
question  whether  I  have  much  company — as  it  does  not  seem  to 
be  a  holiday.  The  children  go  to  school  as  usual,  but  don't  like 
it  very  well — Daniel's  vacation  expires  day  after  tomorrow,  he 
has  not  been  to  more  than  two  or  three  parties  since  you  left  & 
has  been  very  regular  in  his  hours — indeed — conducts  himself 
with  entire  propriety — Julia  has  reed  the  promised  hat  from 
Papa  to  day  &  is  much  pleased  with  it.  Edward  has  brought 
me  a  monthly  report  to  sign — but  I  dont  think  a  very  good  one — 
23  marks  for  misdemeanors  I  have  given  him  a  long  lecture  & 
told  him  I  should  enclose  the  next  to  you — he  says  that  his  marks 
are  for  trifles —  *  *  * 

[CAROLINE  WEBSTER] 

1  J.  e.,  as  Governor  of  South  Carolina.    See  "  Niles  Register,"  vol.  xliii,  p.  308. 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  585 

(From  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

My  dear  husband  JAN  lst'  1833  Tuesday  evg  6  oclock. 

A  gloomy  day  this,  I  have  been  dressed  up  all  day  &  the  only 
creature  who  called  was  Allyne  Otis  &  he  sent  his  card  in —  I 
had  my  table  spread  with  cakes  liquor  &  wine  &  not  a  soul  to  take 
them.  Uncle  P.  has  just  gone  from  here — urged  me  to  go  up 
with  him  but  Miss  Kelly  has  been  spending  the  day  with  me  & 
I  have  promised  to  walk  up  after  tea — he  said  Harriet  had  been 
sitting  up  also  &  had  no  visitors.  The  fact  is  I  did  not  expect  it, 
but  as  I  was  uncertain  &  the  first  New  Year  I  have  ever  spent 
here,  I  would  be  in  readiness  to  receive  calls.  I  must  wish  you  a 
happy  new  year —  *  *  * 

Yours  ever  C.  W. 

(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

My  Dear  Father,  CAMBRIDGE  Jan.  22d  1833 

I  have  read  your  letter  several  times,  and  hope  to  profit  by 
your  kind  and  excellent  advice.  I  have  already  begun  my  course 
and  feel  myself  stronger  and  stronger  every  day.  The  other 
night  I  sat  up  until  nearly  twelve  reading  Hume.  I  am  inter 
ested  in  it.  I  have  also  read  a  part  of  Hawkin's  Life  of  John 
son.  A  very  good  biography  I  should  think.  We  are  now 
studying  Latin — Cicero;  I  am  at  home  in  that,  as  Cicero  is  a 
favourite  book  of  mine.  I  read  it  with  more  pleasure  than  any 
other  of  the  Classics.  I  wrote  a  long  theme  the  other  day  upon 
the  progress  of  the  arts.  *  *  * 

I  begin  to  acquire  a  little  taste  for  mathematics ;  we  have  now 
come  to  some  practical  parts,  as  navigation  and  dialling;  and 
such  questions  as  this  The  angle  A  being  given,  and  the  dis 
tance  of  the  foot  a  tower,  from  the  place  where  you  take  the 
observation,  to  find  the  height  of  tower.  This  is  a  great  thing 
in  the  time  of  war,  to  ascertain  the  height  of  enemie's  camps  and 
forts.  It  is  quite  easy  and  pleasant,  and  besides  to  find  the 
latitude  and  longitude  of  a  place ;  or  your  latitude  and  longitude 
when  at  sea.  These  and  other  questions  of  this  sort  are  very 
interesting,  compared  with  that  part  of  Mathematics  which  is 
wholly  theoretical.  *  *  * 

Your  ever  affectionate  son 

D.  F.  WEBSTER. 


586  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

PITTSBURG,  July  5,  1833. 
My  Dear  Son, — 

It  seems  to  become  doubtful  whether  I  can  possibly  get  home 
to  hear  your  oration.  I  regret  this,  very  much  indeed,  and  shall 
still  make  every  effort  in  my  power  to  reach  Boston  in  season, 
but  I  find  so  many  causes  of  delay  that  I  cannot  say  what  I  may 
be  able  to  accomplish.  I  have  seldom  felt  so  much  concern  about 
anything  of  the  kind  as  I  do  upon  your  success  upon  that  occa 
sion.  I  pray  you  spare  no  pains.  Do  your  best  and  you  will 
do  well  enough.  It  would  be  a  good  thing  to  have  printed,  if  it 
should  be  well  received.  This  part  of  the  matter  we  can  see 
about.  I  earnestly  remind  you  of  the  necessity  of  acting  with 
great  caution  in  regard  to  all  festivities.  You  remember  what  I 
said  to  you  on  that  head  and  I  pray  you  to  forget  no  part  of  it. 

You  may  ask  Mr. for  any  money  which  you  may  have  just 

occasion  for.  Give  my  best  regards  to  Mr.  Paige's  and  Mr. 
White's  families.  I  have  not  heard  from  mother  and  Julia  since 
they  arrived  at  Saratoga.1 

Ever  your  affectionate  father, 

D,  WEBSTER. 


(To  Mrs.  EzeTciel  Webster.2) 

\     BOSTON,  Oct.  26,  1833. 
My  Dr  Sister. 

Man  is  born  for  disappointments.  Events  have  occurred,  in 
verification  of  this  novel  idea,  to  prevent  us  from  coming  to  Bos- 
cawen.  In  the  first  place,  the  Courts  have  deranged  the  times  of 
expected  sitting,  so  as  to  embarrass  me  not  a  little.  In  the  next 
place,  Mr.  Clay's  visit  naturally  keeps  me,  for  some  days,  at 
home.  Thirdly,  Mrs.  W.  has  been  sick,  for  near  a  week,  &  is 
not  yet  down  stairs;  &  lastly,  she  has  just  learned  that  some 
family  friends  will  visit  her,  early  next  week,  from  N.  York. 

I  have  written  to  that  good  soul,  the  Revd.  C.  B.  Hadduck 
that  he  must  come  down  to  see  us,  about  the  7th  or  8th  of  next 

1  This  letter  is  taken  from  a  newspaper  clipping  in  the  possession  of  C.  E. 
Bliss,  of  Bangor,  Me.  The  name  and  date  of  the  paper  are  unknown. 

5  The  original  of  this  letter  is  the  property  of  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New 
York. 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  587 

month ;  &  have  invited  him  to  take  you  along  with  him.  A  little 
bit  of  a  fall  journey  seems  appropriate  to  wind  up  the  excursions 
of  the  year. 

We  propose  to  set  forth,  on  the  13th,  for  Washington.  Both 
the  boys  will  go  with  us,  &  Julia  will  winter  in  N.  York.  Pray 
give  my  love  to  the  girls,  &  Miss  Bridge ;  &  do  not  fail  to  come 
&  see  us.  If  a  ride  would  not  be  injurious  to  Mary -Anne,  bring 
her  along.  We  can  learn  fashions  from  her,  as  she  is  so  recently 
from  the  watering  places. 

Yrs  ever  truly, 

D.  WEBSTEB. 
Just  answer  this,  by  a  complying  line. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  June  5,  '34 
My  Dear  Son 

I  presume  you  will  be  in  Boston,  by  the  time  this  letter  shall 
arrive.  So  soon  as  you  shall  have  made  a  short  visit  to  Marsh- 
field,  I  wish  you  to  proceed  to  Exeter  with  Edward.  It  is  high 
time  he  was  at  School.  You  will  take  him  to  Mr  Chadwicks,  & 
see  him  provided  for,  as  to  room  &c. —  Ask  Mr  Chadwick  to  be 
kind  enough  to  take  care  of  him,  in  all  those  respects  in  which  a 
boy  needs  looking  after.  He  must,  among  other  things,  take  the 
trouble  of  attending  to  his  personal  cleanliness,  &c. —  In  all 
these  particulars  enjoin  on  Edward  the  importance  of  exact  and 
steady  habits.  As  to  any  clothes  or  books,  or  other  articles,  if  he 
shall  need  them  Mr.  Chadwick  will  see  him  supplied,  or  tell  him 
where  to  obtain  what  he  wants. —  You  must  leave  him  a  little 
pocket  money,  &  a  small  monthly  allowance  can  be  sent  him  from 
home —  Go  with  him  to  Dr.  Abbott,  &  stay  in  town  a  day  or 
two,  until  he  has  been  at  school  once  or  twice,  &  begins  to  feel 
a  little  at  home. — 

Congress  will  adjourn,  I  think,  the  30th. — &  I  shall  probably 
be  at  home  the  10  or  15  July. —  I  shall  be  detained  here  a  fe\v 
days,  perhaps  by  business  with  the  Comm'rs,  &  must  stop  a  day 
or  two  on  the  road. — 

Your  affectionate  father 

D  WEBSTER 


588  LETTERS    OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Edward  Webster.) 

BOSTON  Aug.  20,  1834 
My  Dear  Son, 

Julia  told  me  that  you  had  written  to  her  that  you  needed 
some  money  to  pay  your  expenses  home.  I  therefore  enclose  you 
ten  Dollars.  Please  bring  with  you  the  amount  of  Col.  Chad- 
wick's  bill  for  board,  &  I  will  send  him  a  check  for  the  amount. 
If  you  owe  anything  for  books  or  clothes,  more  than  you  have 
means  to  pay,  ask  Col  Chadwick  to  pay  it,  &  add  the  amount  to 
your  bill.  Be  sure  to  leave  no  little  debts  unpaid. 

Your  sister  says  we  may  expect  you  toward  the  end  of  this 
week.  You  will  find  some  of  us,  in  Summer  Street. 

Yr  affectionate  father 

[D.  WEBSTER] 

(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

BOSTON  Dec  24th.  1834. 
My  dear  Father, 

I  received  your  very  kind  letter  the  day  we  were  going  to  Plym 
outh  &  have  deferred  answering  it  until  our  return.  I  cannot 
sufficiently  express  to  you  the  pleasure  I  received  from  it,  espe 
cially  as  you  were  so  kind  as  to  tell  me  of  your  views  &  opinions,1 
which,  as  you  may  suppose  I  am  most  anxious  to  know,  but  which 
you  have  heretofore  seldom  spoken  to  me  about.  *  *  * 

I  see  that  the  House  has  got  fairly  embarked  on  the  Money 
question  &  if  the  discussion  continues  I  would  not  give  much  for 
any  office  under  the  Federal  Government  &  should  think  that  the 
successful  candidate  for  the  first  office  might  find  indeed  a  very 

"Barren  sceptre  in  his  grasp"  and 
"Shorn  of  half  it's  fair  proportions." 

I  know  you  won't  approve  of  the  opinion,  but  I  believe  that  it 
is  a  very  prevalent  idea  that  there  will  be  a  separation  very  soon, 
&  you  will  be  perhaps  sorry  to  hear,  that  I  am  it  may  be,  so 
ignorant  &  foolish  as  to  think  it  would  be  quite  as  well  for  all  of 
us  if  it  should  be  so,  though  anyone  who  has  ever  read  the  fare 
well  address  of  Washington  must  feel  great  reluctance  &  diffi 
dence  in  saying  so.  Don't  suppose,  Sir,  that  I  talk  of  this  before 

1  Daniel  Webster  to  Fletcher  Webster,  of  which  Fletcher  speaks,  is  not  to 
be  found. 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  589 

people,  it  would  hardly  become  your  Son,  but  in  secret  I  can't 
help  thinking  it.     *     *     * 

Yr  most  affectionate  Son 

FLETCHER  WEBSTER. 

(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

HOPKINTON  Feby  28th.  1835. 
My  dear  Father, 

I  should  have  written  you  much  oftener  than  I  have  this  win 
ter.  *  *  * 

I  have  been  "tearing  the  law  to  pieces"  these  last  seven  months 
that  I  have  been  at  Hopkinton,  and  have  arrived  to  such  a  degree 
of  proficiency  as  to  be  able  to  take  care  of  almost  any  business 
that  presents  itself  at  our  office.  *  *  * 

Besides  my  legal  acquirements,  I  have  been  making  favour 
with  the  natives,  shall  be  a  voter  at  our  "March  Meeting ;"  next 
Monday  and  have  some  hopes  of  the  responsible  office  of  field- 
driver  or  hog-reeve. 

I  have  delivered  a  long  lecture  before  the  Lyceum  of  the 
Town  and  my  remarks  were  so  well  received  by  that  learned  body 
that  I  was  asked  to  repeat  my  lecture  and  write  another  in  con 
tinuation  of  the  subject,  which  I  am  now  employed  upon.   *   *  * 
Your  ever  affectionate  Son 

F.  WEBSTEE. 

(  To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster* ) 

BANGOR,  Friday  Eve'  Sep.  25, 1835. 
My  Dear  Wife. 

I  reached  Bangor  this  afternoon  at  four  clock,  having  left 
Hallowell  a  little  before  7; — &  having  travelled  the  whole  dis 
tance,  70  miles,  in  a  chaise.  The  stages  were  crowded  to  excess, 
&  one  of  the  agents  undertook  to  bring  me  along  in  a  chaise, 
which  he  accomplished  with  great  speed.  The  country  is  some 
what  hilly,  but  the  road  is  smooth,  &  it  is  the  fashion  to  drive  like 
Jehu.  I  am  a  good  deal  tired,  &  I  shall  go  early  to  bed.  Mr. 
McGaw,  &  a  few  other  friends  have  called,  &  I  believe  I  may  ex 
pect  more  at  Eve' ; — but  I  am  quite  too  much  fatigued  to  see 

1  The  original  of  this  letter  is  in  the  possession  of  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New 
York. 


590  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

much  company.  Yesterday  I  spent  at  Hallowell,  Augusta,  & 
Gardner, — in  seeing  the  people,  &  the  places.  I  called  on  Mr. 
Vaughan,  Dr.  Corry,  &  some  other  elderly  people,  &  took  some 
pains  to  go  &  see  Dr.  Sewall's  mother,  and  also  Mrs.  Lindsley's 
mother.  They  both  appeared  gratified  with  the  attention.  Mr. 
Evans  devoted  the  day  to  me  &  was  very  kind.  I  have  two  Col 
lege  classmates  who  are  settled  in  the  place,  both  with  families. 

Mr.  Evans  does  not  go  to  Washington,  till  the  Spring. 

What  I  shall  do  tomorrow  I  do  not  yet  know ;  but  I  expect  to 
go  up  the  River,  about  twelve  miles,  to  see  the  spot  about  which 
the  law  suit  is.  As  yet,  I  have  heard  nothing  from  home;  it  is 
hardly  time.  Adieu,  with  love  to  the  family, 

Yrs  ever, 

DANL,.  WEBSTEE. 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

NEwYomc,  Greenwich  St,  Saturday,  10  O'clock 

[Nov.  28.  1835]  (?) 
My  Dear  Wife 

I  arrived  here  this  mor'g,  at  1/2  past  7,  just  in  time  for  an 
excellent  breakfast.  Our  passage  was  quite  fair.  The  early 
part  of  the  night  there  was  some  wind  &  rain,  &  the  sea  round 
Point  Judith  was  a  little  rough  &  ragged.  Afterwards  we 
paddled  along,  over  a  smooth  surface,  &  with  a  tolerably  clear 
sky. 

All  are  well  here,  &  all  in  great  good  spirits,  by  reason  of 
excellent  tidings  from  Mrs.  Newbold.  They  heard  of  her,  for 
the  first  time,  yesterday.  The  letters  will  be  sent  to  you.  She 
found  herself  entirely  well,  on  her  arrival  at  Havre — 

— I  find  the  Philadelphia  invitation  here,  &  shall  partake  of 
the  dinner  about  Thursday. — 

Mrs.  Edgar  says  the  pin-cushion  &c  is  beautiful.  She  will 
write  you  soon. 

Mrs.  Perkins  has  gone  to  Boston.  Please  inquire  for  her,  at 
Mr.  Bryants — the  Dr.  goes  that  way  in  a  day  or  two. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL,  WEBSTER. 
Love  to 

Miss  Ogden,  D.  F.  Webster,  Julia  Webster,  Edward  Web 
ster,  &c  &c  &c  &c  &c  &c  &c  &c. 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  591 

Miss  Wallace  desires  me  to  scold  Sally  Jenkins  almost  to  pieces 
for  not  writ'g  to  her.     *     *     * 1 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

N.  YOEK  Deer.  7.  '35. 
Dear  Caroline, 

I  received  your  letter  yesterday,  &  all  here  were  very  glad  to 
hear  from  you.  This  leaving  home  is  a  pretty  hard  matter,  to 
those  who  go,  &  to  those  who  stay.  It  may  render  a  reunion 
more  agreeable  &  more  valued. 

I  went  to  Church  yesterday  morning  with  Mr.  Edgar,  &  for 
the  rest  of  the  day,  except  a  short  call  at  Mr  Curtis',  I  sat  over 
the  fire —  Today  I  have  calls  to  make,  &  business  to  attend  to, 
beside  a  dinner  to  eat  with  the  Sons  of  St.  Nicholas. 

We  did  wrong  in  not  sending  your  father  some  of  our  apples. 
He  wants  two  barrels  of  our  Greenings.  If  there  comes  a  mod 
erate  turn  of  weather,  you  must  send  them  on  to  him.  Mr.  Paige 
will  advise  Fletcher  about  the  time  &  mode  of  shipping  them. 
The  Captain  must  be  charged  to  keep  them  from  frost. 

I  have  paid  your  butter  bill  which  is  enclosed.  Also  your 
bonnet  bill — $26.25.  For  both  these  amounts  please  give  me 
credit,  &  charge  house-hold  expenses.  The  butter  cost  30  cts, 
here,  as  you  will  see.  The  honor  of  New  England  forbids  us  to 
send  again  to  N.  Y.  for  butter.  Bonnets,  you  may  get  where 
you  please. 

Father  desires  his  best  regards,  &  will  send  you  the  letters  from 
Mr.  Newbold  as  soon  as  they  have  been  read  by  friends  here. 

Adieu,  for  today 

D  WEBSTER 
Mrs  Webster — 

I  enclose  two  little  bills  which  do  not  pass  here — 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster^) 

FEB.  21.  1836. 
Dear  Caroline, 

I  returned  the  letter,  giving  so  interesting  an  account  of  the 

1  A  list  of  places  where  Daniel  Webster  is  invited  to  dine. 


592  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

last  days  &  hours  of  poor  Mrs  Newbold,  presuming  that  you 
would  naturally  wish  to  preserve  it.  She  departed  this  life,  as 
her  friends  would  desire  she  should,  full  of  religious  hope,  & 
pious  resignation ;  &  it  becomes  her  numerous  friends  to  acquiesce 
in  the  dispensation  of  Providence. 

It  would  give  me  great  pleasure  that  little  Helen  should  come 
&  live  with  you.  You  have  my  entire  approbation  in  taking  any 
measures,  for  that  end,  which  you  see  fit. 

I  am  quite  sorry  to  learn  by  your  letter  that  you  were  not  in 
very  good  health,  but  hope  your  indisposition  was  but  slight  & 
temporary.  My  cold  is  getting  better  &  I  now  call  myself  pretty 
well.  I  have  had  to  sit  so  much  at  my  table,  the  last  month, 
that  I  have  felt  some  pain  in  the  chest. —  Having  omitted  all 
writing  for  two  or  three  days,  it  has  gone  off. —  The  weather 
is  fine  today — warm  &  bright — &  the  snow,  I  hope,  will  begin  to 
melt  away.  It  is  the  warmest  day  we  have  had  since  I  came  to 
Washington.  *  *  * 

Judge  Story  will  leave  us  in  about  a  week. —  I  feel  very 
anxious  to  have  the  river  clear — as  I  am  inclined  to  go  home,  so 
soon  as  the  Boats  run. 

Yrs  ever  truly 
^^^  D.  W. 

(To  Mrs.  Carolme  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Mar.  7th  1836 
Dear  Wite, 

I  reed  this  morning  your  letter  of  the  3d  inst.  Its  important 
item,  is  that  in  respect  to  Mr  Brooks  &  Sally  Ogden.  I  have 
expected,  for  some  time,  that  Mr  B.  would  turn  out  to  be  serious, 
in  his  attentions  to  Sally,  from  the  warmth  of  his  expressions  to 
me,  before  I  left  home.  I  like  Mr  Brooks  very  much — he  has  a 
mild  temper,  &  is  always  agreeable  &  sociable  in  his  manners. 
He  will  make,  I  fully  believe,  a  perfectly  good  husband.  There 
can  be  no  possible  objection,  but  difference  of  age.  If  th*t 
should  be  regarded  as  not  insuperable,  nothing  else  could  pos 
sibly  be  objected.  As  to  that  objection,  Sally  must  judge  of  it 
for  herself.  Such  things  must  be  decided  by  feeling,  &  fancy. 
I  incline  to  think,  for  myself,  that  she  will  not  refuse  Mr  B. 
Looking  to  all  circumstances,  I  am  prepared  to  hear  that  a  match 
is  to  come  of  it.  I  should  be  very,  very  glad,  if  we  could  keep 
him  in  Boston — 


FAMILY   RELATIONS  593 

I  write  this  in  the  Senate,  in  the  midst  of  an  abolition  debate. 
I  hope  we  shall  take  the  question,  &  settle  the  matter  today.  But 
there  is  no  knowing —  Debate  seems  endless. 

I  write  today  to  Mr  Birchhead  to  give  me  notice  of  the  first 
movement  of  the  Boats —  The  weather  is  mild,  but  not  yet 
warm. — 

Adieu !  for  today — 

I  had  a  pleasant  dinner  at  Mr  Agg's — lettuce,  asparagus  &  sea 
Kail— 

[DAN'L.  WEBSTER] 

(To  Edward  Webster.) 

BOSTON  Oct.  8.  1836 
Dear  Edward, 

*  *  *  x  It  gives  me  pleasure  to  learn  that  you  are  com 
fortably  settled,  &  are  able  to  apply  yourself  to  your  studies. 
These  are  to  you,  My  Dear  Son,  the  golden  moments  of  oppor 
tunity,  &  I  ardently  hope  you  will  improve  them  all. 

I  enclose  you  a  little  money,  which  you  must  use  with  careful 
&  exact  economy, 

With  much  love  to  Mr  Haddock's  family,  I  am, 
Yr  affectionate  father 

DANIEL  WEBSTER 


(D.  Webster's  First  Will) 

NOVEMBER  1836 

I,  Daniel  Webster,  of  Boston,  in  the  County  of  Suffolk,  do 
hereby  make  &  declare  this  my  last  will  &  testament,  hereby  re 
voking  all  wills  by  me  heretofore  made — 

It  is  my  will  that  all  my  just  debts  be  paid,  a  memorandum  of 
which  will  be  found  among  my  papers.  In  order  to  raise  money 
for  that  purpose,  I  direct  my  Executors  to  collect  all  the  debts 
which  may  be  due  to  me  at  my  decease  &  to  sell  &  dispose  of  the 
following  described  property,  viz:  the  vacant  lot  in  Summer 
Street  in  Boston,  between  the  lot  on  which  my  house  stands,  & 
the  house  of  Mr.  White  now  occupied  by  Mr  Paige ;  my  books ; 
my  wine ;  my  furniture  &  other  personal  property,  except  as  here- 

1  Family  plans  omitted. 


594  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

inafter  excepted;  and  also  all  or  any  of  my  property  in  lands, 
city  lots,  Companies,  Corporations  &c,  in  Michigan,  Ohio,  Indi 
ana,  Illinois  &  Wisconsin,  or  such  parts  thereof  as  may  be  neces 
sary  &  may  be  sold  to  most  advantage.  And  for  the  like  pur 
pose  if  necessary  to  sell  my  land  in  Derry,  New  Hampshire,  & 
my  farm  &  lands  in  Franklin,  New  Hampshire,  &,  if  further 
necessary,  to  sell  also  such  parts  of  my  Marshfield  property  as 
may  be  thought  best  for  the  good  of  my  heirs;  I  intending  to 
leave  it  in  the  discretion  of  my  Executors  to  sell  such  of  the  above 
mentioned  property  first,  as  may  be  in  their  judgment  best — not 
confining  them  to  the  order  in  which  the  parcels  are  here  enumer 
ated  ;  first  of  all,  however,  applying  to  the  payment  of  debts,  the 
proceeds  of  any  policy  or  policies  on  my  own  life,  which  may  be 
running  at  my  death. — 

There  being  a  conveyance  of  my  house  in  Boston  in  which  I 
now  reside,  by  marriage  settlement  in  trust  to  my  wife  for  life, 
&  remainder  of  my  heirs,  as  will  appear  by  the  deed,  if  no  other 
arrangement  be  agreed  on,  as  better,  property  must  be  sold,  to 
pay  off  a  mortgage  of  nineteen  thousand  Dollars  on  the  House, 
so  that  it  may  follow  the  trusts  of  the  settlement  unincumbered — 

I  give  to  my  beloved  wife,  the  coach,  pleasure  waggons,  & 
coach  horses,  any  hundred  volumes  of  my  books  which  she  may 
prefer,  &  other  furniture  which  she  brought  into  the  house  with 
her,  two  thousand  Dollars  worth  of  plate,  &  two  thousand  Dollars 
a  year,  during  the  life  time  of  her  father,  which  is  to  be  in  full 
satisfaction  of  her  right  to  Dower  out  of  my  estate. — 

I  give  &  devise  the  rest  &  residue  of  my  property  real  &  per 
sonal  to  my  children,  equally  to  be  divided  among  them ;  except 
as  hereinafter  excepted ;  that  is  to  say,  that  in  regard  to  articles 
which  are  valuable  as  keepsakes  or  tokens,  I  dispose  of  such  ar 
ticles,  as  follows — viz — 

To  my  wife,  I  give  the  picture  of  myself  by  Alexander — 

To  my  son  Daniel  Fletcher,  I  give  the  vase  presented  to  me 
by  citizens  of  Boston,  the  watch  in  my  pocket,  &  the  picture  of 
myself  by  Stewart — 

To  my  daughter  Julia,  I  give  her  mother's  picture,  by  Hard 
ing,  her  mother's  watch,  and  all  the  little  articles  which  were  her 
mothers,  a  small  picture  of  myself  taken  when  young;  &  the 
little  bust,  or  head  of  myself,  by  Ball  Hughes — 

To  my  son  Edward,  I  give  the  plate  presented  me  by  Amos 
Lawrence,  the  snuff  box  presented  to  me  by  Mr.  Bradley,  and  the 
large  gold  watch  which  I  wore  in  his  mother's  life-time — and  my 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  595 

Washington  medals —  And  as  I  have  advanced  seven  thousand 
Dollars  to  Fletcher  on  his  marriage,  the  whole  of  this  is  to  be 
reckoned  &  charged  as  part  of  his  portion — DANIEL  WEBSTER' 

I  hereby  nominate  and  appoint  my  wife  Caroline  Le  Roy  Web 
ster,  &  my  son  Daniel  Fletcher  Webster,  and  the  survivor  of  them, 
Executrix  &  Executor  of  this  my  last  will  &  testament —  In 

testimony  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  &  seal  this 

day  of  November  in  the  year  Eighteen  hundrey  &  thirty-six — 

DANIEL,  WEBSTER     (seal) 

Signed,  sealed,  published,  and  declared  by  the  said  Daniel 
Webster,  as  his  last  will  &  testament,  in  the  presence  of  us,  who 
at  his  request,  &  in  his  presence  &  in  the  presence  of  each  other, 
have  hereunto  subscribed  our  names,  as  witnesses — it  being  on  two 
sheets  each  of  which  bears  my  name — 

HENRY  W.  KINSMAN  D.  WEBSTER 

CHARLES  H.  THOMAS 

TIMOTHY  FLETCHER. 


(To  Edward  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON,  Feb.  4,  1837. 
My  Dear  Son: 

We  think  it  very  strange  that  none  of  us  has  had  a  letter 
from  you,  since  you  arrived  at  Hanover,  tho'  your  mother  &  sis 
ter  have  both  written  you.  I  requested  you,  if  I  remember,  to 
write  to  some  of  us  once  a  week ;  a  request,  which  you  will  here 
after  observe  &  fulfil,  punctually  &  exactly. 

We  are  quite  well.     The  Session  is  drawing  rapidly  to  a  close, 
&  I  expect  to  be  in  Boston  by  the  middle  of  March. 
Remember  me  kindly  to  Mr.  Haddock's  family. 
Your  affectionate  father 

DANX  WEBSTER. 

(To  Edward  Webster.) 

My  Dear  Son  WASHINGTON  Sep.  16,  1837. 

I  will  endeavor  to  send  you  a  little  money,  in  a  few  days.     In 

1  "  Daniel  Webster  "  signed  at  the  close  of  the  first  sheet. 


596  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

the  meantime,  I  return  your  letter,  in  which  you  will  find  as  many 
errors,  as  you  see  marks. 

There  are  mispellings; 

There  is  no  tolerably  correct  punctuation ; 

There  are  instances,  in  which  sentences,  after  periods,  are  be 
gun  with  small  letters;  and  words,  which  should  be  begun  with 
large  letters,  are  begun  with  small  ones. 

Write  me,  immediately,  a  more  careful,  &  a  better,  letter — 

[D.  WEBSTER]  l 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

FRIDAY  MOR'G 

[June  29  1838] 
Dear  Caroline 

I  reed  last  eve.  yr.  letter  of  Wednesday,  &  presume  you  reached 
home  on  Thursday  m'n'g. 

We  are  now  engaging  in  a  measure  respecting  Banks  which 
have  issued  small  notes — when  that  is  finished,  there  will  be  no 
other  public  subjects,  of  great  importance,  to  be  acted  on. 

My  health  is  getting  to  be  pretty  good — though  I  am  not  yet 
entirely  well —  I  am  a  good  deal  better,  from  the  prospect  of 
getting  away  from  Washington  soon.  Mr.  Curtis  is  mending — 
but  he  goes  seldom  to  the  House. 

I  cannot  say  how  long  before  the  adjournment  I  may  be  able 
to  get  away,  but  I  think  I  shall  not  stay  till  the  last  end.  I 
shall  be  obliged  to  stop  some  days  in  N.  York,  on  my  way  home. 

The  House  sat  very  late  last  night,  and  everybody  seems  at 
work  to  get  away.  Our  boxes  and  trunks  have  gone  to  Alex 
andria — the  vessel  which  takes  them  will  sail  on  Monday.  I 
have  written  to  Mr  Fletcher  to  take  care  of  them. 

The  weather  continues  exceedingly  warm — so  that  I  cannot 
stir  out,  unless  in  a  carriage,  between  sun  &  sun.  We  have  fre 
quent  showers,  but  no  heavy  rains. 

Mr.  Curtis  desires  his  regards  to  you  &  Julia. 

As  yet,  I  have  not  heard  from  Fletcher  since  his  departure. 

Yrs  truly  always, 

D.  W. 

We  expect  a  warm  Debate  today,  on  Mr.  Buchanan's  Special 
Deposit  Scheme. 

1  The  signature  had  been  cut  out. 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  597 

(To  Edward  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  July  6,  1838. 
My  Dear  Son 

I  was  glad  to  receive  your  letter  of  the  1st  tho'  you  have  been 
so  very  negligent  &  culpable,  in  the  matter  of  writing.  You 
must  not  suffer  such  neglect  to  occur  again. 

I  expect  to  leave  Washington  tomorrow,  &  to  be  in  Boston  in  a 
week.  I  suppose  you  have  a  short  vacation,  after  your  examina 
tion.1  If  so,  you  will  come  at  once  to  Marshfield.  On  the  re 
ceipt  of  this,  write  me  immediately,  addressed  to  me  at  Boston, 
stating  the  amount  of  your  Bills,  &  what  money  you  need,  if  any 
before  the  next  term.  Your  mother  &  sister,  are  I  presume,  now 
at  Marshfield,  Mrs.  Curtis  is  at  Saratoga.  Mr.  Curtis  has 
been  sick,  but  is  getting  well  again.  Congress  adjourns  on  Mon 
day  next.  Make  my  best  regards  to  Mr.  Haddock  &  his  family. 

Yr  affectionate  father 

DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  Edward  Webster.) 

MARSHFIELD,  Sep.  8,  1838. 
My  Dear  Son. 

Your  letter,  respecting  your  own  private  affairs,  has  caused 
me  very  great  grief.  I  am  shocked,  not  only  at  the  folly  & 
guilt  of  contract' g  such  a  debt,  but  at  the  misrepresentations 
which  you  must  have  repeatedly  made;  as  you  have  always  told 
me  that  you  owed  noth'g,  which  the  means  I  furnished  were  not 
competent  to  discharge.  Your  letter  has  remained  several  days, 
unanswered,  because  I  had  not  made  up  my  mind  what  answer  to 
give.  My  first  feeling  was  to  withdraw  you  from  College,  &  to 
let  you  take  care  of  yourself  hereafter.  But  you  letter  shows  an 
apparent  spirit  of  repentance,  &  if  I  were  sure  that  I  could  trust 
that,  I  might  be  induced  to  overlook  the  enormity  of  your  mis 
conduct.  But  how  can  I  be  sure  that  you  have  now  told  me  the 
whole  truth?  How  can  I  trust  your  present  statements?  Be 
sides,  how  was  this  debt  created?  Was  it  by  gaming,  or  other 
immoral  habits,  or  by  mere  thoughtlessness,  &  folly? 

I  have  concluded  to  go  up  to  Boston,  tomorrow  or  next  day ; 
&  then,  either  to  pro  directlv  to  Hanover,  or  to  write  you  again. 

1  Edward  was  at  this  time  in  Dartmouth  College, 


598  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

In  the  mean  time  I  want  to  know  more  about  the  manner  of  con- 
tract'g  this  debt ;  &  I  expect  the  whole  truth.  I  would  not  expose 
you  to  public  reproach,  nor  cast  you  off,  for  slight  cause;  but 
with  all  my  affection,  I  will  not  excuse  misconduct,  and,  especi 
ally,  I  will  not  put  up  with  any  degree  or  particle  of  misrepre 
sentation,  or  concealment  of  the  truth.  On  the  receipt  of  this, 
you  will  immediately  write  to  me,  directed  to  Boston;  &  when  I 
receive  your  letter,  I  shall  determine  what  course  to  pursue.1 
Your  affectionate,  but  distressed  father, 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 


{From  Edward  Webster.2} 

HANOVER,  Sept.  13,  1838. 
My  Dear  Father. 

I  received  your  letter  yesterday.  I  was  aware  that  it  could  not 
but  grieve  you  very  much  and  that  was  the  reason  why  I  never 
told  you  before  and  also  made  the  misrepresentations  which  you 
speak  of.  And  sir  I  can  quiet  your  fears  about  my  repentance 
not  being  real  and  affected,  for  I  certainly  do  feel  very  sorry  and 
penitent  and  you  may  rest  assured  that  the  like  will  never  occur 
again.  You  wish  to  know  how  the  debts  were  contracted.  I  will 
tell  you  the  truth  now.  You  say  that  you  dont  know  but  it  was 
by  gaming?  It  was  not,  for  I  never  gambled  for  a  cent  in  my 
life,  nor  do  I  think  I  ever  shall,  for  I  never  could  have  been  led 
away  as  far  as  that  if  any  one  had  tried  me,  for  I  detest  the  prac 
tice  and  always  did.  A  good  deal  is  for  such  things  as  nuts  & 
raisins,  crockery,  cigars,  candy,  pantaloons,  chip  men,  backgam 
mon  boards,  knife  and  some  tame  a  very  little  of  which  I  can  say 
with  a  clear  conscience  I  drank  myself,  riding  on  horseback  and 
other  ways  for  pleasure,  and  I  am  sorry  to  say  very  few  of  the 
articles  were  of  any  use.  The  only  immoral  thing  which  I  have 
purchased  is  wine,  the  students  with  whom  most  of  these  debts 
were  contracted  have  graduated  so  that  there  would  not  be  the 
same  temptations  if  I  would  yield  to  them,  which  by  the  help  of  a 
firm  resolve  I  hope  I  never  shall. 

1  The  stern  Puritanism  of  Webster's  character  is  better  illustrated  by  the 
letter  than  any  other  of  which  the  editor  knows.  Edward's  reply,  which  fol 
lows,  shows  that  he  had  been  guilty  only  of  the  most  amusing  schoolboy 
follies,  and  adds  most  assuring  evidence  of  his  spirit  and  independence.  This 
letter  is  owned  by  Mr.  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 

9  This  letter  is  the  property  of  Edwin  W.  Sanborn,  of  New  York. 


FAMILY   RELATIONS  599 

I  should  be  very  sorry  to  be  taken  away  from  college,  but  if 
you  think  best  I  should  be  willing  to  go,  with  the  education  you 
have  been  kind  enough  to  give  me  and  my  bodily  strength  I  feel 
I  should  be  able  to  take  care  of  myself.  If  I  do  not  improve 
upon  trial  I  do  not  wish  nor  ask  for  any  further  indulgence,  and 
as  to  the  money  part  of  it  if  by  any  means  by  keeping  school  or 
in  other  way  I  could  make  that  up  to  you  in  a  measure  or  in  full 
I  should  be  most  happy  to  do  so,  and  remain  my  dear  Father 
your  most  affectionate  and  deeply  penitent  son, 

EDWARD  WEBSTER. 

(To  Edward  Webster.) 

BOSTON,  Sep.  18,  1838. 
My  Dear  Son 

I  am  very  anxious  to  hear  from  you,  as  I  am  going  in  a  few 
days,  to  N.  York,  &  am  desirous  of  reliev'g  you,  from  your  diffi 
culties,  if  I  can,  before  I  go.  I  expected  to  receive  a  letter  be 
fore  this  time.  Lose  no  time  in  writing — 

Yr  affectionate  father, 

DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  Edward  Webster.) 

My  Dear  Son  BOSTON  Sep.  81, 1838. 

I  reed  your  letter,  two  days  ago,  and  have  made  up  my  mind 
to  put  intire  trust  in  your  statements — to  clear  off  your  em 
barrassments —  &  to  give  you  a  fair  opportunity  to  retrievewhat- 
ever  may  have  been  amiss ;  &  to  resume  your  studies. 

I  now  trust,  My  Dear  Son,  to  hear  nothing  of  you,  hereafter, 
except  what  may  be  gratifying. 

[D.  W.] 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 
Private 

,,     ^       ___...  MONDAY  MOR'G  [March  2,  1840.1 

My  Dear  Wife, 

Amo'g  the  thi'gs  which  have  worried  me  for  some  time,  one 
is  the  condition  of  matters  at  La  Salle,  &  Fletcher's  situation. 
The  state  of  the  times,  &  the  rascally  &  foolish  conduct  of  the 
Gov't  of  Illinois  has  stopped  all  their  public  works.  The  hands 


600  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

have  broke  off  from  the  canal,1  as  I  understand,  leavi'g  it  un 
finished,  &  probably  it  may  be  four  five  years  before  it  will  be 
resumed.  In  this  state  of  thi'gs,  &  while  it  lasts,  Peru  will  be 
noth'g — &  it  will  be  impossible  that  there  shou'd  be  any  business 
there,  by  which  F.  could  support  his  family. 

Then,  again,  if  there  shou'd  be  a  third  season,  as  sickly  as 
the  two  last,  I  should  hardly  expect  him  to  get  through  it.  Ray's 
fever  here  was  noth'g,  between  ourselves,  but  a  new  break'g  out 
of  his  old  illness.  The  Physicians  found  good  reason  to  think 
he  had  never  been  well,  since  his  long  confinement  at  Tonawanda. 

All  these  thi'gs  give  me  trouble,  but  I  have  not  said  any  thi'g 
about  them.  I  wrote  to  F.  in  Peru  from  N.  Y.  on  the  subject  of 
his  health  &  the  climate,  &c.  He  has  not  said  much,  in  reply. 
Think  of  these  thi'gs,  &  keep  them  to  yourself — 

Yours 
D.  WEBSTER 

(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

My  dear  Father,  PERU  APril  16th  184°- 

Your  kind  letter  of  April  llth  has  just  been  received.  There 
are  two  chief  reasons  why  I  wish  to  move  East  and  two  chief 
favours  which  I  ask  of  you  in  order  to  enable  me  to  do  so  ad 
vantageously.  In  the  first  place,  we  are  very  unhealthy  here  & 
though  I  hope  in  any  event,  that  we  might  all  live  through  it, 
yet,  in  the  second  place,  there  is  no  business  here  worth  living 
for. 

I  was  unfortunate  in  coming  here —  I  came  here  on  the  ebb 
tide  and  things  have  been  going  backward  ever  since — 2 

The  favours  I  want  you  to  grant  are  these.  To  give  me  your 
countenance  and  support  in  forming  a  connection  in  New  York — 
&  to  let  it  be  understood  that  the  firm  will  have  the  benefit  of  your 
advice  in  all  necessary  cases.  If  these  can  be  granted,  I  shall 
try  to  leave  here — otherwise  I  dare  not  venture.  *  *  *  3 
I  remain  yr.  affectionate  son 

D.  F.  WEBSTER. 

1  The  Lake  Michigan  and  Illinois  Canal,  which  was  to  connect  the  waters  of 
the  lake  with  those  of  the  Mississippi  River. 

8  Letters  from  Fletcher  Webster  to  be  found  among  those  concerning1 
Webster's  farm  interests  will  fully  explain  Fletcher's  presence  in  the  West  and 
his  life  there. 

3  Minor  business  details  praittedt 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  601 

(To  Mrs.  Carolme  Webster.) 

SUNDAY,  Aug.  22,  1841. 
My  Dear  wife 

I  have  rec'd  y'r  letter  of  the  20th — Friday  mor'g — but  really 
know  not  what  to  say  to  that  part  of  it,  which  regards  yourself. 
You  thought  you  could  spend  some  weeks  pleasantly,  with  your 
family  friends,  in  &  near  N.  York — &  I  was  very  glad  that  you 
should;  altho"  my  opinion  was  that  if  you  left  me,  you  should 
take  somebody  with  you,  &  go  to  Marshfield,  to  your  own  home, 
where  you  would  be  independent.  But  you  were  resolved  against 
that.  What  can  I  do? —  I  really  feel  embarrassed,  &  dis 
tressed. —  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  leave  Washington  at  pres 
ent.  Congress  sits  longer  than  was  expected — we  are  in  the 
midst  of  most  important  matters — &  my  leav'g  here  for  some 
time  to  come,  is  out  of  all  question.  I  am  perplexed.  Between 
your  uneasiness  where  you  are,  &  your  indecision  where  to  go,  & 
the  critical  &  harrassing  state  of  th'gs  here — I  find  noth'g  to 
solace  me. 

I  suppose  from  Julia's  letter,  that  she  will  return  to  Boston  by 
the  first  of  next  month.  Cannot  you  stay  a  few  weeks  with  her? 
You  know,  my  Dear  wife,  how  much  pleasure  it  would  give  me 
to  be  with  you,  but  you  must  see  how  impossible  that  is,  at  the 
present  moment,  without  break'g  up  here,  entirely.  Perhaps 
that  will  be  the  end  &  upshot —  I  wish  only  to  conduct  in  such 
manner  as  to  fulfil  my  duty  to  the  country,  as  may  best  become 
my  own  character.1 

The  Senate  will  probably  decide  on  the  Land  Bill,  &  the  House 
on  the  Bank  Bill,  tomorrow —  After  those  votes,  we  shall  have  a 
better  view  of  the  probably  future. 

My  health  is  good,  although  we  have  had  some  days  of  very 
hot  weather.  Today  I  have  not  been  out  of  the  House,  except 
to  step  into  Mr  Southard's. 

I  will  endeavor  to  keep  you  informed  of  occurrences  here,  al 
though  I  am  quite  pressed  &  overwhelm'd  with  affairs 
Yrs  affectionately,  always, 

D  WEBSTEE 

I  have  corresponded  with  Mr.  K.  ab't  the  well 

1  Seeamon^the  letters  under  "Webster  as  a  Statesman,"  Julia  Appleton 
to  Daniel  Webster,  December  11,  1840. 


602  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

MONDAY  MORNING 

May  16'  42. 

Dear  F.  6  °'clock- 

If  I  had  received  your  letter  at  N.  Y.  I  should  have  signed  B's 
letters ;  but  it  is  better  as  it  is.  We  shall  have  time  to  think  of 
matters  for  a  fortnight.  I  shall  get  through  today  with  all  I 
can  do  about  Maine,  and  intend  to  run  down  to  Me.  tomorrow, 
with  Mr.  Appleton. 

8  o'clock — Since  writing  so  far.  I  learn  that  poor  Uncle 
Fletcher  is  breathing  his  last.  We  are  all  exceedingly  shocked, 
and  distressed.  He  has  not  been  sensible,  since  yesterday  morn 
ing. 

Mrs.  F.  is  as  composed  as  could  be  expected.  1  o'clock — I 
have  no  time  to  write  your  mother  today  having  been  up  since  5 
o'clock  and  run  down  with  company  and  business. 

Mr.  Haven  and  Mr.  William  Appleton  go  to  N.  Y.  this  even 
ing,  to  see  what  can  be  done  with  the  loan.  viz.  the  3  1/2  million. 

Mr.  Jaudon  will  be  this  way  soon. 

Mr.  Fletcher's  death  postponed  my  visit  to  Marshfield.  Mr. 
P.  and  Mr.  Appleton — Mrs.  P.  and  Julia  are  all  with  the  family. 

Yours  D.  W. 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

SATUEDAY  EVNG  8  o'clock.  [August,  1842] 
Dearly  beloved, 

I  believe  Fletcher  may  have  written  you,  today.  There  is  no 
news,  of  particular  importance.  Congress  will  sit,  at  least  a 
fortnight,  &  I  hope  you  will  get  north,  as  fast  as  you  can.  I 
really  wish  you  could  go  to  Marshfield,  take  some  friends,  &  en 
joy  yourself.  Things  will  necessarily  come  to  a  crisis,  in  ten 
days  or  a  fortnight. 

My  annual  catarrh  begins  a  little — but  I  am  tolerably  well. 
Mr.  J.  G.  King,  &  Mr.  S.  B.  Ruggles,  &  a  few  members  of  Con 
gress  have  dined  with  me  today. 

Fletcher  is  well  &  very  much  devoted  to  business.  Mr.  Jenifer 
is  here  a  good  deal  indeed.  Mr.  Crittenden  has  a  large  &  genl. 
party  tonight.  It  is  so  far  off,  &  having  no  carriage,  F.  &  I 
stay  at  home.  He  reads  French — &  I  do  nothing. 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  603 

I  really  want  to  see  Grace.  Give  my  love  to  her  as  well  as  to 
Hannah  her  husband  &  children. 

Mr.  Stubbs  had  not  returned  when  I  left  the  office  this  P.  M. 
I  dare  say  the  carpets  are  all  right  &  am  glad  you  bought  them 
cheap.  Shall  we  ever  need  them? 

Yr's  truly  always 
D.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Mrs.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Feb  23,  44. 
Dear  Caroline 

Your  letter  from  Fletcher  ought  to  have  gone  yesterday,  but 
it  was  sent  here  from  the  Dept.  a  little  too  late.  I  have  a  very 
good  letter  from  him,  which  I  shall  send  to  you,  in  a  day  or  two. 
A  good  many  people  here  want  to  see  it,  as  all  are  desirous  of 
hearing  from  him. 

I  hope,  my  Dear  Daughter,  that  you  and  your  little  one  are 
well.  We  think  much  of  you.  It  will  be  a  comfort  to  get  a  let 
ter  from  Fletcher. 

I  suppose  the  British  minister  will  take  our  house,  &  that  we 
shall  all  be  going  north,  early  next  month. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL.  WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WEDNESDAY  MORG 
My  Dear  Son  Dec.  £9-47 

I  have  yrs  of  the  29th  &  am  happy  to  learn  you  are  all  well. 
I  will  try  to  find  an  occasion  to  write  Judge  Warren — 

I  suppose  you  sent  my  letter  to  Mr.  Dorr —  I  have  not  heard 
from  him ;  have  you  ? 

At  present,  I  am  quite  engaged  in  those  old  causes,  now  on 
second  argument.  I  am  tired  of  these  Constitutional  questions. 
There  is  no  court  for  them. 

Your  mother  will  be  along  next  week.  I  have  only  been  out 
once,  &  that  was  to  Mr  Seatons,  to  a  family  dinner,  Christmas 
day.  My  love  to  Caroline  &  the  children. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 


604  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Jan.  31.  48. 
Dear  Fletcher ; 

Your  mother  has  never  quite  reconciled  it  to  herself  that  she 
did  not  return  from  New  York  to  visit  Julia.  She  feels  con 
cerned  about  her,  &  thinks  she  ought  to  see  her.  Not  that  we 
suppose  Julia  is  very  sick,  but  she  is  slender,  &  ought,  as  we  think 
the  winter  may  be  severe  with  her,  [not  to  be]  in  Boston.  Mrs. 
W.  wishes  to  go  to  N.  Y.  &  indeed  it  would  be  agreeable  to  her  to 
be  in  Boston,  for  a  day  or  two,  and  as  the  weather  is  now  mild, 
&  she  has  an  escort  to  N.  York,  she  thinks  she  will  run.  So  you 
may  look  out  for  her,  in  the  course  of  the  week.  I  approve  her 
goi'g,  on  the  whole,  as  she  will  not  be  happy  until  she  knows 
exactly  how  Julia  is. 

Yrs  affectionately 

D.  W. 

(From  Julia  Webster  Appleton.) 

(FEB.  23  1848). 

Wednesday  P.  M. 
Oh,  my  Father. 

Sam  has  just  told  me  that  my  dear  brother  is  lost  to  us  for 
ever  !  *  I  do  not  realize  it,  yet,  it  seems  a  troubled  dream !  & 
yet  when  poor  Edward  left  us,  for  that  accursed  land,  I  felt  I 
had  looked  my  last  upon  him. 

Dear  little  Neddy !  I  cannot  believe  you  are  gone !  And  how 
are  we  to  console  ourselves.  I  rejoice  in  one  thing,  that  he  was 
free  from  the  blood  of  any  man ;  that  he  did  not  die  in  battle — 
He  went  forth  to  a  wicked  &  cruel  war,  &  there  he  has  died ;  like 
many  before  him ;  without  one  friend  to  smooth  his  dying  pillow. 
Oh  that  I  had  been  with  him ! — 

Dear  Father,  I  know  it  is  useless,  &  wrong  for  me  to  write  in 
this  way —  It  was  God's  will,  &  "God's  will  be  done — "  but  norr 
I  feel  nothing  but  that  my  brother  in  the  honor  of  his  youth  was 
a  useless  sacrifice — to  what? — ambition,  vain-glory —  May  God 
in  his  mercy,  sanctify  this  great  affliction  to  us  all—  He  has 

1  Edward  Webster  died  January  23,  1848,  in  camp,  near  the  City  of  Mexico. 
See  the  account  of  Edward  Webster  in  Curtis'  "  Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p. 
318;  see  also  "Private  Correspondence  of  Daniel  Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  271. 


FAMILY   RELATIONS  605 

done  what  seemed  him  good,  &  therefore  it  is  good.  We  see 
through  a  glass  darkly,  but  hereafter  we  shall  understand  these 
hidden  things — 

God  bless  &  keep  you,  &  comfort  you,  my  beloved  Father —  I 
will  write  to  Mother  when  I  feel  more  composed. 

With  much  love 

Your  daughter  JULIA. 

(To  Mrs.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Lady  of  C  MONDAY  MOEIG  July  25,  '52 

Green  Harbor  is  not  well  supplied  with  Poultry,  fit  to  cook 
today.  Can  you  afford  us  a  pair  of  your  Boston  Chickens?  If 
so,  Green  Harbor  will  wait  on  Careswell  this  Eve'  with  a  retalia 
tory  Green  goose. 

D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  F.  ELMS  FARM.  Sunday  Eve'. 

Col.  Webb  will  be  here  on  Tuesday  and  have  invited  Mr.  Jno. 
L.  Tucker  to  come  with  him.  I  am  in  hopes,  also,  that  Messrs. 
Harvey,  Haven,  and  T.  B.  Curtis  will  come  up,  on  that  day ;  and 
should  be  glad  to  have  you  come  with  them,  if  you  have  no  en 
gagement.  I  asked  your  Mother  to  send  me  up  a  good  leg  of 
mutton  We  have  fine  mutton  here,  but  shall  have  none  exactly 
fit  to  be  used.  And  I  should  be  glad  of  one  small  ham,  &  of  a 
bit  of  wild  fowl,  for  Col.  Webb  and  Mr.  Blackford,  and  other 
distinguished  strangers.  These  articles  should  come  up,  either 
tomorrow  afternoon,  ( — Monday)  or  by  the  early  train  on  Tues 
day.  Your  mother  will  add  a  loaf  or  two  of  bread. 

Mr.  Blatchford  sends  his  best  regards  to  you  and  Caroline. 
I  feel  quite  well  under  this  N.  W.  wind,  as  you  may  suppose,  as 
I  am  writing  here,  with  good  eyes,  and  a  clear  head,  and  without 
cough,  between  9.  &  10.  O'clock  in  the  evening. 

Mr.  Appleton's  nomination  is  capital,  excellent. — it  has  taken 
one  great  anxiety  off  my  mind. 

Goodnight.  The  wind  blows  strong —  It  will  make  me  sleep 
like  a  top. — 

See  Harvey. 

Yours  affectionately 

D.  W. 


606  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

MONDAY  MOR'G. 

5  O  clock. 
DearF 

I  found  all  well.  Dan  is  very  happy,  hav'g  three  Ladies  to 
attend  to,  his  Grandmother,  Cora  Fletcher,  &  Miss  Kent — Henry 
Thos'  little  neice  who  has  been  here,  a  day  or  two.  The  Major 
is  well. 

I  shall  send  up  a  box  of  garden  things  tomorrow —  Look 
out  for  Mr.  Ashmun,  whom  I  expect  tonight. 

Yrs  D.  W. 


'(To  Mrs.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

SUNDAY  MOR'G. 
Dear  Caroline. 

I  am  sorry  to  say  I  have  rather  a  severe  influenza  today — s'd 
to  be  the  autumnal  edition  of  the  Tyler  grip — &  do  not  feel  quite 
bright  enough  to  attend  the  Christen' g  of  a  certain  person. 
Mrs.  Webster  is  also  a  good  deal  unwell,  from  the  same  cause. 
We  hope,  therefore,  that  it  may  not  be  inconvenient  for  you  to 
postpone  the  ceremony  until  next  Sunday — 

If  you  wish  to  send  a  note  to  Mr  Lothrop,  George  will  br'g 
it.— 

I  shall  try  to  creeo  down  to  see  you,  in  the  afternoon. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER. 


'(To  Mrs.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  Caroline,  (Daughter  Caroline — not  wife  Caroline) 

I  had  made  up  my  mind  to  enjoy  the  luxury  of  a  dish  of 
baked  beans  today — but  am  willing  to  dine  with  you,  &  shall  do 
so  with  great  pleasure,  if  you  will  let  me  br'g  my  beans  with 
me —  Therefore,  look  out  for  me  &  the  beans,  already  cooked, 
at  2  O  clock. 

D.  W. 


FAMILY   RELATIONS  607 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

TUESDAY  MOR'G 
Dear  Caroline, 

I  send  you  the  letters  from  the  Traveller,  &  the  little  bills,  in 
tended  to  have  been  enclosed  yesterday. 

This  mor'g  I  am  goi'g  to  see  my  cheese.  I  suppose  the  owner 
will  wish  to  show  it,  with  the  rest,  some  days  longer;  &  then  I 
shall  ask  Mr  Le  Roy  to  send  it  to  Boston. 

The  weather  is  cold  here — &  I  am  sometimes  half  afraid  of 
bei'g  frozen  up  before  I  reach  Boston.  Commodore  Chauncey 
&  family  are  here.  Miss  C.  met  with  an  accident — a  fall  on  the 
stairs,  which  caused  a  very  severe  lameness,  &  has  detained  her 
here  &  her  mother  in  the  north,  the  Commodore  has  now  come 
to  take  them  to  W. 

Goodbye, — till  you  hear  from  me  at  Philadelphia. 

Ever  yrs 

D  WEBSTER 


'(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

NORWICH,  friday  Eve'  8  O  clock. 
Dear  F: 

You  will  be  glad  that  we  did  not  venture  on  the  Sound  today, 
after  .the  terrible  loss  of  the  Atlantic.  We  arrived  here  about  1 
O  clock;  heard  the  Atlantic  was  in  danger,  on  or  near  Fisher's 
Island,  having  evidently  reed,  injury,  but  as  noth'g  could  get  to 
her,  it  could  not  be  told  whether  she  was  ashore,  or  at  anchor. 
It  now  turns  out,  that  night  before  last,  soon  after  leav'g  New 
London,  her  steam  chest,  as  they  call  it,  exploded.  This  of 
course  rendered  all  her  machinery  useless,  &  stopped  her  motion. 
It  was  then  blowing  hard,  &  the  seas  running  high.  Her  anchors 
were  let  out,  but  she  dragged  them  all  day  yesterday,  &  last 
night,  drifting  away  towards  Fishers  Island.  This  mor'g,  at 
1/2  past  4  O'clock  her  stern  parted,  &  she  swung  round,  &  struck 
her  broad  side  on  the  rocks,  &  went  all  to  pieces,  in  two  or  three 
minutes.  Noth'g  is  said  to  remain  visible  on  the  rocks  but  some 
frame  work,  belonging  to  the  engine;  or  some  such  part,  I  did 
not  understand  very  distinctly  what. 

She  had  happened  to  get  inside  the  principal  breakers,  &  was 
very  near  dry  land.  But  the  surf  was  breaking  with  great  vio- 


608  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

lence,  so  that  those  who  could  swim  could  hardly  do  better  than 
those  who  could  not.  It  is  supposed  about  50  lives  were  lost. 
Twenty  two  bodies  were  brought  up  here  this  P.  M.  by  the 
Mohegan,  which  got  to  the  wreck  this  mor'g.  There  were  three 
Ladies  on  board,  passengers,  who  were  all  lost,  as  were  the  three 
chamber-maids.  Capt.  Duston  was  drowned.  Julia  will  recol 
lect  see'g  him.  I  cannot  learn  that  any  of  our  Boston  friends 
was  aboard.  James  Stetson  was  in  the  Boat,  &  has  given  me 
these  particulars.  He  did  not  know  any  of  the  persons  who  are 
lost,  among  the  passengers.  No  blame  seems  to  be  imputed  to 
the  Captain.  The  fault  is  thought  to  have  been  in  the  machin 
ery. 

The  wind  has  gone  down,  &  it  is  supposed  the  Sound  will  be 
smooth  tomorrow.  If  it  is,  we  shall  proceed  on  our  journey,  over 
L.  Island.  If  not,  we  shall  wait  for  settled  weather.  After  a 
disaster  so  appalling,  one  does  not  wish  to  encounter  risks. 

We  find  here  Mr.  Huntintton,  Mrs.  Rockwell,  &  other  friends. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL   WEBSTER. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

FRIDAY  1    O  Clock 

Dear  F 

We  were  glad  to  receive  yrs,  &  a  long  letter  from  Caroline  this 
mor'g.  Yr  mother  is  down,  today,  with  a  headache.  We  dined 
at  the  Presidents  yesterday,  &  were  out  the  Eve'g  before,  &  I 
suppose  she  took  some  cold.  She  will  probably  get  over  the 
headache,  by  Even'g. — 

I  really  should  be  glad  to  see  Mr.  Harvey.  There  are  th'gs 
he  could  do,  better  than  almost  anybody  else.  If  he  can  spare 
the  time,  pray  ask  him  to  come  on. 

Mr.  Calhoun  has  the  floor  of  the  Senate  for  Monday.  He 
stands  right  up  for  Colgent's  (?)  resolution  &  for  gett'g  a  vote 
of  the  Senate  as  soon  as  may  be. 

I  am  quite  well,  &  begin  to  feel  a  little  rested. —  Pray  send 
on  Mr  Harvey. — 

Yrs  DW 


FAMILY    RELATIONS  609 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.1) 

WASHINGTON  June  12  '49 
Tuesday  Morning 

10  O'clock 
Dear  Caroline 

I  wrote  you  yesterday,  &  to  day  have  the  pleasure  of  receiv 
ing  yours  of  Sunday  Eve.'  &  am  rejoiced  that  you  &  little  Cara 
axe  well  &  happy.  I  think  you  are  delightfully  situated,  & 
better  off  than  at  home  alone. 

This  is  a  cold,  raw  day;  &  I  am  sitting  before  a  good  fire,  & 
do  not  intend  to  stirr  abroad  at  all.  The  weather  is  certainly 
strange.  I  was  at  Mr.  Seaton's  last  evening  &  found  him  sitting 
before  a  blazing  grate. 

They  were  all  glad  to  hear  from  you,  &  I  thanked  them  duly 
for  the  strawberries.  Paul  left  last  Eve.'  to  get  ready  to  go 
north,  on  Thursday.  Monica  stays  to  day,  but  takes  to  morrow 
for  herself,  for  the  same  purpose.  Sarah  &  John  are  our  only 
stay.  Sarah  has  her  strawberries  for  preserves.  Mr.  Harvey 
has  been  here  since  Saturday,  but  returns  to  day.  I  have  not 
seen  any  of  the  Commissioners  this  morning.  Dr.  Lyndsley's 
family  are  well,  though  I  have  not  seen  the  ladies. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 
Mrs.  Webster 

I  hear  nothing  from  home.  This  is  not  a  day  for  Boston  let 
ters. 

1  This  letter  was  given  to  Miss  Emma  E.  Webb,   11  Ohio  Street,  Bangor, 
Me.,  by  Mrs.  Caroline  Le  Roy  Webster. 


GHtbgtefr  Delations  txriti&  ^ig  friend  ana 


J.HE  stern,  kingly  man  that  attracted  every  man's  gaze  as  lie 
walked  down  State  Street  in  Boston  was  a  very  simple  country 
gentleman,  among  his  neighbors  at  Marshfield.  That  he  could 
bend  and  be  the  daily  friend  of  common  men  has  been  told  in- 
many  places  by  those  who  were  happy  enough  to  win  his  friend 
ship.  But  we  feel  better  convinced  of  it  when  we  see  in  his  let- 
$ers  the  common  sense  which  ignored  the  difference  in  mental* 
endowments  and  said  the  common  thing  to  common  men.  True, 
he  had  friends  who  were  great — the  greatest  who  lived  in  the 
world  at  the  same  time — but  their  bond  was  not  their  community 
of  greatness.  It  was  rather  a  congeniality  in  common  things.  He 
was  never  fond  of  parading  friendship;  but  loved  rather  to  be' 
alone  with  his  friends.  We  never  feel  sure  that  we  can  say  cer 
tainly  that  he  was  selfish.  We  are  very  sure  that  he  keenly 
loved  the  excellencies  of  his  friends,  and  that  he  was  generous 
in  the  praise  of  their  deserts.  He  was  generous  with  forgive 
ness,  and  he  could  generously  ask  a  favor.  He  never  minced^ 
and  said  he  could  just  as  well  get  along  without  it,  but,  if  they 
chose,  they  might  do  him  a  favor.  He  threw  his  whole  soul  into 
the  asking  a  kindness,  and  left  himself  no  retreat. 

The  letters  given  here  show  him  full  of  sympathy  and 
thoughtfulness  for  friends  in  trouble — a  common  virtue,  one  may 
say — yet  it  was  surely  something  for  a  great  statesman  to  let 
the  affairs  of  a  nation  wait  while  he  wrote  a  word  of  comfort  to 
some  humble  friend  of  humbler  days.  He  never  entered  a  neigh 
borhood  where  old  friends  lived  without  taking  pains  to  neglect 
no  one.  His  own  hospitality  was  royal  and  personal.  He 
did  not  direct  the  servants  to  be  entertaining,  but  he  was  entertain 
ing  himself.  As  a  result,  he  received  such  letters  as  that  of  Wil 
liam  Wirt's,  after  the  latter's  visit  in  1829.  He  was  ever  ready 
to  use  his  influence  for  a  friend,  and  his  aid  was  without  ostenta 
tion.  He  had  a  genial  humor  that  saved  his  dignity  from  hyper- 

[610] 


FRIENDS    AND    NEIGHBORS  611 

sensitiveness.  In  the  correspondence  with  Sydney  Smith  that 
proof  of  magnanimity  is  at  its  best.  Much  is  said  of  his  own 
efforts  as  a  peacemaker,  but  the  incident  in  the  Applet  on  corre 
spondence  concerning  Mr.  Lawrence  shows  that  he  graced  the 
more  difficult  position  of  subjection  to  the  peacemaker. 

A  matter  of  considerable  mterest  m  the  letters  to  Webster, 
many  of  which  have  necessarily  been  omitted  from  this  collection, 
is  the  way  early  friends  took  a  life-long  interest  in  him — per 
fectly  natural,  of  course,  but  pleasing  to  see  in  the  concrete. 
The  old  friends  had  such  a  detailed  memory  of  the  slightest 
incidents  in  their  common  past.  To  have  been  associated  withl 
him  in  an  event  seemed  to  throw  a  romantic  glamour  over  the 
thmgs  that  happened.  Another  matter  of  interest  is  their  con 
fidence  in  the  simplicity  and  candor  of  his  friendship.  They 
expect  nothing  of  him  but  a  simple  recognition  of  the  old  ties. 

In  the  correspondence  with  Story  we  have  an  unpleasant  feel 
ing  about  the  refusal  to  permit  the  publication  of  the  letters  to 
and  from  the  father.  Webster  elsewhere  explains  that  he  con 
sistently  refused  such  requests  because  he  did  not  wish  to  estab 
lish  a  precedent.  The  passage  of  time  has  removed  all  the 
objections  that  he  might  have  had  to  such  publication,  and  the. 
letters  to  which  he  referred  have  been  published  by  the  Massa 
chusetts  Historical  Society. 


(To  Edward  Everett.) 

WASHINGTON  Dec.  31,  1824. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  waited  on  Mr.  Calhoun,  with  your  letter,  and  said,  also, 
what  I  thought  would  be  useful. 

The  world  rings  with  your  Plymouth  speech;  even  before  the 
echoes  of  the  P.  B.  K.  oration  have  entirely  subsided. 

Yours  always, 

DAN'L  WEBSTER. 

P.  S.  and  P.  M.  I  am  much  obliged  to  you*  for  your  kind 
letter  which  has  just  come  to  hand.  I  know  that  my  presence  at 
home  could  not  have  altered  the  course  of  things,  in  respect  to 
our  little  boy.1  The  loss  I  feel,  heavily,  but  I  hope  not  to  be  too 

1  Referring  to  the  death  of  his  son  Charles.     See  the  letters  about  this  date 
in  the  division  devoted  to  Webster's  family  relations. 


612  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

much  depressed  by  it.     The  oftener  you  call  and  see  Mrs.  W. 
the  more  she  and  I  shall  be  obliged  to  you. 

I  shall  certainly  take  care  to  secure  snug  quarters  for  your 
family  and  mine  next  year. 


(To  James  W.  Paige.) 

[MAY  27,  1825,  Sandwich,  Mass] 

Thursday  Eve. 
D'r  Wm. 

I  am  obliged  to  you  for  2  letters.  Dan'l  came  down  very  well. 
We  are  quite  engaged,  or  I  should  write  more  at  length.  We 
shall  be  home  Saturday  or  Monday,  I  know  not  which.  I  should 
have  sent  you  some  trouts  had  there  been  a  less  number  of  mouths 
here. 

I  do  not  write  Mrs  W.  as  it  will  probably  be  too  late.  We  are 
well,  but  too  sleepy  to  write  at  much  length.  Mr.  B.  is  quite 
well. 

Yrs  D.  W. 
10  o'clock — quite  asleep. 


'(To  Jacob  McGaw.1) 

WASHINGTON  Feb.  21,  1827. 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  have  rec'd  your  letter,  and  shall  lose  no  time  in  communicat 
ing  its  contents  to  the  President,  and  adding  my  wishes  to  yours, 
in  favor  of  Mr.  Carr. 

It  is  not  my  habit  to  interfere  often,  in  local  appointments,  out 
of  my  own  neighborhood ;  but  I  shall  go  out  of  my  usual  course, 
for  once,  in  conformity  to  your  wishes,  and  to  render  your  friend 
a  service.  I  have  heard  that  Mr.  Lee,  the  son  in  law  of  Mr. 
Hook,  was  a  candidate  for  the  office ;  but  know  not  on  what  inter 
est,  or  whose  recommendation. 

Probably  there  may  be  others.  As  soon  as  I  shall  have  learned 
what  the  probable  result  may  be,  I  will  give  you  information. 

We  felt,  My  Dear  Sir,  a  very  serious  disappointment,  when, 

1  The  owner  of  the  original  of  this  letter  is  Mr.  J.  B.  Foster,  of  Bangor, 
Me.,  who  kindly  sent  the  editor  this  copy. 


FRIENDS    AND    NEIGHBORS  613 

on  our  return  home  in  the  Summer  of  1825  from  our  journey  to 
the  Falls,  we  learned  that  you  and  Mrs.  McGaw  had  just  left 
Boston.  I  rec'd  the  note,  which  you  were  kind  enough  to  ad 
dress  to  me,  the  day  after  it  was  written.  Indeed  we  were  actu 
ally  arrived,  before  you  left  town,  as  it  turned  out;  for  hoping 
that  you  might  still  be  there,  I  went  in  search  of  you,  I  came  on 
your  track  when  you  had  been  gone  but  an  hour.  I  need  hardly 
say  that  there  are  few  of  my  old  friends  who  keep  so  green  and 
fresh  in  my  recollections  as  yourself  and  wife ;  but  it  has  so  hap 
pened  that  with  few  have  I  had  the  misfortune  of  such  unfre- 
quent  interviews  and  communications.  I  dare  not  reckon  up 
how  many  years  it  was,  last  Summer  (June)  since  I  escorted 
Phebe  Poor  to  the  Banks  of  Sandy  River.  Mrs.  McGaw  I  have 
never  seen. 

Once,  when  I  lived  in  Portsmouth,  you  was  in  my  house,  for  5 
minutes;  and  with  that  exception  I  believe  I  have  not  seen  you 
since  I  was  a  pedagogue,  at  Pejwachet,1  and  we  used  to  play 
cribbage,  at  one  o'clock. 

I  need  not  say,  and  cannot  well  say,  how  much  interest  I  feel 
in  the  election,  pending  in  your  District. 

I  earnestly  hope  for  a  result,  which  while  it  will  give  me  great 
personal  gratification  will  I  am  sure,  promote  essentially  the  pub 
lic  interest. 

Pray  make  my  best  remembrances  to  Mrs.  McGaw ;  and  be  as 
sured  of  the  sincere  and  hearty  regard  of 

Your  old  friend 
D  WEBSTER 

(To  W.  W.  Seaion.) 

"My  dear  Sir, — I  thank  you  for  the  summer  ducks,  which 
were  found  delicious.  I  thank  you  for  the  woodcock,  and  have 
yet  to  thank  you  for  other  favorable  and  friendly  kindnesses  not 
forgotten. 

"Yours  truly, 

"DANIEL,  WEBSTER. 

"Mr.  Seaton. 

"These  are  black  fish,  sometimes  called  Tautog.  Monica  cooks 
them  thus : — 

"Put  the  fish  into  a  pan  with  a  little  butter,  and  let  them  fry 

1  At  Fryeburg. 


61 4  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

till  pretty  nearly  cooked,  then  put  in  a  little  wine  and  pepper 
and  salt,  and  let  them  stew.  She  uses  no  water.  A  little  more 
wine,  pepper,  and  salt  to  make  a  good  gravy. 

"So  says  Monica,  who  stands  at  my  elbow  at  half  past  five 
o'clock.  A  good  way  also  to  make  agreeable  table  companions 
of  these  fellows  is  to  barbecue  or  broil  them  without  splitting. 

"D.  W. 
"Confidential  and  Diplomatic." 


(From  Thomas  Rich.) 

0.  CHARLESTON  July  16th — 1828 — 

Dear  Sir, 

Shortly  after  you  was  pleased  to  favour  me  with  an  interview 
in  Boston,  I  received  your  friendly  communications  with  $20  en 
closed  from  our  good  Friend  Clarke,  to  whom  I  returned  my 
grateful  acknowledgement —  In  the  month  of  January  1827,  I 
was  much  obliged  by  the  following  anonymous  letter — 
"Rev.  &  Dear  Sir, 

Enclosed  you  receive  fifty  dollars  from  your  unknown  corre 
spondent  from  the  explanation  of  your  suffering  condition  by 
the  divine  interpreter  of  the  heart  called  Daniel."  This  day, 
after  such  a  lapse  of  time,  the  enigma  is  developed. 

Be  assured,  Sir,  that  my  gratitude  to  the  generous  donor  and 
to  him,  through  whose  kind  intercession  I  have  experienced  relief, 
is  warm  &  unfeigned — 

Affectionately — 

THOMAS  RICH 

](From  Lafayette.) 

0.  PHILADELPHIA  July  24h  1828 

My  dear  Sir 

Permit  me  to  introduce  to  you  Count  Vidua,  a  very  distin 
guished  Piedmontese,  who  has  travelled  through  a  great  part  of 
the  world,  and  is  now  on  a  tour  through  the  U.  S.  He  brought 
me  most  particular  introduction  from  Humboldt,  Segur,  and 
other  friends.  His  acquaintance  will  be  pleasing  to  you  and 
highly  useful  to  him.  Most  truly 

Your  affectionate  friend 

LAFAYETTE 


FRIENDS    AND    NEIGHBORS  615 

(To  Mrs.  Cyrus  Perkins.) 

BOSTON.  Deer.  15.  1828. 
My  dear  Mrs  Perkins, 

I  am  sorry  your  good  husband  should  be  mortified  at  not  hav 
ing  a  house  big  enough  to  accommodate  travellers  on  the  high 
road.  The  same  mortification,  or  the  same  cause  for  it,  would 
happen  to  me,  if  he  should  chance  to  come  this  way,  at  this  time, 
altho'  I  have  lately  made  a  house,  &  meant  to  make  it  big 
enough. —  As  it  happens,  I  should  hardly  feel  at  liberty  to  ac 
cept  your  hospitality,  on  my  journey  this  time,  as  Mr  Blake  will 
go  with  me,  as  companion  of  the  voyage,  &  where  he  lodges  I 
must  lodge.  We  are  thinking  of  getting  away  in  about  a  week. 

Our  children  are  all  well  &  send  a  great  deal  of  love.  Mrs  E. 
Webster,  with  her  daughters,  is  now  with  us,  &  I  hope  to  keep 
them  for  a  month  or  two  longer. 

I  have  not  met  with  your  sister  lately ;  but  I  met  Miss.  Bryant 
in  the  street  yesterday,  &  she  looked  as  if  she  &  all  the  family 
were  quite  well. — 

Yours  ever  gratefully  &  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER. 

(To  Josiah  Qumcy?  ) 

WASHINGTON,  January  25,  1829. 
My  dear  Sir, — 

I  have  just  closed  the  perusal  of  your  address,  and  am  not 
willing  to  lose  a  moment  in  expressing  the  pleasure,  and,  allow  me 
to  say,  the  pride  with  which  I  have  read  it.  In  my  opinion  it  is 
in  the  highest  degree  just,  manly,  sensible, — full  of  proof  of  in 
dependence,  conscious  integrity,  and  proper  self-respect.  While 
you  have  done  your  self  no  more  than  justice,  you  have  made  an 
exhibition  of  the  measures  of  the  city  administration  and  of  their 
effects  which  cannot  fail  to  gratify  your  friends  and  all  good 
citizens.  Heaven  punishes  folly  by  granting  it  its  desires ;  and 
this  penalty  I  imagine  they  who  are  mainly  active  in  producing 
this  change  will  feel  hereafter,  if  they  do  not  feel  it  now.  Al 
though  I  deeply  regret  that  change,  on  public  accounts,  I  yet 
think  it  clear  that  the  events  which  produced  it,  the  feeling  which 

1  This  letter  is  taken  from  the  "  Life  of  Josiah  Quincy,"  p.  434.     Josiah 
Quincy  was  at  this  time  Mayor  of  the  city  of  Boston, 


616  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

those  events  have  excited,  and  the  use  which  you  have  made 
already,  and  which  I  trust  you  will  still  further  make,  of  the 
occasion,  will  enable  you  to  retire  from  the  government  of  the 
city  with  more  solid  and  brilliant  reputation  than  almost  any 
other  state  of  things  which  could  be  reasonably  anticipated  would 
have  conferred. 

I  pray  you  to  make  my  most  friendly  regards  acceptable  to 
Mrs.  Quincy  and  your  family,  and  to  believe  me,  dear  sir,  with 
constant  esteem,  your  obedient  servant, 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 


(From  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

PORTSMOUTH  April  16.  1829 
My  dear  Sir 

I  feel  distressed  and  almost  overwhelmed  by  the  awfully  sud 
den  death  of  your  brother.1  The  friendship  that  had  subsisted 
between  us,  for  many  years,  had  afforded  me  much  satisfaction 
and  benefit.  He  was  embraced  in  all  my  plans  &  hopes  of  ame 
liorating  the  condition  of  our  poor  State.  His  loss  is,  in  my 
estimation,  nothing  less  than  a  public  calamity.  A  void  is  made, 
&  I  see  not  how,  nor  when  it  is  to  be  filled. 

Such  has  been  the  havoc  of  death,  for  a  few  years  past,  among 
those,  whom  I  most  esteemed  and  best  loved,  that  the  world  be 
gins  to  look  desolate  to  me. 

To  your  anguish,  my  dear  friend,  I  shall  not  attempt  to  offer 
any  consolation,  other  than  the  assurance  of  my  sincere  sym 
pathy.  For  such  sufferings  time  may  afford  alleviation,  but  no 
effectual  remedy  can  be  found  in  any  considerations  confined  to 
this  world.2 

Mrs.  Mason  unites  with  me  in  the  kindest  regards  to  you. 

I  am  my  Dear  sir  as  ever 

Faithfully  &  affectionately 

Yours 

J.  Mason 

1  Ezekiel  Webster.     He  died  suddenly,  while  speaking,  standing  erect,  in 
the  course  of  an  argument  in  a  crowded   courtroom.      See   "  Biography  of 
Ezekiel  Webster,"  in  "Private  Correspondence  of  Daniel  Webster,"  vol.  i. 

2  For  Daniel  Webster's  reply  see  "  Private  Correspondence,"  vol.  i,  p.  477, 
dated  April  19,  1829. 


FRIENDS    AND    NEIGHBORS  617 

(From  William  Wirt.1) 

BALTIMORE — July  8.  1829. 
My  dear  Sir. 

Mrs.  W.  instructs  me  to  return  you  her  cordial  thanks  for 
your  attention  to  her  gratification  in  the  letter  of  excerpts — and 
you  must  permit  me  to  disburthen  myself  of  the  pressure  of  my 
feelings  so  far  as  to  assure  you  that  I  shall  resent  through  life 
(to  use  an  expressions  of  Boyle's)  your  unwearied  and  affecting 
kindness  to  me  through  the  whole  of  my  visit  to  your  land  of 
poetic  beauty  and  Arcadian  hospitality — that  is  to  say,  pro 
vided  the  Arcadians  were  the  people  whom  the  poets  describe  and 
not  those  whom  the  dim  historians  represent  them  to  have  been — 
All  figures  and  levity  apart,  my  visit  to  Boston  comes  back  to  me, 
at  times,  more  like  a  delightful  dream  than  a  reality,  so  far  did 
it  surpass  all  other  comparatively  "dull  realities  of  civil  life" 
that  I  have  encountered  in  the  course  of  my  mortal  pilgrimage — 
I  have  either  been  supremely  fortunate  and  caught  you  all  in 
your  mollia,  or  rather  mollissima  tempera,  or  the  Southerners 
who  have,  heretofore,  visited  you  are  ungrateful  dogs  not  to 
have  chanted  your  character  in  louder  strains —  I  can  tell  you, 
however,  that  I  find  here,  among  the  gentlemen  of  this  place,  a 
full  response  to  my  strongest  notes  of  admiration.  I  have  not 
met  with  a  gentleman  who  has  visited  your  country  who  is  not 
in  perfect  union  with  me — and  I  know  nothing  that  can  compare 
with  it,  but  the  unmixed  native  stock  of  Virginia — with  a  few 
slight  peculiarities,  the  people  of  Virginia  are  identical  with 
those  of  your  people  whom  I  have  seen.  I  make  the  remark  not 
as  Mr.  (Gardner?)  seemed  to  suppose  in  the  way  of  a  compli 
ment — for  there  is  no  compliment  on  either  side — but  as  a  strik 
ing  philosophical  fact — and  I  wish  to  Heaven  it  were  more  per 
fectly  known  to  those  most  deeply  interested  to  know  it —  The 
political  elements  of  dissension  are  at  wnrk  among  us,  and  it  will 
require  all  the  attraction  of  cohesion  which  mutual  knowledge 
&  [illegible]  of  each  other's  characters  can  generate  to  hold  us 
together — and  most  happy  should  I  be  if  I  could  devise  any 
mode  by  which  I  could  successfully  contribute  to  such  a  result — 
Can  you  tell  me  how?  "Gentle  Shepherd,  tell  me — how — " 

I  am  glad  to  hear  that  our  friend  Blake  is  well — and  can  well 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  the  Hon.  George  F.  Hoar.  The  writer  was  author 
of  a  life  of  Patrick  Henry.  He  was  one  of  the  most  eminent  lawyers  of  his 
time  and  was  Attorney-General  of  the  United  States  from  1817  to  1830. 


618  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

imagine  the  pleasure  of  your  ride — I  w'd  have  given  an  ingot  of 
gold  to  have  been  with  you,  tho'  I  might  have  spoiled  your  sub 
ject —  But  I  have  been  even  with  you  both — for  I  have  talked 
you  over,  too,  again  &  again — and  my  listeners  seemed  well  dis 
posed  to  give  me  my  time — those  listeners  have  generally  been 
"wife,  children  and  friends."  and  enter  keenly  into  all  the  sen 
sibilities  which  my  reception  in  Boston  must  I  think  have  awak 
ened  in  a  heart  even  of  stone,  which  mine,  however,  chances  not 
to  be —  By  the  way  of  secret  and  in  your  ear,  I  am  unaffect 
edly  surprised  that  such  a  speech  as  I  made  in  one  cause,  sh'd 
have  been  thought  worthy  of  so  much  newspaper  notice.  I  am 
not  conscious  and  cannot  see  at  this  moment  that  it  was  at  all 
beyond  an  every  day  speaking  in  the  Supreme  court,  and  yet 
one  who  did  not  know  me  would  suppose  from  these  eulogies  that 
the  people  of  Boston  had  caught  a  hippotamus  at  the  Court — 
Be  it  so,  it  is  a  silly  bird,  they  say,  that  bewrays  its  own  nest — 
But  you  and  I  know  a  thing  or  two  more  upon  this  subject. 
Mean  time  how  happy  &  secure  you  must  feel  with  the  house  of 
your  fame  on  its  everlasting  rock — like  the  rocks  that  form  the 
substratum  of  your  blessed  country — I  wish  I  had  been  as  wise 
all  my  life  as  you  have  been — gone  always  for  substance  and  not 
for  show,  my  show  through  the  earlier  years  of  my  life,  was 
the  eclipse  of  my  substance — and  the  shadows  of  that  eclipse  will 
haunt  me  thro'  life.  Your  Gibraltar  front  has  always  been  in 
its  sunlight — defying  the  thunders  of  the  clouds  &  the  ocean — 
and  thus  may  it  ever  stand  in  its  proud  pre-eminence — It  is 
fit  that  it  should  be  so — and  none  but  a  sacrilege  could  wish  to 
disturb  the  aim  of  nature. 

If  you  should  meet  with  our  friend  Mr.  Justice  Story,  assure 
him  of  my  constant  and  grateful  remembrance  of  his  kindness — 
would  to  Heaven  that  I  had  such  a  oracle  of  the  law  in  my  neigh 
borhood  in  the  form  of  a  Judge  of  the  Supreme  court.  How 
does  he  contrive  to  carry  such  a  load  of  law  with  such  bouyancy 
of  spirits.  I  do  not  observe  that  his  ability  to  enjoy  sinks  the 
thousandth  part  of  an  inch  the  deeper,  with  all  her  load,  but 
makes  her  way  as  gaily  and  sportively  as  if  she  were  a  mere 
gondoler  for  pleasure  Such  is  the  effect  of  a  happy  constitu 
tion,  and  there  is  no  builder,  at  last,  like  nature. 

May  I  beg  you,  too,  to  present  me,  as  occasion  may  offer,  re 
spectfully  and  gratefully  to  Chief  Justice  Parker,  and  the  mem 
bers  of  the  Court  of  whose  indulgence  and  kindness  I  shall  cherish 
through  this  life  a  religious  sense — And  to  every  inquiring 


FRIENDS    AND    NEIGHBORS  619 

friend,  if  it  be  not  too  troublesome,  give  assurance  that  their 
kindness  has  not  been  sown  on  barren  ground,  but  that  I  have 
left  Massachusetts  under  a  sense  of  obligation  for  the  delicate 
and  polite  hospitalities  I  received,  which  neither  time  nor  chance 
can  diminish. 

With  best  regards  to  Mr.  Day, 

Yrs  truly 

WM.  WIRT. 


(To  Jeremiah  Mason.) 

BOSTON  Aug.  11.  1829 
My  Dear  Sir 

My  stay  in  Vermont  was  protracted,  so  as  to  run  into  this 
month. —  I  will  meet  you  at  Nahant,  with  pleasure,  or  at  Hamp 
ton,  at  the  House  near  the  Beach,  if  we  can  fix  on  any  time.  This 
week  and  next  you  will  be  at  Court — &  I  believe  I  shall  go  down 
to  the  South  Shore.  The  week  following  is  Commencement. 
Commencement  day,  &  the  day  after  I  will  give  to  visiting  you, 
wherever  you  may  choose.  Keeping  out  of  places  where  we  shall 
be  obliged  to  see  others. —  The  Hotel  at  Lynn,  is  a  very  good 
place — with  spare  rooms  enough —  It  is  far  better  than  Na 
hant. 

Yrs 

D.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Dr.  Cyrus  Perkins.1) 

BOSTON,  Nov.  22,  1830. 
Dear  Sir, 

Mrs.  W.  is  in  N.  York,  and  I  hope  you  have  by  this  time  seen 
her.  She  felt,  with  as  much  sympathy  as  I  did,  your  calamity 
in  the  death  of  your  son,  and  will  be  very  glad  to  see  you  &  Mrs. 
Perkins.  For  the  last  three  weeks  I  have  been  nearly  every  day 
out  of  town,  and  have  had  no  opportunity  of  seeing  Mr.  Bry 
ant — I  shall  call  today,  if  the  weather  permits.  On  Satur 
day,  I  came  home  from  Providence,  where  I  had  passed  the 
week.  For  the  next  ten  days,  I  propose  to  sit  here,  at  my  office 

1  Addressed  to  Dr.  Perkins,  Fulton  Street,  New  York.     Dr.  Perkins  attended 
the  first  Mrs.  Webster  in  her  last  illness. 


620  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

table,  to  arrange  my  own  personal  matters,  so  as  to  set  my  face 
southward  about  the  first  of  December.     *     *     *  1 

Remember  me  affectionately  to  Mrs.  Perkins,  and  believe  me 
always  and  truly, 

Yrs 
(Signed)     D.  WEBSTER. 


(TO .«; 

BOSTON  Oct.  7,  1831. 
Dear  Sir 

I  have  reed  your  letter  of  the  3rd.  Its  contents  surprise  me. 
You  say  that  a  person  in  N.Bedford,  as  you  understand  quotes 
me  for  authority  in  charging  the  vice  of  intemperance  on  Mr 
Hodges.  If  you  will  ascertain  the  fact  that  any  person  has 
used  my  name  for  any  such  purpose,  &  will  let  me  know  who  he 
is,  I  will  cheerfully  do  whatever  justice  both  to  Mr.  Hodges  & 
myself  may  appear  to  require.  In  the  meantime  tho'  I  do  not 
expect  to  be  quoted,  or  my  name  used  publicly,  to  contradict 
what  may  never  have  been  asserted.  I  can  say  with  the  utmost 
truth  that  I  never  heard  such  a  suggestion  against  Mr.  Hodges, 
in  my  life,  from  any  quarter. 

[DAN'L  WEBSTER] 

(To  Chancellor  Kent?) 

WASHINGTON,  June  5,  1832. 
My  dear  Sir, — 

I  have  just  opened  the  newspaper  and  read  the  account  of 
Mr.  Irving's  dinner,  and  your  speech  thereat;  and  I  resolved 
forthwith  to  write  you  one  line,  for  the  purpose  of  saying  that 
the  speech  is  a  delightful  little  thing,  just,  sweet,  affectionate. 
When  I  read  the  paragraph  in  which  you  prefer  what  relates 
to  the  blue  hills  and  mountain  glens  of  our  own  country  to 
sketches  of  foreign  scenes  and  foreign  countries,  I  wanted  to 

1  The  omitted   paragraph   informs   Dr.    Perkins   that   Daniel  Webster   has 
drawn  for  $600  on  Mr.  Perkins. 

2  This  letter  is  in  Daniel  Webster's  hand,  and  is  evidently  the  first  draft  of 
the  letter  sent. 

3  Printed  in  the  "Memoirs  of  Chancellor  Kent,"  p.  235. 


FRIENDS    AND    NEIGHBORS 

seize  your  hand  and  give  it  a  hearty  shake  of  sympathy.  Heav 
en  bless  this  goodly  land  of  our  fathers!  Its  rulers  and  its 
people  may  commit  a  thousand  follies,  yet  Heaven  bless  it! 
Next  to  the  friends  beloved  of  my  heart,  those  same  hills  and 
glens,  and  native  woods  and  native  streams,  will  have  my  last 
earthly  recollections!  Dulce  et  decorum  est,  etc. 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 

(To  John  W.  Weeks1) 

Hon  Mr.  Weeks.  JUNE  llth.  [1832] 

Sir 

I  return  Mr  Clarks  letter —  I  hope  means  may  be  found  to 
make  out  a  case  for  his  father,  when  the  Pension  Bill  comes  to  be 
executed. 

Mr  Clark,  the  writer,  I  have  known  a  great  while,  &  am  ac 
quainted  with  few  more  worthy  men. 

It  will,  both  on  his  account,  &  his  father's,  give  me  much 
pleasure  to  aid  in  an  effort  to  gratify  the  Veteran,  by  obtaini'g 
a  proof  of  his  country's  recollection  of  his  services. 
With  much  respect, 

Your  Ob.  Servt 

DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  Dr.  Cyrus  Perkins.2) 

,,    -p.       0.  BOSTON.  Nov.  9,  34 

My  Dear  Sir 

I  arrived  this  P.  M.  &  now  enclose  two  letters  for  your  use. 
If  you  think  of  any  other  persons,  to  whom  letters  from  me  would 
be  of  the  slightest  convenience  to  you,  pray  write  me  a  line,  & 
they  shall  be  forwarded  to  Paris,  or  elsewhere  as  you  may  direct, 
the  next  Packet. 

Mrs  Webster  desires  me  to  give  her  best  love  to  you  &  Mrs 
Perkins. —  She  bids  you  farewell!  with  all  sincerity  of  good 
wishes.  Julia  prays  leave  also  to  tender  her  affectionate  re 
gards  ;  I  need  not  say,  My  Dear  friend,  how  much  of  my  heart 
you  carry  away  with  you. —  May  God  grant  you  every  bless 
ing  ;  &  may  we,  ere  long,  welcome  you  back,  with  renewed  health 
&  augmented  happiness. 

1  Representative  of  New  Hampshire  in  Congress  from  1829  to  1833. 

2  The  original  of  this  letter  is  in  the  Dartmouth  College  Library. 


622  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Wherever  you  go,  bear  with  you  the  assurance  of  my  constant 
&  cordial  attachment. 

Adieu ! 

DANL  WEBSTEB. 

(To  Miss  Ellen  Kelly.1) 

BALTIMORE  Deer.  26,  1834. 
My  Dear  Cousin. 

I  heard  yesterday,  by  a  letter  from  Mr.  Paige,  of  the  death 
of  your  brother  William.  It  shocked  me  very  much,  as  I  had  not 
heard  of  his  illness,  the  last  letter  I  reed  from  Salisbury,  left  the 
family  as  well  as  usual.  If  this  event  shall  have  taken  you  to 
Salisbury,  I  hope  you  will  write  me  immediately,  as  I  shall  be 
anxious  to  know  how  the  rest  of  the  family  are. 

Mr.  Paige  wrote  me  that  one  of  your  sisters  was  sick,  tho'  he 
did  not  mention  which.  If  you  are  still  in  Boston,  I  hope  you 
will  write  me,  &  let  me  know  how  you  are,  yourself. —  Mrs.  W. 
&  Julia  are  well.  We  came  to  Baltimore  to  spend  Christmas  and 
shall  go  back  in  a  day  or  two.  Do  not  fail  to  write  me — 2 

Yr  affectionate  uncle 

=====  D'  W> 

(To  I.  W.  Kelly*) 

WASHINGTON  Jan.  1.  1835. 
My  Dear  Sir : 

I  reed  yours  of  the  22d,  not  until  yesterday.  I  wrote  you, 
from  Baltimore,  about  the  26th — which  I  hope  you  received. — 
I  trust  you  are  well  assured  of  my  sympathy  with  you,  for  the 
loss  of  your  son,  &  the  illness  of  so  many  others  of  your  fam 
ily. —  It  is  a  great  consolation  to  know  that  William  died  with 
an  untroubled  &  tranquil  mind.  I  fervently  pray  that  the  rest 
of  your  children  may  be  soon  restored  to  the  enjoyment  of  per 
fect  health.—*  *  * 4 

DANL.  WEBSTEB 

1  Addressed  care  of  I.  W.  Kelly,  of  Salisbury,  N.  H.,  to  whom  the  first  Mrs. 
Webster's  sister  was  married. 

8  This  letter  was  kindly  loaned  by  Judere  Corning1,  of  Concord,  N.  H. 

3  This  letter  is  the  property  of  Judge  Corning:,  of  Concord,  N.  H. 

4  Encloses  three  notes  for  Mr.  Shaw  and  a  check,  and  asks  Kelly  to  transact 
some  business. 


FRIENDS   AND    NEIGHBORS 
(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

HALLO  WELL,  Wednesday  Eve' — Sep.  23.  1835. 
Dear  Caroline, 

You  will  easily  find  Hallowell  on  the  map,  &  here  I  am,  in  less 
than  24  hours  from  Boston.  The  weather  has  been  remarkably 
fine,  &  the  Boats  go  well,  tho',  to  be  sure,  for  accommodation 
they  bear  but  a  poor  comparison  with  the  Southern  Boats.  I 
was  in  Portland  this  morning  from  4  to  8  clock — of  course  I 
saw  nobody.  My  friend  Mr.  Bradley,  I  learned,  was  not  in 
town. —  The  Boat  comes  no  farther  than  Gardner,  half  a 
dozen  miles  below  this  place,  where  Mr.  Gardner,  and  also  Mr. 
Evans  lives.  Mr.  Evans  heard  of  my  arrival,  &  came  to  me  at 
the  Boat.  Mr.  Gardner  met  me  also,  &  I  called  to  see  the  Fam 
ilies  of  both  these  Gentlemen.  Mr.  Gardner's  family  is  in  great 
affliction  from  the  sickness  of  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Jones —  She 
was  married,  you  know,  about  the  time  we  saw  the  family  at 
Washington,  &  is  now  thought  to  be  far  gone  in  a  decline.  They 
live  in  a  cottage,  while  they  are  building  a  new  &  most  elegant 
Home. 

Mrs.  Evans  is  gay  as  usual.  She  inquired  much  for  you,  & 
says  you  were  confidently  expected  this  way.  Mr.  Evans 
brought  me  from  the  Boat  here  in  his  Barouche,  &  offered  me 
his  company  tomorrow  to  call  on  a  few  old  friends  of  an  elderly 
class.  I  mean,  among  other  calls,  to  go  &  see  Dr.  Sewall's 
mother,  &  Mr.  Lindsley's.  I  have  many  friends  in  the  Town, 
who  will  of  course  call  to  see  me.  On  friday  I  intend  going  to 
Bangor,  if  the  weather  should  be  fair. —  Adieu !  I  have  writ 
ten  to  Julia,  &  shall  make  out  a  line  to  Mr.  Paige  that  he  may 
hear  of  my  arrival  in  safety  thus  far,  if  this  should  not  find 
you  in  Boston — 

Yrs  ever  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(From  N.  Ray  Thomas.) 

DUXBURY.  Jan.  20.  1840 

*  *  *  i  jn  quitting  your  employment  I  shall  have  the  sat 
isfaction  of  knowing  that  I  have  discharged  the  obligation 
which  I  was  under  to  you,  so  far  as  dollars  are  concerned.  But 
there  are  other — &  to  me  higher  obligations  which  I  feel  I  never 

1  Minor  business  details  omitted. 


624  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

can  discharge ;  for  through  all  the  changes  of  my  changing  life  I 
have  had  the  satisfaction  of  believing  that  you  were  my  friend, 
&  of  never  doubting  that  this  friendship  was  void  of  selfishness — 
was  pure;  and  whatever  the  future  may  unfold  be  assured  I  shall 
carry  with  me  to  the  latest  hour  of  my  life  the  purest  sentiment 
of  gratitude  &  esteem.  *  *  *  * 

I  remain,  most  truly  yours 

N.  RAY  THOMAS. 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

MONDAY  EVE'  Mar.  9.  [1840]  7  o'clock. 
My  Dear  wife, 

I  do  not  recollect  that  I  have  told  you  that  Anna  Lawrence 
has  been  very  sick,  indeed.  Today  she  is  supposed  to  be  better, 
but  she  has  had  a  very  dangerous  fever.  Dr.  S.  &  Dr.  L.  have 
attended  her  for  a  fortnight.  It  is  hoped  she  is  now  out  of 
danger. 

Mr.  Lawrence  himself  is  a  good  deal  unwell,  but  not  alarm 
ingly  so.  He  has  not  been  out,  for  several  days. 

Poor  Ray  Thomas  has  been  sick  again.  He  has  had  a  very 
severe  attack  of  fever,  very  much  such  as  he  has  had  heretofore. 
For  ten  days,  he  has  been  confined.  The  Dr.  says  he  is  recover 
ing.  I  have  concluded  it  is  not  safe  to  send  him  to  the  West. 
Dr.  S.  says  it  may  be  years  before  he  will  cease  to  have  returns  of 
the  attack,  from  which  he  suffered  so  much  at  Buffalo.  He  will 
go  back  to  Duxbury  as  soon  as  he  is  well  enough. 

Mr.  John  Reed  went  to  Wisconsin  late  last  Summer — was 
taken  sick  at  Milwaukee,  &  just  escaped  the  grave.  He  got 
home — exceedingly  feeble — &  is  now  here,  but  he  has  frequent 
relapses,  &  looks  very  much  exhausted,  &  altered.  You  would 
hardly  know  him.  All  your  other  acquaintances  I  believe  are 
well. 

Mr.  &  Mrs.  Taylor — Baltimore — were  here  for  a  fly'g  visit, 
last  week —  She  looks  very  well  &  happy. 

We  hear  the  G.  Western  is  in;  &  I  have  hopes  we  shall  hear 
from  Edward.2 

We  expect  the  mail  at  8  Oclock,  but  I  look  for  no  letter  from 

1  Minor  business  details  omitted. 

*  Upon  the  return  of  Mr.    and   Mrs.  Webster,   the  younger  son,  Edward 
Webster,  had  been  left  abroad,  where  he  carried  on  his  studies. 


FRIENDS    AND    NEIGHBORS  625 

you  tonight,  as  you  only  return  today  from  Westchester  —     I 
hope  I  shall  have  one  tomorrow  Eve'  — 

Adieu!     Give  my  best  love  to  yr  father,  &  Mrs  Edgar  & 
family  — 

Yrs  ever  truly 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

WEDNESDAY  EVE'  6  o  clock  (March  11,  1840) 
Dear  Caroline, 

Poor  Ray  Thomas  is  very  sick.1  I  have  been  with  him  all  day, 
&  he  will  not  let  me  leave  his  room,  hardly  long  enough  to  write 
this.  His  fever  has  gone  off,  in  a  great  measure,  but  it  has  left 
him  very  much  reduced,  &  desponding,  &  wander'  g.  I  have  writ 
ten  for  Henry  to  come  to  him  immediately  —  He  has  a  good 
nurse,  Dr.  Sewell  &  D  Lyndley  both  attend  him,  &  every  thi'g 
is  done  for  him  that  can  be  done. 

I  am  quite  well  —  I  shall  write  you  every  day.  Mr.  Law 
rence's  family  are  getting  well  — 

Yrs 
_  D  WEBSTER 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

THURSDAY  EVE'  [March  12,  1840]  11  Oclock 
Dear  Caroline, 

I  have  only  time  today,  that  I  have  this  eve'g  reed  your  letter 
under  cover  to  Mr.  Curtis,  &  also  your  other  letter  —  written  yes 
terday  mor'g  with  a  postcript  at  12  oclock.  None  of  the  former 
letters,  written  by  you,  have  come  to  hand  —  not  one  —  &  I  now 
learn,  for  the  first  time,  that  you  prefer  stay'g  in  N.  Y.  till  I 
go  to  Boston.  I  have  no  objection  to  this,  if  you  prefer  it;  but 
it  has  been  very  unpleasant  not  to  know  what  your  intentions 
were  — 

I  have  just  come  from  Ray2  —  ho  has  been  very  wild  this 
Eve'  —  but  is  now  more  composed.  Mr.  Curtis  is  with  him,  &  I 
must  go  to  him  in  two  or  three  hours  — 

I  will  try  to  write  you  tomorrow  — 

Truly  yrs  D  WEBSTER 

1  See  Curtis'  "Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  33. 

9  In  a  previous  letter  he  says,   "I  have  been  with  him  almost  all  day,  as  he 
hates  to  have  me  leave  him." 


626  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

FRIDAY  EVE'  7.  Olck.  [March  13,  1840] 
My  Dear  Wife, 

I  have  not  been  in  the  Senate  today,  having  spent  the  whole 
day  in  looki'g  after  poor  Ray.  He  is  a  very  sick  man,  but  I 
believe  he  is  better,  &  say  Dr  S.  &  Dr.  L.  He  is  so  despond' g, 
&  is  much  out  of  his  mind,  that  either  Mr.  Curtis,  a  Mr.  Evans, 
or  myself  find  it  necessary  to  be  with  him  to  keep  him  from  sink 
ing.  He  feels  as  if  he  should  die  right  off,  unless  one  of  us  be 
with  him.  We  divide  the  24  hours  between  us.  Henry,  who 
has  been  written  for,  will  probably  call  on  you.  Tell  him,  that 
at  this  hour,  he  is  believed  to  be  decidedly  better,  but  that  he  is 
an  extremely  sick  man,  &  could  not  have  been  saved  without  the 
closest  &  most  particular  attention.  His  recovery,  now,  is  not 
at  all  certain;  but  it  is  hopeful.  I  staid  with  him  today,  from 
4  in  the  mor'g,  till  4  in  the  P.  M.  Mr.  Curtis  is  now  with 
him.  Mr.  Evans  goes  at  10  oclock  &  I  go  again  at  4  in  the 
mor'g. 

Mr.  Lawrence's  family  are  all  sick.  Anna  &  Kitty  are  re 
covering.  Mr.  Lawrence  is  very  sick  indeed,  &  I  learn  that  Mrs. 
Lawrence  &  Miss  McLeod  are  taken  down  today —  Dr.  L. 
thinks  Mr.  L.  better,  a  little,  than  he  was  at  2  o'clock  this  mor'g, 
but  Dr.  Sewall  is  evidently  very  much  frightened  about  him. 

I  trust  his  life  will  be  preserved.  Mr.  Evans  has  now  gone 
over  to  see  him.  As  soon  as  I  close  this  letter,  I  am  goi'g  to 
bed,  as  I  have  had  so  little  sleep  lately.  Adieu!  my  beloved 
wife —  I  hope,  among  all  these  troubles,  that  you  preserve  your 
health. 

Yours  always  affectionately 

D.  WEBSTER 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

SATURDAY  EVE  10  clock  (March  14,  1840) 

My  Dear  Wife, 

I  hope  Ray  is  better.  He  had  a  very  bad  paroxysm  this 
mor'g,  at  4  o'clock —  I  was  sent  for,  &  have  been  with  him  all 
day,  except'g  time  for  breakfast  and  dinner.  He  cries  so  when 
I  propose  to  come  away,  that  it  is  impossible  to  leave  him,  unless 


FRIENDS   AND    NEIGHBORS  627 

Mr.  C.  or  Mr.  E.  can  take  my  place.  Mr.  C.  is  now  with  him, 
till  4  in  the  mor'g.  I  write  this  the  more  particularly,  as  I 
expect  Henry  will  call  on  you,  as  he  comes  alo'g.  Dr.  S.  &  Dr. 
L.  both  say  he  is  improving — but  he  is  exceed' gly  sick.  Two  or 
three  times,  I  thought  he  wou'd  not  live  an  hour.  Mr.  Lawrence 
is  thought  to  be  better.  Miss  McLeod  is  likely  to  have  a  settled 
fever — no  letter  from  you  tonight — though  I  looked  for  one — 
Adieu !  Yrs  IVg'y 

D.  WEBSTER 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

TUESDAY  EVE'  8  'clock  [March  17,  1840] 
My  Dear  Wife. 

Beyond  what  I  expected  this  mor'g  Ray  is  yet  alive.1  I  do 
not  suppose  there  is  much  more — perhaps  no  more — chance  for 
his  recovery — but  he  is  more  quiet,  &  easy — &  this  is  a  great 
consolation.  How  I  do  wish  he  might  live  till  Henry  shall  arrive 
here ! — 

I  am  not  very  well  today,  from  anxiety,  &  watch'g.  I  cannot 
sleep,  till  his  state  changes.  He  is  well  attended  by  physicians, 
friends,  &  nurses — &  every  th'g  done  that  promises  the  best 
good — 

Mr.  Lawrence's  family  are  all  recover'g — himself  rather 
slowly. 

Yours  very  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER. 

(To  Peter  Harvey.2) 

(MAY  10  ?  1840  ?) 
Dr  Sir 

Thank  you  for  your  letter.  Let  the  salmon  come  on,  when 
convenient —  Several  Whig  mouths  are  watering  for  it. 

Mrs.  W.  desires  her  best  regards.  All  political  thi'gs  look 
about  right — 

Yrs  D.  W. 

1  Ray  Thomas  died  that  evening  shortly  after  eleven  o'clock.     See  Curtis' 
"Life  of  Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  35. 

2  Peter  Harvey  was  the  warm  friend  of  Webster  during  his  later  years,  and 
wrote  "Reminiscences  of  Daniel  Webster." 


628  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  Mr.  ConnelV) 
My  Dear  Sir  BOSTON  Nov.  20.  1840 

I  had  a  severe  illness,  though  not  of  long  duration,  the  end 
of  last  month  in  N.  Hampshire.  I  was  on  my  paternal  spot, 
under  my  own  roof,  with  the  graves  of  all  my  family  near  me. 
I  did  not  feel  dangerously  sick,  at  any  time,  but  I  was  worn  out, 
with  fatigue  &  effort,  &  had  also  taken  a  very  heavy  cold.  After 
returning  to  Boston,  &  staying  some  days,  I  went  to  Marshfield, 
with  my  wife.  There,  the  bad  weather  caught  me,  &  I  staid  in 
the  House  a  week,  recruiting  every  day. 


(From  Mrs.  Sydney  Smith.) 

56  GREEN  STREET,  Grosvenor  Sqre. 

To  have  reed,  from  your  hands  such  a  letter  of  approval  may 
justify  a  little  pride  as  well  as  much  pleasure  My  dear  Sir. — 
I  have  cherished  the  letter  as  it  was  but  natural  I  should,  &  I  was 
allow'd  to  keep  it. 

Upon  principle,  dear  Sydney  destroy'd  almost  all  private  let 
ters  lest  hereafter  they  should  fall  into  other  hands  than  those 
they  were  intended  for. 

Our  old  friend  Mr.  Th.  Moore  is  about  to  prepare  a  little 
Memorial  of  his  old  friend. —  One  of  the  very  best  of  men ! — 
whose  great  and  varied  virtues  rested  not  on  the  surface  only ! 

Most  earnestly  should  I  desire  to  make  over  to  him  this  little 
Episode  of  yourself  &  Mr.  Clay.  I  subjoin  your  letter,  lest  on 
reperusal  you  see  anything  in  it  to  object  to. —  If  you  do, 
your  wish  for  its  suppression  shall  be  imperative  upon  me. 

I  beg  to  be  warmly  remember'd  to  your  companions  in  travel 
into  these  Parts.  &  I  hope  you  will  believe  with  what  truth  I 
subscribe  myself  your  most  respectful  friend  &  admirer. 

CATHARINE  AMELIA  SMITH. 

P.  S.  The  original  is  pasted  into  a  book,  or  I  would  send  it  to 
you  but  this  is  a  faithful  transcript  of  it. 

Perhaps  you  may  have  Sydney's  letter  that  called  yours 
forth. —  If  so,  it  would  be  most  kind  if  some  of  your  family 
would  take  the  trouble  of  copying  it  for  me.  Sydney's  answer 
to  yours  I  did  copy  before  I  seal'd  it.2 

1  This  letter  is  the  property  of  the  Pennsylvania  Historical  Society. 
3  See  "Wit  and  Wisdom  of  Sydney  Smith." 


FRIENDS    AND    NEIGHBORS  629 

(To  Mrs.  Jeremiah  Smith.) 

Dear  Madam :  WASHINGTON,  January  21,  1843. 

On  the  receipt  of  your  last  letter,  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Ticknor  of 
Boston,  whom  you  know,  not  only  as  a  scholar,  and  man  of  tal 
ents,  but  as  a  friend  of  Judge  Smith  of  long  standing,  desiring 
his  cooperation  with  me,  in  preparing  an  Epitaph.1  He  most 
readily  concurred  in  my  wishes,  and  very  soon  sent  me  a  draft. 
Alterations  were  suggested,  by  me,  in  which  he  has  acquiesced 
and  the  result  of  the  whole  I  now  enclose  to  you.  If  you  shall 
be  satisfied  with  it,  we  shall  both  be  quite  happy.  If  alterations 
occur  to  you,  please  suggest  them  to  me  with  the  greatest  free 
dom. 

I  am  Dear  Madam, 

Yours  with  true  esteem, 

DANIEL  WEBSTER 


(To  R.  M.  Blatchford.2) 

My  Dear  Sir  MONDAY  July  8,  '44 

I  wrote  you  on  Saturday,  Yesterday,  Sunday,  I  was  at  Nahant, 
&  learned  from  Caroline  that  you  wd.  be  at  Nahant  with  your 
daughter,  &  perhaps  your  son,  on  the  10th  inst.  Your  stay,  I 
learn,  is  to  be  short ;  but  I  must  steal  you  away,  for  one  day,  to 
Marshfield,  where  we  shall  be  then.  Our  home  will  be  all  in 
disorder,  so  that  we  could  not  receive  your  daughter,  but  you 
like  to  sleep  on  a  sofa,  &  care  little  about  eating  or  drinking, 
so  we  can  take  care  of  you,  for  a  day  or  two. 

Now,  as  to  the  mode  of  coming. 

If  you  say  so,  my  Boat,  the  "Comet,"  shall  be  at  Nahant 
Monday  the  16th  &  bring  you  across  to  us,  Wednesday.  If  the 
weather  be  fair,  the  sail  will  be  beautiful. 

Or,  to  be  independent  of  weather,  I  will  send  up  a  man  to 
meet  you,  Wednesday  at  12  o'clock,  at  the  Tremont  House;  to 
show  you  the  way  by  the  Hingham  Boat,  which  leaves  at  one; 
&  who  will  take  you  rapidly  from  Hingham  to  Marshfield,  with 
Mrs  Webster's  horses. 

I  want  much  to  see  you,  for  a  day,  at  Marshfield,  preliminary 

1  See  Morison's  "Life  of  Judge  Smith,"  p.  516. 
*  Webster's  life-long  friend. 


630  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

to  having  you  there  with  friends  a  few  weeks  later.  Please  let 
me  hear  from  you  by  Thursday  morning  next,  saying  what  mode 
of  movement  will  suit  you  best.  Any  thing,  but  a  balloon,  or 
the  "Lightning  Express"  shall  be  at  your  command. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  Nathan  Appleton.) 

Private. 

[Arc  8.  1845] 
My  dear  Sir. 

If  you  deem  this  a  proper  letter,1  (the  one  enclosed)  you  may 
read  it  to  Mr.  Lawrence.  If  it  would  be  better  in  any  other 
form,  please  return  it  with  your  suggestions. 

My  desire  is,  in  effect,  to  express  my  readiness  to  let  bye-gones 
be  bye-gones ;  &  to  restore  the  relations  between  Mr.  Lawrence  & 
myself,  to  the  state  they  were  in  at  the  conclusion  of  the  Treaty 
of  Washington.  I  always  feel  that  Mr.  Lawrence  rendered  the 
country  eminent  service  in  regard  to  the  negotiation  of  that 
Treaty  &  zealously  furthered  objects,  a  good  deal  important  to 
my  own  political  reputation,  in  the  circumstances,  then  existing. 

I  very  gladly  leave  this  matter  entirely  in  your  friendly  direc 
tion. 

Very  cordially,  &c. 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Nathan  Appleton.) 

MARSHFIELD,  Aug.  8.  1845. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  have  reed  your  letter  of  the  4th  instant,  &  am  obliged  to 
you  for  it,  as  I  regard  it  as  a  proof  of  friendship  &  kindness. 

I  assure  you,  My  Dear  Sir,  that  I  have  no  wish  to  sustain 
towards  Mr.  Lawrence  any  other  relations,  than  those  of  that 
cordial  regard,  which  subsisted  between  us  for  so  many  years. 
I  fully  appreciate  the  value  of  his  character,  his  talents,  &  the 
useful  part  he  acts  in  life,  public  &  private.  We  have  been 
politically  associated  together,  &  have  cooperated,  in  some  emer- 

1  See  the  following  letter. 


FRIENDS    AND    NEIGHBORS  631 

gencies  of  public  affairs,  not  unimportant,  &  not  terminating,  I 
trust,  disadvantageously  to  the  Country.  (If  it  be  Mr  Law 
rence's  desire,  it  is  mine,  that  our  relations,)1  hereafter,  shall  be 
such,  in  all  respects,  as  they  were  formerly,  when  we  were  em 
ployed,  together,  in  public  service. 

I  am,  Dear  Sir,  with  most  true  regard, 

Yours 

DANI,  WEBSTER 

(From  Nathan  Appleton.) 

My  dear  Sir  BOSTON  11  Sept  1845 

I  duly  received  yours  of  the  8th.  inst.  but  owing  to  my  own 
and  Mr.  Lawrence's  absence  from  the  City,  I  have  not  had  an 
opportunity  of  communicating  with  him  till  now. 

I  avail  myself  of  the  permission  given  me  to  suggest  a  slight 
alteration  in  the  note  intended  to  be  transmitted  to  Mr.  Lawrence 
and  which  accompanies  this. —  Instead  of  the  words  included 
in  brackets  to  insert.  It  will  give  me  much  satisfaction  to  renew 
my  friendly  relations  with  Mr.  Lawrence  and  that. —  and  I 
would  also  add  at  the  end — With  regard  to  what  has  taken  place 
since,  let  by-gones  be  by-gones — but  for  the  future  may  nothing 
during  our  lives  mar  the  good  understanding  public  and  private, 
which  it  is  my  wish  to  cultivate — or  something  of  that  sort. — 

I  think  this  change  will  express  more  explicitly,  what  it  was 
your  intention  to  convey — and  I  am  quite  sure  will  receive  a 
cordial  response  from  Mr.  Lawrence. —  With  much  esteem  very 
truly, 

Yours 

N.  APPLETON 


(To  Nathan  Appleton.) 

Private.  c          ,.,    ,  0,K 

SEPT.  11,  1845. 

My  dear  Sir. 

I  return  the  letter,  having  corrected  it,  very  nearly  according 
to  your  suggestions. 

Yrs.  truly 

DANL.  WEBSTER 

1  The  lines  here  italicized  are  underscored  and  bracketed  in  this  copy  of  the 
letter,  and  Mr.  Appleton's  letter,  which  follows,  explains  why. 


632  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Jacob  W.  McGaw.1) 

WASHINGTON  Mar.  15.  49 
My  Dear  Friend, 

I  lost  no  time  in  transmitting  your  letter  to  Mr  Meredith,  ac 
companying  it  with  some  account  of  the  writer 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  learn,  from  all  that  come  from  your 
quarter,  that  you  are  in  good  health,  and  the  enjoyment  of  hap 
piness  My  own  health,  also,  is  good  But  neither  of  us  is  so 
young,  as  we  were,  when  Robert  Wise  ferried  us  over  the  River, 
to  shoot  pigeons  on  the  Northfield  Hills,  and  when  we  attended 
John  Wilson's  Dancing  School,  at  the  South  Road. 
Yours,  m°  truly  &  faithfully, 

DANL  WEBSTEB 


(To  Moore  Russell.) 

FRANKLIN.  Oct.  6th  '49 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  was  much  interested  the  other  even  g.  by  your  account  of 
what  you  remember  of  early  times. 

There  are  few  indeed  I  hardly  know  any,  whose  recollection 
goes  so  far  back,  is  so  clear,  and  united  with  faculties  so  much  un 
impaired —  You  alluded  to  the  murder  of  Mrs  Call  on  this 
farm.  I  wish  to  preserve  all  that  remains  known,  of  that  oc 
currence  &  the  circumstances  attending  it:  and  if  it  will  not  be 
giving  you  too  much  trouble,  shall  be  quite  obliged  to  you,  if 
you  will  request  one  or  your  sons  to  commit  your  recollections 
to  writing. 

I  think  you  say  the  Indian  who  killed  Mrs.  Call  was  called 
"Old  John.  Pray  tell  me  all  you  remember,  or  have  heard  of 
him — who  were  with  him — what  were  his  motives,  or  what  aroused 
his  vengence:  what  became  of  him  afterwards,  &  what  was  his 
end? 

On  these  points  and  indeed  on  all  others  connected  with  the 
case,  I  should  be  very  glad  to  be  informed  of  all  you  know,  or 
have  heard:  and  trust  you  will  excuse  me  for  giving  you  the 
trouble  of  answering  the  inquiry. 

1  Jacob  McGaw  was  a  life-long  friend  of  Webster's.     The  original  of  this 
letter  is  in  the  possession  of  C.  E.  Bliss,  of  Bangor,  Me. 


FRIENDS    AND    NEIGHBORS 

I  shall  use  the  occasion,  My  Dear  Sir,  to  renew  the  assurances 
of  my  great  regard  and  friendship. 

I  have  known  you  long  and  esteemed  you  much :  and  remember 
gratefully  your  kindness  and  good-will  towards  me,  in  the  early 
part  of  my  Professional  and  Political  life. 

I  fervently  pray  that  Providence  may  still  have  you  in  His 
Holy  Keeping,  and  that  what  remains  to  you  of  Life  may  be  full 
of  happiness  and  Christian  hope. 

DANIEL  WEBSTER 


(To  Henry  D.  Moore.1) 

LOUISIANA  AVENUE  Wednesday  Morning  Aug.  28,  '50 
My  Dear  Sir; 

I  am  quite  obliged  to  you  for  your  two  bottles  of  Liniment. 
It  so  happened,  that  at  the  moment  of  their  reception  I  was  about 
writing  to  a  Physician  for  a  prescription  for  such  an  Article. 
Once  a  year,  at  least,  &  sometimes  oftener,  I  have  a  turn  of 
lumbago. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  W.  W.  Seaton2) 

"WEDNESDAY  MORNING.  [1851] 
"My  dear  Sir, — 

Your  leader  to-day  is  Capital.  It  is  exactly  the  thing  needed, 
and  that  tone  must  be  continued.  The  disturbers  of  the  public 
peace  must  be  made  to  feel  the  force  of  public  opinion. 

"Yours, 
^^^  "D.  W. 

(To  W.  W.  Seaton.2) 

"I  am  sitting  down,  all  alone  at  five  o'clock,  to  a  nice  leg  of 
lamb,  etc.,  and  a  glass  of  cool  claret — come. 

"D.  W." 

1  Mr.  Moore  represented  Pennsylvania  in  Congress,  1849-1853.     This  letter 
was  kindly  lent  by  Mr.  Charles  Roberts,  of  Philadelphia. 

2  Reprinted  from  the  "  Life  of  W.  W.  Seaton,"  p.  305. 


634  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  the  Duke  of  Rutland.1) 

DEPARTMENT  OF  STATE, 
Washington,  27  March,  1851. 
My  Lord  Duke. 

Among  the  crowds,  who  are  flocking  to  England  to  attend  the 
World's  fair,  is  Mr.  John  O.  Chowles,  of  our  State  of  Rhode 
Island.  He  is  an  Englishman  by  birth,  and  has  been  a  clergy 
man  of  the  Baptist  denomination.  He  has  been  very  well  edu 
cated,  and  is  particularly  a  good  classical  scholar.  Of  late  years, 
he  has  turned  his  attention,  very  assiduously,  to  agricultural 
topics,  and  is  especially  desirous  of  seeing  something  of  the  farm 
ing  and  cultivation  of  England.  He  is  amiable  and  trustworthy, 
and  if  it  should  be  in  your  way  to  show  him  any  kindness,  he 
will  receive  it  with  a  grateful  heart. 

I  seize  the  occasion,  my  dear  Duke,  to  assure  you  of  my  faith 
ful  memory  and  recollection  of  the  hospitality  of  Belvoir  Castle, 
and  the  most  agreeable  acquaintances  there  formed. 

Mrs.  Webster  desires  to  join  me  in  warm  regards  to  yourself; 
and  we  both  pray  most  kind  remembrances  to  your  daughter, 
Lady  Emeline  and  Lady  Adeliza.  Of  your  sons,  I  had  only  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  Lord  George,  to  whom  please  present  my  re 
spects  ;  but  I  see  them  all,  daily,  now,  as  they  appear  in  the  per 
formance  of  their  parts  in  the  legislation  of  their  country. 

I  remain,  my  dear  Duke, 

With  the  most  faithful  regard,  yr  obt.  servt. 

[DAN'L.  WEBSTER] 


(To  William  Sweatt?) 

MARSHFIELD,  Mass.  [April]  12th.  1851. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  can  hardly  tell  you  with  how  much  pleasure  I  have  read  your 
letter.  I  Remember  your  family  very  well,  and  you  have  stored 
up  in  your  mind,  a  great  many  interesting  recollections,  respect 
ing  our  native  town.  And  I  am  as  much  astonished  as  you  are, 
at  the  ignorance  and  apparent  indifference  of  the  great  mass  of 

1  Directed  to  Belvoir  Castle,  Leicestershire.  This  is  taken  from  the  first 
draft  of  the  letter. 

a  The  letter  from  Sweatt  is  among  the  letters  concerning  the  family  relations 
of  Webster.  See  Index. 


FRIENDS    AND    NEIGHBORS  635 

its  present  inhabitants,  concerning  their  predecessors,  and  all 
that  is  passed. 

I  remember  all  the  School  masters,  whom  you  mention,  tho'  I 
am  not  clear  that  I  ever  attended  Master  Evans  school.  Master 
Quimby  is  still  living,  at  Portland.  He  has  descendants  still 
living  in  the  neighborhood. 

It  is  pleasant  to  see,  that  at  an  advanced  age,  you  cherish  so 
lively  an  interest  in  the  past.  We  belong  to  the  past,  and  to  the 
future  as  well  as  to  the  present.  This  our  country  was  ours, 
before  we  were  born,  and  will  be  our  country  after  we  are  dead. 
I  like  to  contemplate  its  history  and  its  probable  future  fortunes, 
as  well  as  its  present  state,  and  I  am  thankful  my  dear  Sir ;  that 
my  lot  has  been  cast  in  such  pleasant  places,  and  without  many 
afflictions.  God  has  given  me  much  to  enjoy  in  this  life  and 
holden  out  hopes  of  a  better  life  to  come. 

I  tender  you,  my  old  townsman,  my  best  wishes  for  your  health 
and  happiness. 

Your  friend 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 

(From  Wm.  W.  Story.) 

BOSTON,  Oct  3,  1851. 
Dear  Sir 

I  have  indulged  the  hope  down  to  the  last  moment,  that  I 
might  be  aided  by  your  long  friendship  with  my  Father  in  the 
preparation  of  the  biography  of  mine  now  in  the  press.  I  had 
especially  hoped  to  receive  from  you  more  of  his  important  let 
ters.  But  in  this  I  have  been  disappointed.1 

With  filial  anxiety  to  place  my  Father's  various  services  on 
record,  &  as  far  as  it  can  be  done  without  detriment  to  public 
interest  or  to  private  character,  I  have  found  no  means  accessible 
to  me  of  exhibiting  his  intimate  relations  with  yourself,  &  the 
Services  you  invited,  which  seemed  to  me  so  satisfactory  as  the 
introduction  of  some  of  your  letters  to  him.  The  occasions  to 
which  they  relate  belong  to  the  history  of  the  Country;  they 
involve  no  unsettled  questions;  they  do  not  concern  any  private 
character;  while  they  without  doubt,  help  to  illustrate  my 

1  Mr.  Story  had  written  a  long  letter,  June  10,  1851,  calling  attention  to  the 
particular  letters  written  by  Joseph  Story  to  Daniel  Webster  which  he  desired. 
He  also  asked  for  some  reminiscences  of  his  father.  A  still  earlier  request  was 
made  May  20,  1846. 


636  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Father's  abundance  of  knowledge,  the  solidity  of  his  judgment, 
&  the  extent  to  which  his  counsels  were  sought  on  important  & 
public  affairs. 

Before  committing  these  letters  finally  to  the  press  I  have 
thought  it  best  to  lay  them  before  you  hoping  for  your  express 
sanction  to  their  publication.  As  the  press  now  waits,  I  have  en 
trusted  this  letter,  and  the  proof  therewith  to  a  special  messenger 
by  whom  I  hope  to  have  an  answer. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  Your  obedt  Servant 

W. W.  STORY 


(To  William  W.  Story.) 

MARSHFIELD  Oct  3d,  1851. 

Friday  Evening  10  o'clock 
Sir, 

I  have  this  moment  received  your  communication,  with  the 
request  for  an  immediate  answer.  All  I  can  say  without  further 
reflection  is,  that  my  private  letters  to  Judge  Story  which  you 
propose  to  publish,  are  private  letters,  most  of  them  unimpor 
tant,  and  one  or  two  improper  for  publication.  I  do  not  there 
fore  consent  to  the  publication  of  any  of  them.1 

Your  obedient  Servant 

DANL,  WEBSTER. 


(Mr.   Webster's  Lines  on  Foote2  at  Mr.  Barney's  Dinner  at 
Walker's  on  Dec.  88,  1851.) 

Oh,  Thou !  whatever  name  delight  thine  ear, 
Governor,  Senator,  or  Brigadier! 
Allow  thy  friends,  who  are  sincerely  thine, 
To  pledge  thy  health  in  bumpers  of  rich  wine, 
Although  thy  name  be  but  thy  lower  limb, 
Thy  head  and  heart  are  always  in  good  trim. 

1  These  letters  have  now  been  published  in  the  Massachusetts  Historical 
Society  Proceedings,  in  the  volume  issued  in  1901.  There  are  nineteen 
written  by  Daniel  Webster  to  Story,  and  two  written  by  Story  to  Daniel 
Webster. 

s  Henry  S.  Foote,  Senator  from  Mississippi  from  1847  to  1852,  and  was  then 
elected  Governor  of  Mississippi.  Later  he  was  a  member  of  the  Confederate 
Congress.  The  words  of  this  heading  are  indorsed  on  the  paper  containing 
these  lines. 


FRIENDS   AND    NEIGHBORS  637 

Squadrons  of  cavalry  may  be  disarmed, 
Flying  artillery  is  sometimes  harmed, 
But  Mississippians  put  all  these  foes  to  rout 
Whenever  they  make  gallant  fight  on  Foote. 


(To  J.  J.  Crittenden.1 ) 

My  dear  Sir, WASHINGTON,  [June  11]  1852. 

Your  note  of  yesterday  has  given  me  relief  and  pleasure.  It 
is  certainly  true  that  your  remarks  at  the  President's  the  day  be 
fore  caused  me  uneasiness  and  concern ;  but  my  heart  is,  and  has 
always  been,  full  of  kindness  for  you,  and  I  dismiss  from  my 
mind  at  once  all  recollection  of  a  painful  incident. 

Yours,  as  ever,  truly, 

DANIEL  WEBSTEE. 

(To  A.  C.  Kingsland.) 

My  dear  Sir.  MAESHFIELD  July  26.  52. 

Enclosed  is  a  very  touching  letter  which  Mrs  Webster  has 
received  today,  from  Mrs  Jones,  widow  of  the  late  Adjutant  Gen 
eral  Roger  Jones.  I  do  not  know  the  young  man,  but  we  have 
been  intimate  with  the  Family,  and  have  respected  and  loved 
them  much.  They  are  left  in  a  state  of  great  destitution  &  dis 
tress,  and  we  should  be  infinitely  obliged  if  you  could  grant  what 
is  so  earnestly  requested. 

I  am,  my  dear  Sir,  Yours  mo  truly 

DANIEL  WEBSTEE 

(From  C.  C.  Felton.2) 

My  dear  Sir  CAMBRIDGE  August  2.  1852. 

*  *  *3  While  I  have  my  pen  in  my  hand,  I  must  express 
to  you  my  grateful  thanks  for  the  inestimable  gift  of  a  copy  of 

1  This  letter  is  reprinted  from  "Life  of  J.  J.  Crittenden,"  vol.  ii,  p.  37, 

2  This  is  indorsed  by  Webster:    "Reed.    4th   Aug.     Ansd.  same    day." 
Felton  was  at  this  time  professor  of  Greek  and  later  the  president  of  Harvard 
College. 

3  A  few  lines  containing  a  promise  to  come  to  Marshfield. 


638  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

your  works,  with  the  precious  autograph  letter  accompanying  it. 
I  have  a  son,  now  an  infant,  whom,  if  he  lives  I  shall  train  up  in 
the  study  of  these  volumes,  hoping  to  imbue  his  mind,  from  his 
earliest  days,  with  the  noble  thoughts,  so  nobly  expressed,  in  these 
imperishable  discourses ;  and  if  he  survives  me,  and  is  worthy  of 
the  gift,  though  I  may  leave  him  nothing  else,  I  shall  transmit 
the  legacy  of  these  books,  to  be  a  guide  of  his  life,  as  an  Ameri 
can  citizen,  and  a  proof  that  his  father  was  not  thought  un 
worthy  of  your  regard.  This  will  be  "enough  of  heraldry"  for 
him. 

With  kindest  regards  to  Mrs.  Webster. 
I  am,  dear  Sir, 

Most  truly  &  sincerely  yrs 

C.  C.  FELTON 

(To  Edward  P.  Little.) 

MARSHFIELD,  Sept.  25.  1852. 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  deeply  sympathise  with  you  &  your  children,  in  the  affliction, 
which  you  &  they  suffer,  in  the  loss  of  a  wife  &  mother,  whose 
life  was  so  invaluable  to  you  &  to  them  and  who  was  so  much  an 
object  of  respect  &  love,  to  all  who  knew  her.  I  earnestly  com 
mend  you  &  yours  to  patience  &  trust  in  God. 

I  shall  most  gladly  speak  most  warmly  of  yr.  estate1 — to  any 
one  whom  may  think  of  buying.  I  regard  it  as  one  of  the  land 
marks  in  the  town,  containing  good  lands  &  buildings,  well  cul 
tivated,  &  fruitful,  situated  in  the  bank  of  the  river,  a  short  dis 
tance  from  the  sea. 

Your  friend 

[D.  WEBSTER] 

(To  Hiram  Noyes.) 

MARSHFIELD  Sept.  17/52 
My  Dear  Sir — 

I  thank  you  for  the  box  of  pears.  They  are  precious  to  me, 
as  coming  from  the  Birth  place.  The  tree  which  bore  them  was 
planted  by  my  maternal  Grandfather,  who  had  been  a  soldier, 
and  lost  a  leg  in  the  old  wars.  He  spent  the  last  years  of  his 

1  Mr.  Little  had  written  of  the  death  of  his  wife  and  had  asked  Webster's 
aid  in  finding  a  purchaser  for  his  farm. 


FRIENDS    AND    NEIGHBORS  639 

life  with  my  Father  &  Mother.  In  addition  to  these  pear  trees, 
he  planted  some  apple  trees  directly  South  of  the  present  house. 
They  bore  delicious  fruit,  and  since  my  recollection,  nobody 
could  compare  with  the  fruit  of  this  orchard,  except  two  clergy 
men.  Rev  Jonathan  Searle,  &  Rev.  Samuel  Wood.  I  hope  John 
Taylor's  family  have  got  over  their  fright. 

Yrs  truly 

D.  W. 


(To  Rev.  Savage.) 

Entirety  Confidential. 

MARSHFIELD  Oct.  10th.  1852. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  hear  that  there  is  likely  to  be  a  controversy  between  Mr. 
Horace  Noyes  and  his  mother  respecting  his  father's  will.  This 
gives  me  great  pain.  Mr.  Parker  Noyes  and  myself  have  been 
fast  friends  for  near  half  a  century.  I  have  known  his  wife, 
also,  from  a  time  before  her  marriage,  and  have  always  felt  warm 
regard  for  her,  and  much  respect  for  her  connections  in  New- 
buryport.  Mr.  Horace  Noyes  and  his  wife,  also,  I  have  long 
known —  Her  Grandfather,  Major  Taylor,  was  an  especial 
friend  of  my  Father's,  and  I  learned  to  love  every  body  upon 
whom  he  set  his  stamp.  These  families,  during  very  many  years, 
have  been  my  most  intimate  neighbors,  whenever  I  have  been 
in  Franklin.  It  would  wound  me  excessively,  if  any  thing  such 
as  a  law  suit,  should  now  occur  between  Mother  and  Son.  It 
would  very  much  destroy  my  interest  in  the  family;  and,  what 
ever  might  be  the  result,  it  could  not  but  cast  some  degree  of 
reflection  upon  the  memory  of  Parker  Noyes.  I  know  nothing 
of  the  circumstances,  except  what  I  learn  from  Mr.  John  Tay 
lor;  and  I  do  not  wish  to  express  any  judgment  of  my  own  as  to 
what  ought  to  be  done,  at  least  without  more  full  information, 
but  I  do  think  it  a  case  for  Christian  intercession.  And  the  par 
ticular  object  of  this  letter  is  to  invite  your  attention,  and  that  of 
the  members  of  the  church,  to  it,  in  this  aspect —  Mr.  Noyes  is 
understood  to  have  left  a  very  pretty  property,  but  a  controversy 
about  the  will  would  absorb,  very  likely,  one  half  of  it.  My 
end  is  accomplished,  my  Dear  Sir,  when  I  have  made  these  sug 
gestions  to  you.  You  will  give  them  such  consideration  as  you 
think  they  deserve.  It  has  given  me  pleasure  to  hope  that  I 


640  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

might  write  half  a  dozen  pages  respecting  Mr.  Parker  Noyes  and 
our  long  friendship ;  but  I  could  have  no  heart  for  this,  if  a  fam 
ily  feud,  after  his  death,  were  to  come  in  to  overwhelm  all  pleas 
ant  recollections. 

I  dictate  this  letter  to  my  Clerk,  as  the  state  of  my  eyes  pre 
cludes  me  from  writing  much  with  my  own  hand. 
Yours  with  very  sincere  regard, 

DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  D.  A.  Hall.1) 

AP.  20. 
Dear  Sir, 

Allow  me  to  call  your  attention  to  the  enclosed,  which  I  have 
addressed  to  yourself.  My  only  chance  of  saving  this  little  sum 
is  for  you  to  go  directly  to  Mr  Agg,  &  make  a  strong  appeal  to 
his  sense  of  honor,  &  his  hope  of  any  future  respect  or  regard 
from  me.  I  ask  your  attention  to  the  subject,  &  however  it  may 
turn  out  will  see  you  rewarded. 

Yrs  truly 

D.  WEBSTER 

I  wd  give  any  length  of  time,  if  any  body,  who  is  trustworthy, 
would  undertake  to  pay  it. 

1  Addressed  to  D.  A.  Hall,  Esq.,  Washington,  D.  C.  The  letter  is  owned  by 
Mr.  Charles  Roberts,  of  Philadelphia,  who  kindly  loaned  this  and  other  letters 
to  the  editor. 


Daniel  mtb&ttt,  tyt  farmer  of 


\\  EBSTER  was,  as  he  often  declared,  naturally  a  farmer.  To 
his  latest  hours  he  looked  back  longingly  to  the  boyhood  days 
"when  no  cock  crew  so  early  that  I  did  not  hear  him"  Though 
he  confesses  that  he  never  could  hang  a  scythe,  yet  there  is  no 
doubt  that  he  got  a  pleasure  in  seeing  some  one  else  do  it.  He 
knew  how  everything  ought  to  be  done,  and  no  eye  was  keener 
for  the  merits  of  every  farm  and  every  method  of  farming. 

In  the  letters  and  papers  here  presented,  most  of  them  for  the 
first  time,  one  may  see  the  intimate  knowledge  that  he  had  of< 
every  tree  and  shrub,  every  variety  of  fruit,  of  grams  and  of 
vegetables.  He  lists  the  cattle,  measures  them,  watches  their 
growth  and  health,  and  studies  the  question  of  profit  m  handling 
them.  To  satisfy  him  the  steers  must  be  as  well  "framed  and 
drilled  as  a  couple  of  dining-room  waiters  at  the  Astor  House." 
He  takes  an  honest  pride  i/n  his  Ayr  shires,  his  Alderneys  and  his 
Durhams.  Old  St.  Stephen,  the  Hungarian  bull,  does  not  lose 
favor  even  after  he  has  nearly  killed  Webster's  favorite  farmer, 
John  Taylor — not  even  after  Fletcher  Webster  has  denounced  all 
Hungarian  quadrupeds  and  bipeds — classing  St.  Stephen  with 
Kossuth.  He  took  a  quiet  pleasure  m  having  steers  so  terrible 
that,  where  they  were,  "people  must  tremble  for  their  skins." 
When  he  was  sick  at  Franklin  he  took  a  real  joy  m  lying  on  the 
sofa  and  seeing  the  droves  of  cattle  pass.  There  are  thoughtful 
cautions  in  his  letters  that  the  oxen  are  not  to  be  over-loaded, 
and,  on  the  other  hand,  the  thrifty  solicitude  that  there  be  no  idle 
teams.  Even  the  "piggery"  was  an  object  of  his  care,  which  did 
not  cease  until  their  hams  were  properly  cured  and  hung  up  for 
future  consumption. 

Wherever  Webster  traveled,  his  mind  was  alert  for  every  detail 
of  the  country's  agriculture.  In  England  he  took  notes  upon 
the  method  of  ditching  and  tilling.  He  studied  the  methods  of 
irrigation  and  the  nature  of  the  soils.  Shrewd  observations  are 
noted  on  the  way  to  make  farming  profitable.  He  returned  from 
the  South  delighted  that  he  could  talk,  like  an  eye-witness,  of 

[641] 


642  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

cotton  fields,  rice  plantations,  turpentine,  and  cypress  swamps. 
The  information  gained  in  these  journeys  he  sought  to  apply  to 
farming  at  Marshfield  and  Franklm. 

He  loved  personally  to  superintend  every  detail  of  the  farm 
work.  Memoranda  were  made  to  distinguish  between  the  differ 
ent  varieties  of  fowl  and  cattle  and  trees.  He  directed  the  con 
struction  of  the  buildings,  even  giving  measurements  and  size  of 
timbers.  The  letters  contain  kindly  cautions  for  the  future  and 
gentle  reminders  of  failures  in  the  past.  The  farmers  are  told 
to  be  ever  on  the  watch  for  kelp  when  the  sea  threw  it  on  the 
shore.  Nothing,  he  constantly  urged,  could  more  enrich  the 
land.  He  showed  the  necessity  of  working  the  ground  well. 
"We  want  no  pennyroyal  crops,"  he  adds  facetiously.  Minute 
directions  are  given  for  the  trial  of  new  implements.  He  sends 
newspaper  clippings  about  the  use  of  guano  and  bones  and  sul 
phuric  acid.  There  are  suggestions  for  little  economies  and 
detailed  plans  for  laying  away  the  provisions  for  the  winter, 
with  observations  on  the  best  methods  of  preserving.  He  lays 
out  the  farm  work  for  a  season,  mapping  the  ground  and  plan 
ning  for  the  most  successful  rotation  of  crops.  Then  come  the 
genial,  hearty  letters  in  the  spring,  warning  the  farmers  that  he 
will  soon  "be  among  them  and  put  the  plows  going."  Every 
body  must  be  stirring.  The  boat  must  be  painted,  the  boathouse 
mended;  brush  piles  are  to  be  burned  and  rubbish  cleared  away. 
All  look  forward  to  his  coming  and  loved  to  hear  him  say,  "After 
all,  this  is  the  very  sweetest  spot  in  the  world." 

At  Marshfield  or  Franklm  he  was  a  farmer  among  farmers. 
We  find  his  neighbors  sending  him  gifts  of  their  most  choice 
stock  or  their  rare  seeds  and  shrubs.  He  in  turn  was  always 
sympathetic  and  thoughtful  and  neighborly.  To  the  farmers 
of  his  own  lands  he  said,  as  in  his  letter  to  John  Taylor,  "You 
and  I  are  farmers;  we  never  talk  of  politics — our  talk  is  of 
oxen."  When  he  came  home  to  "the  old  elms  and  the  sea,"  he 
delighted  in  the  sight  of  Seth  Peterson  "in  his  red  shirt  sleeves." 
He  is  willing  to  share  their  simple  fare;  they  are  to  make  no 
extra  preparations;  but,  as  he  writes,  just  "have  a  fire  to  hang  a 
pot  over  to  boll  a  piece  of  pork."  On  the  farm  he  is  up  with  or 
before  the  dawn,  and  many  of  his  letters  are  dated  half-past  four 
or  five  in  the  morning.  He  KNEW  the  morning,  he  said;  he  was 
acquainted  with  and  loved  it,  "fresh  and  sweet  as  it  is,  a  daily 
new  creation  breaking  forth  and  calling  all  that  have  life,  and 
breath,  and  being  to  new  adoration,  new  enjoyments,  and  new 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  643 

gratitude."  His  enjoyment  of  the  farm  was  real,  direct  and 
intensive.  He  was  as  proud  of  John  Taylor's  fine  carrots  as  of 
the  reply  to  Hayne.  "Oh,  Marshfield,  Marshfield!"  he  cried  in 
his  letters  from  Washington,  and  he  watched  eagerly,  amid  the 
affairs  of  state,  for  Porter  Wright's  "Gazette,"  as  he  calls  the 
letters  about  the  farm. 

In  reply  he  rarely  mentioned  public  affairs,  and  never  but  once 
did  he  write  politics  to  his  farmers,  and  then  he  said  he  never 
would  again.  He  closed  that  letter  with  an  exhortation  to  John 
Taylor  to  thank  God,  morning  and  evening,  that  he  was  born 
in  such  a  country — "which  does  not  oppress  you,  which  does  not 
bear  you  down  by  excessive  taxation;  but  which  holds  out  to  you 
and  to  yours  the  hope  of  all  the  blessings  which  liberty,  industry 
and  security  may  give."  Usually  his  communications  were  plain 
farmer's  letters,  but  there  were  exceptions,  as  is  that  cheery, 
poetic  letter  to  John  Taylor,  where  he  pictures  the  spring  thaw 
and  "the  little  streams  running  down  the  southern  slopes  of  the 
Punch  Brook  pasture,  and  the  new  grass  starting  and  growing 
in  the  trickling  water  all  green  and  bright  and  beautiful."  He 
even  quoted  a  charming  passage  from  "Mr.  Virgil,"  and  asked 
honest  John  Taylor  whether  the  verses  did  not  call  to  his  mind  his 
own  "Durham  oxen,  smoking  from  heat  and  perspiration."  After 
all,  he  concluded,  Mr.  Virgil  only  said  things  which  John  Taylor 
"up  at  Franklin"  understood  as  well  as  ever  the  sensible  author 
did.  With  this  exception,  the  letters  were  sternly  practical  and 
departed  from  the  themes  of  cattle,  grain  and  produce  only  when 
they,  perchance,  discussed  the  bargains  to  be  made  with  the  rent 
ers  of  his  land,  or  were  filled  with  indignation  because  they  had 
not  treated  him  fairly. 

He  loved  to  talk  of  "a  little  farm  well  tilled,"  but  he  evidently 
was  ambitious  for  a  great  estate.  He  had  Washington  and  his 
great  plantation  in  mind.  Among  the  letters  here  presented  we 
shall  find  him  sending  Fletcher  into  the  West  to  care  for  the 
lands  in  which  he  had  already  invested,  and  to  buy  others.  Then, 
with  an  even  more  elaborate  scheme,  he  sends  Ray  Thomas  upon 
another  commission,  which,  with  the  earlier,  failed  and  left  the 
great  statesman  struggling  in  the  toils  of  debt  until  his  dying 
day.  The  plans  failed  not  so  much  from  lack  of  judicious  man 
agement  on  the  part  of  Webster  as  from  the  fact  that  he  bought 
his  lands  just  at  the  beginning  of  great  business  depression, 
when  all  land  value  in  the  West  began  to  decline. 

It  will  be  of  interest  to  notice  the  dates  of  these  letters  devoted 


644  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

to  the  vocation  he  loved,  and  see  from  what  great  national  con 
cerns  he  turned  to  write  them;  for,  as  he  said,  his  mind  rested 
when  he  thought  of  Marshfield.  "/  shall  take  to  myself  the 
wings  of  the  morning,"  he  wrote  to  his  son  when  his  health  had 
been  endangered  by  overwork,  and  the  phrase  well  described  the 
eagerness  of  his  flight  to  Marshfleld.  There,  as  he  said,  he 
grew  stronger  every  hour.  "The  giants  grew  strong  again  by 
touching  the  earth;  the  same  effect  is  produced  on  me  by  touching 
the  salt  seashore." 


(Mr.  Webster  on  Farming.1) 

[1852] 

"General  Wilder  and  gentlemen  of  the  United  States  Agricul 
tural  Society,  I  am  happy  to  see  you,  one  and  all.  Brother 
farmers,  you  do  me  no  more  than  justice  when  you  call  me  the 
'Farmer  of  Marshfield.'  My  father  was  a  farmer,  and  I  am  a 
farmer.  When  a  boy  among  my  native  hills  of  New  Hampshire, 
no  cock  crew  so  early  that  I  did  not  hear  him,  and  no  boy  ran 
with  more  avidity  to  do  errands  at  the  bidding  of  the  workmen 
than  I  did. 

"You  are  engaged  in  a  noble  enterprise.  The  prosperity  and 
glory  of  the  Union  are  based  on  the  achievements  of  agriculture. 
Gentlemen,  I  will  say  to  you  what  I  have  never  before  said,  that 
when,  forty-five  years  ago,  I  was  called  to  Dartmouth  College 
to  pass  my  second  graduation,  I  attempted,  in  my  humble  man 
ner,  to  speak  of  the  agricultural  resources  of  the  country,  and 
to  recommend,  for  their  fuller  development,  organized  action  and 
the  formation  of  agricultural  societies;  and,  if  memory  does  not 
betray  me,  it  was  at  about  this  period  of  time  that  the  first  agri 
cultural  societies  of  this  country  were  formed  in  old  Berkshire 
and  Philadelphia;  (loud  cheers  by  the  delegates  from  Pennsyl 
vania  and  Massachusetts;)  and  though  I  have  never  seen  that 
unimportant  production  since  that  day,  the  partiality  of  any  of 
my  curious  friends  (bowing  and  laughing)  may  be  gratified  by 
exploring  amongst  the  slumbering  archives  of  Marshfield.  When, 
some  thirty  years  ago,  I  went  to  Marshfield,  some  of  my  kind 

1  During  the  meeting  of  the  United  States  Agricultural  Society  in  Washing 
ton  several  of  the  delegates  called  on  Mr.  Webster.  He  received  them  very 
cordially  in  his  dining-hall,  and,  after  shaking  hands  with  the  company, 
addressed  them  as  above. 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  645 

neighbors  would  call  to  inquire  the  state  of  politics  in  the  South, 
and  others  to  know  a  bit  of  law  from  'the  squire.'  I  told  them,  'I 
have  come  to  reside  among  you  as  a  farmer,  and  here  I  talk 
neither  politics  nor  law.'  Gentlemen,  I  am  naturally  a  farmer; 
I  am  most  ardently  attached  to  agricultural  pursuits ;  and  though 
I  cultivate  my  lands  with  some  little  care,  yet,  from  the  sterility 
of  the  soil,  or  from  neglected  husbandry  on  my  part,  in  con 
sequence  of  my  public  engagements,  they  afford  no  subsistence 
to  myself  and  family.  To  you,  farmers  of  the  West  and  South, 
the  soil  of  Marshfield  may  look  barren  and  unfruitful.  Some 
times  the  breezes  of  the  broad  Atlantic  fan  it ;  sometimes,  indeed, 
unkindly  suns  smite  it.  But  I  love  its  quiet  shades,  and  there  I 
love  to  commune  with  you  upon  the  ennobling  pursuits  in  which 
we  are  so  happily  engaged.  Gentlemen,  I  thank  you  for  this 
visit  with  which  you  have  honored  me.  My  interests  and  my 
sympathies  are  identified  with  yours.  I  shall  remember  you  and 
this  occasion  which  has  called  you  together.  I  invoke  for  you 
a  safe  return  to  your  homes.  I  invoke  for  you  an  abundant  har 
vest  ;  and  if  we  meet  not  again  in  time,  I  trust  that  hereafter  we 
shall  meet  in  a  more  genial  clime  and  under  a  kindlier  sun. 
Brothers  farmers,  I  bid  you  good-morning."  * 


(Seeds,  Plants  and  Trees  from  Mr.  Peirce's.2) 

[1832] 

Seeds. 

Willow  Oak.  Chestnut  oak.  Spanish  oak.  Pin  oak.  Box  Oak. 
Black  Jack  Oak.  Grey  Oak. 

— as  many  of  the  above  varieties,  as  may  be  convenient. — 
Black  Walnut. 

Not  a  great  many  nuts  will  be  needed,  of  any  one  kind — 
say,  from  a  pint  to  half  a  gallon. — 

Plants.— 

Sassafras 20          American  lime  or  White 

Sweet  gum 10  or  15  Bass 20 

Red  mulberry 10          Fringe  tree 10 

Judas  tree 10          Spice  wood 5 

1  This  is  taken  from  a  newspaper  clipping  the  source  of  which  is  not  noted. 
Internal  evidence  seems  to  vouch  for  its  authenticity. 

''  This  memorandum  in  Webster's  hand  is  indorsed  by  him  in  the  words  of 
this  heading.  The  trees  seem  to  have  been  meant  for  Marshfield. 


646  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Dogwood 20  Willow  oaks 30 

Iron  wood 1  or     2  Chestnut  oaks 30 

Black  gum 5  Norway  fir,  Cypress — 

Spikenard 5          Yew — Juniper   2   or   3 

Tulip  popular ...  20  or  30          each.     Clematis — Ivy — 
(some  large)  Sarsaparilla.      Tennes- 

Chincapin    10          see  Rose. 

Papaw    or   custard   apple  European  Larch...  10  or     5 

5  or 10  Black  walnuts 20 

(or  less) 

Several  sorts,  besides  the  Tennessee,  of  Reeving  (?)  Roses. — 
put  them  in  pots,  &  the  pots  put  in  a  large  box. — say,  20  planted, 
in  all — or  25 — (at  25  cts  if  duplicate)  otherwise,  37  1/2 — 

20  Hollys,  in  pots. — 

My  man,  Charles  Brown,  will  call  on  Mr.  Peirce  the  15th  of 
October.  He  will  give  any  aid  he  can,  in  collecting  the  seeds, 
&  getting  up  the  plants;  &,  when  all  are  ready,  will  take  the 
charge  of  them  to  Alexandria. —  Mr.  Peirce  will  please  write 
me,  when  the  whole  is  shipped  off,  directed  to  Boston — with  the 
bill— c— 

D.  WEBSTER. 

I  will  thank  Mr.  Peirce  to  give,  on  the  paper,  such  directions, 
as  he  may  think  useful,  abt.  the  management  of  these  plants,  & 
seeds,  the  sort  of  soil  for  sowing  &  setting  them,  &c. — to  be 
minuted  agt.  the  article. — 

This  is  the  substance  of  the  order  left  with  Mr.  Peirce — not 
exact,  in  all  things. — 

(Provisions.) 

[1833] 

For  beef,  fresh  or  corned,  &  for  tongues,  sent  to  Mr  Saunder- 
son,  in  the  Quincy  market — 

Mr.  S.  will  have  ready  for  you,  &  perhaps  will  send,  every  other 
Monday  morning,  a  piece  of  corned  beef —  If  you  do  not  like 
the  piece,  you  can  give  direction  for  one  different. 


For  poultry,  of  all  sorts,  send  to  Mr  Baldwin — 


For  fresh  pork,  hams,  sausages,  or  anything  of  that  kind,  send 
to  Boyd  <§•  Dmsmoor 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  647 

For  apples,  nuts,  &  things  of  that  kind,  send  to  Mr  Tombs — 
and  for  all  sorts  of  vegetables — 
For  mutton,  apply  to  Mr  Knight — 

For  Butter,  send  to  Mr  Hovey ;  &  let  him  know  who  sends — 
For  Mutton,  to  Denison,  Moses  &  Co. 
Broomfield  Street — 1 


(Memoranda  Upon  Farming  m  England.3) 

OSSINGTON,  Nov.  8.  1839. 

Tile  draining  began  in  this  part  of  England.  Probably  the 
Duke  of  Portland  was  the  first  to  commence  the  practice  to  any 
great  extent.  Hitherto,  the  practice  has  spread  more  in  Scot 
land,  than  in  England ;  but  now  it  is  adopted  with  much  spirit, 
in  this  part  of  the  latter  country.  Thro,  all  this  region,  the 
substratum  is  a  stiff,  tenacious  clay;  &  for  such  lands  dra'g  is 
useful.  Of  course,  it  cannot  be  required,  in  sandy,  or  porous 
soils.  In  this  part  of  England,  where  the  lands  are  clayey,  & 
where  there  is  often  not  natural  descent  enough  to  take  off  the 
water  rapidly  from  the  surface,  it  is  said  that  dra'g  will  add  a 
fifth,  or  a  fourth,  to  the  Wheat  crop.  It  costs  six  pounds  per 
acre,  of  which  cost  the  tiles  constitute  one  half.  The  drains  are 
made  seven  yards  apart,  &  the  tiles  laid  20  inches  deep.  A  sort 
of  plough,  made  for  the  purpose,  is  first  used,  which  cuts  up  the 
sod,  8  inches  wide,  &  6  deep,  &  turns  it  handsomely  over  on  one 
side.  The  rest  of  the  digging  is  by  the  spade — the  tiles  are 
then  laid,  &  covered  &  the  turf  turned  back.  The  tiles  are  abt. 
14  inches  long — and  may  be  said  to  be  the  section  of  half  a 
cylinder,  of  about  4  inches  diameter  inside — the  shell  about  1/3 
or  1/2  an  inch  thick —  In  general,  they  are  not  quite  a  semi 
circle — but  a  half  cylinder,  a  little  flattened  * — this  mark 
may  represent  the  part  view  of  the  end,  or  outfall,  of  a  tile  drain, 
&  so  give  the  shape  of  the  tile. — 

I  have  been  today  over  fields  drained,  &  others  by  their  side, 
not  drained.  The  difference  is  obvious  &  remarkable.  The  first, 
notwithstanding  the  extreme  wetness  of  the  weather,  are  capable 
of  rec'g.  seed  wheat — some  are  sown — the  others  are  altogether 
too  wet.  Water  is  running  very  fast  out  of  the  outfalls,  or  ends 

1  In  Daniel  Webster's  hand. 

9  These  notes  in  Daniel  Webster's  hand. 


648  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

of  the  drain — and  none  seen  stand'g  on  the  top.  What  is  re 
markable,  is,  that  drained  lands  suffer  less  from  the  scortch'g 
heats  of  summer,  than  the  lands  without  drains.  The  reason  is 
thought  to  be,  that  b'g  kept  generally  drier,  they  do  not  bake  in 
the  sun,  when  hot  weather  comes,  as  lands  do  that  have  been 
wet  on  the  top. 

When  there  are  cold  Spgs  in  the  land,  the  drains  are  made 
much  deeper — sometimes  5  or  6  feet. 

On  the  whole,  it  seems  reasonable  to  believe  that  much  of  the 
strong  clayey  lands  of  England  will  shortly  be  improved,  in  its 
productiveness,  by  the  process  of  dra'g,  20  per  cent — 

Tenants  are  so  sensible  of  draining,  that  tho'  tenants  at  will, 
yet,  hav'g  an  expectation  to  remain,  they  will  be  at  the  expense 
of  mak'g  the  drains,  the  Landlord  furnishing  the  tile.  The  rec 
ommendation  of  tile,  is  the  comparative  cheapness  of  carriage. 
The  D.  of  P.  supposes  also,  that  the  tile  drains  are  less  likely  to 
get  out  of  repair— &  it  is  certain  that  the  labor  of  lay'g  them  is 
much  less  than  that  of  stone. 

The  land  here  is  not  stoney — few  stones  are  to  be  found.  It  is 
rather  a  rich  soil,  &  all  underneath  a  rigid,  dark  colored  clay. 

Sheep.  Mr.  D.  hires  this  year  3  rams,  at  12  £  each —  A 
Gentleman  in  Williston  (?)  gives  80  £  for  the  use  of  one —  A 
/am  should  not  have  more  than  80  ewes. 

A  good  Leicester  will  clip  8  Ibs. 

Memo  fence 

6  stands  of  wire,  running  thro  Posts — abt.  6  inches  apart — 
&  1/3 — or  toward  1/2  inch — in  diameter — 1/3  is  large 
end —  A  great  deal  of  hurdle  fence  and  for  temporary 
purposes. 

OSSINGTON  Nov.  11. 

I  have  this  day  been  to  see  the  stock  of  Mr.  Parkinson,  a  dis 
tinguished  cattle  breeder  in  this  country,  who  occupies  a  farm 
belong'g  to  Lord  Scarborough.  His  breed  is  the  short  horn. 
He  showed  us,  I  should  think,  from  fifty  to  a  hundred  animals. 
They  are  fine,  but  prices  enormously  high.  For  his  best  cows, 
he  asks  80  to  100  guineas.  For  2  yr  old  heifers  in  calf  50  £  for 
a  bull  calf  30  or  40  £  and  for  one  bull  calf,  not  more  than  six 
weeks  old,  of  a  very  favorite  mother  &  by  a  distinguished  bull, 
he  said  he  should  refuse  100  guineas.  I  think  I  have  seen  as 
good  animals,  tho'  these  are  very  fine.  I  find  the  red — &  red  & 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  649 

white  color — not   liked — the   grizzled   or   fawn   &   blueish — the 
speckled,  rather  than  the  black  &  white — &c.  are  preferred. 
[Diagram  was  inserted  here.] 

Memo,  Mr.  Doncaster.1 — 

to  preserve  Swedes  Turnips,  throw  them  into  heaps,  no  matter 
how  large,  &  throw  over  them  loose  straw,  or  litter —  If  bound 
close,  they  are  apt  to  rot. 

Mr.  D.  has  the  greatest  opinion  of  tares — winter  tares — sown 
in  August, — 2  bushels  to  the  acre — &  3  pecks  rye — to  hold  it  up. 
— mows  it  for  cattle — just  before  ripe — use  it  green — or  dry  it — 

(Duke  of  Portland's  Water  Meadows.2) 
MEADOWS. 

The  Duke  told  me  his  carrier  was  5  miles  long — the  river  is 
the  Mason  (  ?) — 

At  present,  he  waters  about  300  acres.  His  manager  gave  me 
the  following  statement — 

— 1.  The  water  is  kept  at  work  the  whole  year,  flow'g  over 
some  part  of  the  land.  It  is  watered,  part  at  a  time — &  as  well 
in  winter  as  summer. — 

— 2.  Ab't.  Christmas,  South  down  ewes,  bei'g  then  lambs,  are 
put  to  feed  on  this  land.  It  will  then  be  as  green  as  land  in  June. 
In  March,  the  lambs  are  sold,  &  will  be  worth  at  8  weeks  old  2  1/2 
to  3  £  each — 

— the  sheep  are  then  taken  off — &  the  land  watered.  The 
water  is  kept  on  3.  4.  5.  or  even  6  days — till  it  is  seen  that  the 
grass  has  got  a  good  start — 

It  is  mowed  in  May,  &  will  yield  2  tons — 

— It  is  watered  again,  &  mowed  in  July — 2  tons  more —  And 
again  in  the  fall — two  tons  more. — 

The  third  mow'g  is  now  goi'g  on —  I  saw  the  grass  &  should 
think  the  quantity  not  too  high  stated.  The  cattle  are  now 
eat'g  it,  green  but  it  may  be  dried,  if  weather  suits. 

These  fields  have  never  been  manured — though  some  of  them 
have  been  mowed  ten  to  15  years.  Their  product  is  as  great 
now  as  ever.  The  water  leaves  a  little  sediment,  on  the  grass,  as 

1  This  is  a  memorandum  made  by  Webster  while  in  England. 

1  A  memorandum  in  Webster's  handwriting,  made  while  in  England. 


650 

thick  as  a  knife.  400  hundred  cattle  are  kept  on  part  of  this 
produce.  I  saw  abt.  150 — very  fat  &  fine — many  of  them  worth 
30  to  40  £  a  head.  This  land,  20  years  ago,  was  a  barren  part 
of  Sherwood  forest —  It  was  sold  for  a  shilling  an  acre.  It  is 
now  worth  from  3  to  4£.  Just  along  on  the  edges  you  still  see, 
gorse,  viz,  (heath)  fern  &c  growing  on  the  sandy  rough  lawns 
— the  whole  region  is  thin,  sandy  soil — red  sand  stone  ly'g  below 
the  surface —  Some  of  these  fields  are  so  sandy,  as  that  the  sand 
was  blown  by  the  wind.  The  River  runs  thro  the  town  of  Mans 
field,  &  is  supposed  to  b'g  some  nutritious  aliment  for  plants  along 
with  it. —  Sort  of  grass — this  grass  is  generally  hay  seed — by 
which  is  meant  seed  of  natural  grasses,  generally  found  in 
Derbyshire — where  it  is  to  be  bought — it  seems  a  good  grass — 
tho'  some  thot  it  [illegible] — sometimes  whole  clover  is  sown — 
sometimes  rye  grass.  Mr  Tibbels  does  not  like . 


(Memorandum  for  Farmmg  for  18^8. l ) 

[FRANKLIN] 

1st.  All  land,  planted  or  sowed,  except  up  on  the  hill,  must  be 
ploughed  with  the  subsoil  plough,  as  well  as  the  common  plough. 
To  this,  there  must  be  no  exception,  not  even  of  a  single  rod. — 
2.  On  the  North  side  of  the  Road,  plant  &  sow 

8  acres  of  corn 8 

3  Do.  of  turnips 3 

3  Do.  of  potatoes.  .  . ,  3 

1  Do.  of  white  beans.  .......  1 

15 

The  corn  to  be  at  the  upper  end  of  the  field ;  then  turnips,  then 
potatos,  then  beans. 

The  turnip  land  to  be  dressed  with  ashes,  if  to  be  had,  at  about 
100  bushels  to  the  acre. 

All  the  land  should  be  ploughed  this  fall. 

Plant  the  potatos  early ;  for  the  kind,  consult  Govr.  Hill. 

II.     Great  field. 

1.   Sow  oats,  where  the  corn  is  now  standing. 

1  Indorsed  "Northfield,  or  15  acre  piece — and  the  Great  Field." 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  651 

2.     Sow  oats  &  peas  where  the  potatos  grew,  this  year,  at  the 
rate  of  1/2  bushel,  of  each,  to  the  acre. 
Be  sure  to  get  good  seed  peas. — 


(Memorandum  for  Mr.  Taylor.1) 

NOVE.  3,  1850— 

Things  in  and  about  the  House, — appels — scend  two  barrels  to 
Mr  Blackford 

"  one  to  S.  A.  Appleton  one  in  cellar  for  my  Self. 

Hams  to  be  put  into  ashes,  boiled  up  &  placed  in  the  T.  Cham 
ber — 

2.  Dun  fish,  to  be  left  in  the  Same  room, —  Bottels  of  sperits 
&  wine  to  be  Counted  &  Locked  up  in  the  wine  Closet — 

With  tea  Sugar  candles  coffee  &c  1  pare  Pistols  fishing  rod 
Spyglass,  &c. 

(Farming  for  18 5 1.1) 

1  Continue  the  plowing  on  the  Hills. 

Have  the  piece  measuered  immeditly,  &  the  account  scent  to 
me,  I  will  in  Season  direct  about  the  manure  &  the  Crops  to  be  put 
in,  Probaly  potaters  turnips  &  Beets  &  a  small  patch  of  beans 
&  a  nother  of  peas, — 

2  Break  up  in  the  Spring  12  acers  at  the  lower  part  of  the  field 
plant  10  acers  with  corn,  land  well  manured  2  acers  on  the  high 
est  part  with  potaters  with  out  manure, — 

3, —  Sow  oats  &  Grass  Sceed  on  the  following  peeces  viz — 
In  the  15  acer  lot,  41/2  acers — 
Where  the  corn  is  know  standing  6  3/4  acers, 
Where  the  potaters  ware  this  year  in  2  peices  4  acers,  in  all, 
15  1/4  acers — 

4.  one  rye  field  on  the  Hill  probaly  say  8  1/2  acers — 

5.  Take  care  of  my  Mothers  Garding,  &  the  Land  adgoining 
&  put  it  in  good  order,     do  not  plow  up  her  Garding,  plant  the 
rest  with  Punkins, 

6.  plow  the  orchard  &  sow  it  with  oats,     Take  away  the  ded 
&  Useless  treas,  &  set  out  a  few  nice  young  ones — 

1  This  is  in  John  Taylor's  hand,  but  is  evidently  from  Webster's  dictation. 


652  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

In  the  Spring,  be  sure  to  dig  Round  all  the  apple  trees  in  the 
South  parster, 

— Fill  my  shed  ac  ful  as  nessecery  with  Sound  wood — 

— make  6,  or  8,  Gates,  3  of  them  Like  Mr  Noyes —  Repare 
my  Boat,  make  oars  & — Co — 

— Let  Charles  Keep  one  4,  or  5,  or  6,  Turkes —  Take  2,  for 
Thanksgiving  &  Crismas,  Git  the  rest  fat,  &  scend  them  to  Re 
vere  House —  Rais  100  Chickens  next  year, — 


(Memorandum  of  Cattle.1 ) 

MARSHFIELD  Nov.  8.  '50. 

Working  oxen,  &  Steers  trained  &  to  be  trained 
1  pair  white  faced  oxen,  6  or  7  years  old — 

when  in  flesh  7  feet 
4.  5  yr  old  oxen,  viz 

Durhams  7  feet 

Black  &  red  7  feet  in  flesh 

1  pair  4  yr  olds  jumpers.  6  feet  7  inches 
4  pr  3  yr  olds  viz 

twins,  6  ft.  3. 

Black  Steers  same 

Red  &  lined  back — 6  ft.  4  inches 

Yellow  steers,  6  ft.  3  inches 

2  yr  olds 

3  pairs  viz. 

1  pr  raised  at  home,  lap  horn — 

2  pair  had  last  year  of  Mr  Ames— — 
Yearli'gs 

1  pair — raised  at  home  likely 
1  pr  Devon  Steer  calves 
Miscellaneous  Steers,  &c — 
1  pr  big  greys. 
1  odd  Ayrshire  Steer. 

3  Bulls  Devon — 
Ayrshire 
Alderney. 

9  beef  cattle 

1  In  Daniel  Webster's  hand. 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  653 

Cows 

At  the  large  Barn 

3  Full  blooded  Ayrshires — 

1.  Raised  here — 

1.  Seth  Weston 
1  imported 

5  Aldernejs — one  old  mouse  color — 

1  from  Mr  Calls,  several  years  ago 

2.  imported  this  year — 

note  1  imported  this  yr  for  Mr  Haven,  black,  red  &  white — 
1  red  3  yr  Ayrshire  cow 

I  Noyes  cow  1/2  Ayrshire — 

2.  3  yr  old  heifers 

II  in  all 
Cottage— 

1  Devon 

2  twins 

3 

[etc.  etc.] 

Canvass  back,  &  red  heads. — 

The  most  obvious  differences  between  these  varieties  are  three. 
1.  The  length  of  the  bill;  the  red  head  has  a  bill  nearly  half  an 

inch  shorter,  &  rather  stouter,  &  more  blunt. — 
£.  The  size  of  the  foot ;  the  canvass  back  has  a  very  broad  web ; — 

the  Red  head,  a  much  narrower  web,  &  more  slender  foot. — 

3.  Generally,  the  Canvass  back  is  the  whitest  back. — 

Of  both  sorts,  the  Drake  has  a  blacker,  &  the  duck  a  redder  head ; 
&  the  Drake  also  is  most  usually  of  the  whitest  back. — 

Memo. 

Abt.  a  mile  from  the  Capitol,  north,  by  the  side  of  a  row,  or 
branch,  &  near  the  house  of  Mr.  Moore,  there  may  be  found,  with 
in  a  very  small  place,  the  following  different  species  of  oak,  viz. 

White  oak 
Red  oak 
Black  oak 
Willow  oak 


654  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Gray  oak 
Spanish  oak 
Pin  oak 
Box  oak 
Black  Jack  oak 
Chestnut  oak 
June  20.  1832. 

Sheep  Marks. 

We  have  now  Three  Breeds  of  full  blooded  imported  Sheep; 
viz:  Leicester,  Cheviot,  &  South  Down  Every  sheep  &  lamb, 
known  to  be  full  blooded,  of  these  Breeds,  must  be  carefully 
marked,  with  a  Separate  mark  for  each  Breed — 

1.  Leicester;  a  hole  punched  through  the  right  or  left  ear. 

2.  Cheviot  a  hole  punched  through  the  ear  opposite  to  that 
on  which  the  Leicester  is  marked.     The  Cheviots,  or  some  of 
them,  are  already  thus  marked.      See  that,  in  due  season,  all  are. 

3.  South  Down.     A  proper  crop,  or  mark  in  one  ear.     There 
should  be  no  slits.    Those  look  bad,  &  sometimes  tear.     But  take 
out  a  small  triangle,  with  a  little  chissel,  or  an  iron  made  for  the 
purpose,  thus  —  or,  if  you  have  an  iron  made  for  the  purpose, 
cut  may  be  in  the  shape  of  a  half  moon,  thus  f^i  — 

In  like  manner,  we  have  two  distinct  breeds  of  cattle,  viz. 
Ayrshire,  &  Herefordshire.  Let  them,  at  least  all  the  young 
ones,  be  marked  in  the  same  manner — &  let  the  mixed  breds  run, 
unmarked. 

A  regular  account  must  be  kept,  of  the  birth  of  every  full 
blooded  calf. 

Our  stock  of  cattle  &  sheep,  (all  paid  for  except  what  you  owe 
Mr  Ames )  is  worth  at  least  3000  Dollars —  We  must  take  care 
of  them,  &  begin  a  course  of  regular  sales  next  Spr'g.  It  is 
time,  now  to  sell  someth'g.  We  have  been  buying  a  good  while. 

Yrs.  D.  W. 

Plan  of  Farming 

The  general  plan  of  farming  for  the  year,  laid  down  last  Fall, 
must  be  pursued;  subject  to  such  alterations  as  circumstances 
may  require — 

An  important  item  is  the  New  Orchard.  I  wish  this  to  be 
particularly  well  done — 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  655 

Mr  Breck  will  furnish  the  Trees,  apple  &  peach — or  tell  us 
where  they  can  best  be  had.  I  wish  them  to  be  handsome,  & 
thrifty,  as  near  of  a  size  as  may  be,  &  taken  up  with  the  greatest 
care.  This  is  a  main  point.  I  have  lost  hundreds  of  dollars,  by 
lay'g  &  plant'g  trees,  taken  up  without  roots.  I  am  afraid  to 
trust  any  nursery  man's  workmen  with  this.  Mr  Thomas,  or 
Mr  Gardner,  or  some  other  competent  person  must  see  to  the 
whole  of  it.  Let  no  Tree  be  brought  away  from  the  Nursery,  till 
it  has  been  examined,  &  found  to  have  a  fair  &  good  root.  This 
is  all  important.  The  sett'g  out  will  be  done  under  Mr  Mori- 
son's  directions,  &  eye ;  <§•  will  of  course  be  well  done. 

I  hope  the  corn  field  on  the  Island,  which  was  one  of  the  last 
additions  to  our  plan  of  the  years  work,  will  come  to  someth'g. 
We  have  learned,  by  this  time,  not  to  plant  corn,  unless  on 
ground  thoroughly  manured. — 

It  is  a  great  object  to  plough  the  land,  on  the  side  hill,  in 
front  of  the  House,  as  proposed —  I  like  the  plan  of  furnish 
ing  a  team,  &  having  the  plough'g  done  by  the  acre. — 

As  to  cattle — 


I  have  not  much  to  say,  until  I  hear  from  you.  I  suppose 
4  or  6  of  the  oxen  should  be  turned  out  to  be  fatted — and 
about  20  head  sent,  in  May,  to  Franklin. 

—The  "mismatched"  oxen — the  "Harlow"  oxen  &  the  "Kelley 
Oxen,"  may  stay  at  home,  &  fatted — &  the  odd  ox.  This  will 
leave  for  work  the  4  large  red  oxen,  &  the  Brown  5  yrs  olds. 
Or  one  pair  of  these  last  may  be  turned  out,  if  there  will  be  teams 
enough,  without.  For  Franklin,  there  may  go  up  the  large  John 
Taylor  steers — the  4  yr  old  steers,  if  not  thought  good  to  keep 
for  work,  &  some  of  the  likeliest  three  year  olds— &  two  year 
olds —  Or  if  pastur'g  be  wanted  by  the  neighbors,  some  of  the 
oxen  may  be  sent  up — 

I  suppose  the  oxen  at  the  Island,  might  as  well  be  fatted,  this 
year. 

The  large  3  yr  olds  (now  soon  to  be  4)  I  hope  will  be  found 
good  to  work,  &  fit  to  be  kept  at  home —  I  think  6  old  oxen,  & 
6  4  yr  olds,  &  3  yr  olds  will  be  team  enough —  If  not,  add  an 
other  pair  of  3  yr  olds —  There  will  soon  be  4. —  Keep  a  good 
team,  &  enough  at  it,  but  noth'g  useless — 


656  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Ox  Barn. 

1st.  hovel.  2nd. 

The  mountaineers —  The  Durham  Steers — 

The  white  faces —  The  Ames  Steers — 

The  Black  &  Red—  The  Hazeltine  Steers— 

On  the  other  side — 

The  Jumpers — 

The  Twins — 

The  2  yr  old  Steers, 

The  yearl'g  Steers,  &c. — 

For  Fletcher's  Barn 

Some  of  the  Steers  which  have  now  in  our  pasture,  &  per 
haps  the  4.  3  yrs.  olds,  which  we  turned  down  below  the 
other  day. 

As  to  the  5  yr.  old  oxen,  if  they  are  not  sold,  they  may  stand 
in  Fletcher's  Barn,  &  eat  turnips,  till  somebody  wants  them,  for 
beef  or  work — 

I  have  no  objection  to  keep  the  white  faced  3  yr.  olds,  if  there 
is  room,  &  nobody  wants  them  for  work'g  cattle. 

(Keeping  of  the  Cattle.) 

1.  Put  the  20  steers,  now  in  the  pasture,  into  Mr.  Osgood's 
barn,  in  one  or  more  hovels,  as  may  be  convenient,  &  let  them  be 
regularly  tied  up,  every  night,  &  properly  taken  care  of.     Put 
no  other  cattle  in  this  barn. — 

2.  Let  the  Hereford  Bull  &  cow  stand  in  the  West  end  of  the 
great  Barn,  &  also  the  black  2yr.  old,  now  in  milk,  unless  she 
be  sent  to  Marshfield. 

3.  Keep  the  calves  wholly  by  themselves. 

4.  Tie  up  the  rest,  in  the  three  hovels,  &  let  them  have  the 
large  yard. 

(Cattle— Franklin.) 

10  fat  4  yr.  old  steers — for  the  market  6  full  grown  working 
oxen — 3  Mr.  Taylor  &  Mr.  White  The  Nesmith  oxen,  &  the  two 
off  oxen. — 6.  4  yr.  old  steers,  for  work,  viz.  the  Triest  steers,  the 
Mountaineers,  &  the  steers  raised  here. 

2  cows — 6  3yr.  old  steers ;  viz.  the  black  steers — &  the  two  pair 
of  Sawyer  steers. 

The  Sawyer  Steers  may  be  sold  for  beef,  if  thought  best. 
The  Triest  Steers,  &  the  mountain  steers  not  for  sale. 


THE    FARMER   OF   MARSHFIELD  657 

The  off  oxen,  one  or  both  may  be  sold,  for  good  prices —  The 
two  pairs  of  Sawyer  steers  may  be  sold,  or  sent  to  Marshfield  if 
you  &  Porter  think  best. —  I  incline  rather  to  see  them ;  but  you 
&  Porter  Wright  [best]  may  judge. 

If  the  two  off  oxen  will  bring  high  prices,  they  may  be  sold; 
altho.  I  think  they  would  make  fine  Marshfield  Beef. 

\ 
Cattle. 

1.  Beef  cattle.  There  are  4. —  The  Barrett  oxen,  the  cow  & 
the  Syr.  old  steer — all  to  be  fed. 

When  Capt.  Sawyer  next  comes  along  let  him  take  the  off 
Barrett  ox,  &  the  cow. 

Feed  the  Syr.  old  steer  while  the  pumpkins  hold  out; — then 
sell  them  to  the  butcher,  &  give  me  credit  for  them. 

Feed  the  near  Barrett  ox,  till  Christmas;  then  kill  him,  & 
give  me  credit  for  him,  at  current  price  for  the  best  beef — not 
less  than  6.50  per  100. 

Cows — 

There  are  six  cows,  now  on  the  farm,  &  will  be  a  seventh  next 
Spring.  Mr.  Taylor  may  have  the  use  of  4.  to  be  kept  on  the 
farm,  being  the  Ayrshire  cow,  black — white  face  cow,  &  the  two 
cows  bought  of  Mr.  Kendrich  at  $20  a  yr  for  each — he  to  have 
the  calves,  &  without — charge  for  the  Bull — 

The  black  two  yr.  old  heifer,  now  in  milk,  to  be  sent  to  Marsh- 
field,  if  convenient —  The  Hereford  cow,  &  the  other  black 
heifer  to  be  left,  to  rear  calves.  I  may  put  on  the  farm  a  cow 
or  two  more,  to  raise  calves. — 

Mr  Taylor  will  come  down,  on  Friday  next  the  3rd — bring 
ing  the  cow  — &  the  two  sheep — nicely  dressed. 

Swine. — 

Fatten  the  great  hog;  when  killed,  take  200  Ibs  as  the  part 
belonging  to  Mrs.  Taylor's  dairy —  give  me  credit  for  the  resi 
due,  as  agreed. 

Fatten  the  small  farrow  hog;  when  killed,  put  it  up  for  me, 
in  a  nice  barrel,  by  itself,  &  put  it  in  my  cellar.  Cure  the  hams 
and  shoulders.  Cure  &  smoke  the  hams  &  shoulders,  of  this  hog, 
&  smoke  them,  &  put  them  up  nicely,  in  cotton  cloth,  &  ashes. 

Keep  the  two  sows,  &  raise  pigs  as  fast  as  you  can ;  &  sell  none 
till  further  orders. 


658  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Sheep. 

There  are  now  51  half-blood  Leicesters — 13  half-blood  South 
Downs — 12  half-blood  Merinos —  1  full  blooded  Leicester 
Buck  4  half  blooded,  do.  Oo — 1  Full  blooded  South  Down. 

1   Sell  all  the  half-blood  Merinos  at  once. — 

2.  Sell  the  two  smartest  half-blood  Leicesters. 

3.  Put  half  the  Leicester  Ewes  to  the  full  blooded  Leicester 
Buck ;  &  half  to  the  large  half-blooded  Do. 

4.  Put  all  the  South  Down  Ewes  to  the  South  Down  Buck. 
Keep  the  breeds  entirely  distinct.     All  the  sheep  must  be  kept, 
better  than  common. 

In  September,  some  of  the  oldest  Ewes,  &  weathers,  must  be 
brought  down  to  the  barn,  &  fed — 

To  be  sent  to  Mr.  Webster  at  Marshfield. 

1.  The  handsome  3  yr  old  Hazeltine  Steers — dark  red — 

2.  The  red  steers,  with  brown  faces — 3  yr.  old  of  my  first  pur 
chase,  of  Mr.  Pike —     Mr.  Pike  gets  a  handsome  pair  to  be 
sent  in  their  room — 

3.  1          dark  chestnut  2  yr  old — Hazeltines 

4.  one  pair  2yr  old — bought  here  of  Mr.  Bates. 

5.  one  pair  large  limbed — red  2  yr  old  steers. 

6.  one  pair  2  yr.  old — large  bodied — Plymouth 

7.  one  pair  Do.  one  yellow  and  large;  the  other  speckled,  & 
not  quite  so  big — 

8.  .     One  pair  Do. — red — very  much  alike — horns  turning 
in — 

In  all,  4,  3  yr.  old  steers — &  12  2yr  old.  and  4  yearlings' 
steers,  to  be  bought  by  Mr.  Pike.  Mr.  Pike  is  also  to  but  12 
more  steers,  say  2 — 3  yr  olds,  &  ten — 2  two  yr  old — or  4  3yr 
olds,  &  8,  8  yr  olds,  if  better  opportunity,  &  one  handsome  beef 
oxen — also  2  or  three  milch  cows,  if  they  can  be  had,  large  & 
handsome,  &  not  milch  calfs — all  them  to  be  left  with  Mr.  Taylor. 

D.  W. 

Agriculture. 
Bone  manure 

A  good  article  on  this  subject,  is  7  vol.  of  Highland  Society — 
page  75.  by  Mr.  Lincoln's — Experiments  prove  it  an  excellent 
manure,  wherever  lime  is  deficient. 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  659 

On  calcareous  earths  it  produces  little  effect — 
The  quantity,  36  bushels  to  the  acre. 

Top  Dressiing  for  pastures. 

Same  vol.  159. — very  good  essay. 

Materials  for  top  dressing — lime — soil — stable  manure,  good 
earth,  having  lain  m  the  cow  yard  <§•  become  saturated  is  better 
than  any  th'g  else. — 

manure,  like  lime,  is  a  certain  cure  for  mess,  (?)  &  fogy — 
will  br'g  white  clover. 

Sea  weed  is  also  highly  recommended.  &  shelly  sand — a  por- 
lion,  musceles 

— All  fields  should  be  sheltered,  by  a  belt  of  wood — 

Same  subject  page  82. 

Old  pastures  should  never  be  broke  up — it  takes  a  life,  to  re 
establish  them — for  all  soils,  conta'g  acid  salts,  lime  is  necessary. 

A  Field  Gate  p.  210.— 

bars,  taper' g — from  4  to  3  in  breadth  from  1  1/4  to  3/4" 
thick  not  hung  between  the  posts,  but  on  the  face  of  the  hang'g 
post — 

By  this  means  it  falls  quite  back,  so  that  carts  do  not  strike 
it— 

— the  upper  hinge  shortens,  by  means  of  a  screw  &  nut. — 
[Diagram  was  inserted  here.] 

Vol.  8.  p.  113. 

Lucerne. 

sowed  3  acres — in  April.  18  Ibs.  to  the  acre,  light,  sandy, 
but  deep  soil,  sown  in  hills — it  must  be  hand  weeded — hills  9  or 
12  inches  or  15  apart — a  tolerable  crop  in  the  fall — 

— cleared  again  in  Sp'g — 5  feet  high  by  June.  4.  abundant 
crops. 

— stands  17  years  without  manure 

It  must  be  mowed  with  great  care,  the  first  year — 

The  best  way  is,  to  sow  it  as  much  as  15  inches  apart,  so  as  to 
clean  between  the  rows,  with  a  hoe — 

Put  the  seed  into  a  bottle,  with  a  hole,  or  quill,  in  the  cork — 
25  Ib  to  an  acre  is  not  extravagant — &  I  think  not  too  much,  for 
our  land — 

There  is,  in  the  same  vol,  an  account  of  sundry  very  successful 
experiments  of  manuring  land,  by  sowing  buck  wheat,  & 
plough'g  it  in — 


660  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(Observations  upon  Mr.  LeRoy's  Farm.1) 

TUESDAY,  May  28.  [1851]  (?) 

Arrived  at  Avon,  eve'  of  27.  On  28th  A.  M.  visited  Mr  E. 
LeRoy's  farm.  It  lies  on  the  Genessee  River,  north  of  the  road, 
lead'g  from  Avon  Bridge,  &  consists  of  1800  acres. 

— The  land  is  of  three  characters.  1.  Flats.  This  is  purely 
alluvial,  low,  &  level.  It  is  subject  to  be  overflowed.  When  the 
county  was  settled,  much  of  it  was  prairie.  It  has  great  depth 
of  loose  soil,  vegetable  mould,  &  other  deposits.  On  the  banks 
of  the  river,  where  the  roots  of  trees  are  exposed,  they  are  seen 
six,  eight,  or  ten  feet  from  the  surface.  The  trees  still  remain'g 
are  fine,  especially  elm  and  white  oak,  some  of  them  very  large. 
This  land  is  adapted  to  grazing,  but  uncertain  for  wheat.  In 
very  dry  seasons,  wheat  has  succeeded  on  it.  2.  The  hazel  flat. 
This  is  a  table  of  land,  rather  higher  than  the  last  mentioned. 
It  is  flat,  well  covered  with  wood,  undoubtedly,  I  think  alluvial, 
but  an  earlier  formation.  It  is  not  usually  overflowed,  &  is,  per 
haps,  more  valuable  than  the  lower  flats ;  as  adapted  to  wheat,  as 
well  as  grazing.  3.  Upland.  This  seems  a  peculiar  soil.  It  is 
full  of  small  stones,  &  the  ground  covered  with  a  growth  of  oaks, 
of  no  great  size.  To  the  eve,  it  does  not  seem  to  be  extraordi 
nary  land,  but  its  fertility  is  very  great,  especially  for  wheat  & 
clover.  When  ploughed  little  pebbles,  stones  or  clay  as  they 
would  seem,  are  turned  up,  in  great  plenty ;  'but  these  crumble, 
or  dissolve,  by  exposure  to  the  air,  &  seem  to  be  marl,  or  a  mix 
ture  of  lime  &  clay,  or  some  such  th'g,  which  I  do  not  exactly 
know  about.  This  land  grows  better  by  cultivation.  It  will 
yield  two  crops  of  wheat — then  one  of  clover. — then  one  yr  pas 
turage  ;  &  then  wheat  again ;  all  without  manure. —  The  only 
rotation  seems  to  be,  from  wheat  to  pasturage,  sometimes  cutting 
with  the  scythe,  the  first  year  after  wheat. 

The  lands  up  &  down  the  River  seem  much  like  Mr  LeRoy's. — 
I  saw  no  difference  between  his  flats,  &  those  at  Genesee. —  The 
highland,  or  upland,  near  Genesee,  was  higher,  &  seemed  to  have 
a  heavier  original  growth. 

Mr.  LeRoy  cuts,  on  his  lower  flats,  200.  or  250  tons  of  hay. 
This  is  housed  in  small  barns,  or  barracks,  stand'g  round  on  the 
flats,  &  is  fed  out,  thence,  to  the  cattle.  The  cattle  live  on  the 
meadows,  thro*  the  winter,  except  work'g  oxen,  milch  cows  &c. 

1  The  memorandum  is  in  Webster's  handwriting.     The  date  is  probably  1851. 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  661 

And  so  do  the  sheep.  Mr.  Le  R.  winters  100  or  150  head  of 
cattle,  &  feeds  out  to  them  2  tons  of  hay  a  day —  This  is  car 
ried  &  spread  over  the  field,  by  a  sled,  or  waggon;  so  that  the 
growth  of  the  flats  is  consumed  on  them.  These  flats  are  some 
times  plowed,  but  some  of  them  have  not  been  ploughed  for  40 
yrs,  &  yet  bear  good  grass. —  The  feed  is  now  abundant. — 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

JAN.  11.  1836  Monday  2.  clock  in  Senate 
Dear  Wife 

In  writing  to  you  yesterday,  I  forgot  to  say  a  word  about  the 
big  cheese. — Mr.  Meacham1  the  Donor,  has  gone  to  Boston — & 
you  will  probably  have  seen  him,  before  this  reaches  you. — 
He  wants  to  exhibit  the  Cheese,  I  suppose,  to  get  a  little  some 
thing  to  pay  expense  of  transportation  &c. —  I  have  given  him 
a  letter  to  Mr.  I.  P.  Davis —  I  think  it  is  unwise  in  him  to  have 
an  exhibition —  I  think  he  is  better  without  it — on  that  point, 
however,  he  must  consult  Mr.  I.  P.  D. 

— No  message  from  the  President  today — 

Yrs 
^^^  D.  W. 

(To  Ray  Thomas.?) 

SENATE,  friday  April  29  (1836) 
Dear  Sir 

I  have  reed  copy  of  your  log  book  up  to  April  24.  P.  M. 
Seatime — all  well  &  right.  I  hope  you  will  secure  the  avenue 
ag't.  these  overflowings  of  land —  Please  continue  your  es 
teemed  favors —  I  hear  there  is  another  young  lady  in  Milk 
Street. — 

I  notice  that  Mr  Winthrop  advertises  the  silver  "Abele" — or 
silver  leaved  poplar — or  whatever  you  call  it — such  as  is  in  the 
centre  of  the  circle  ,  in  front  of  the  House. 

He  says  he  has  them,  by  hundred  &  thousands  &  that  they 
grow  remarkably  well  on  the  Beacon  st.  In  this  last  particular, 
I  incline  to  think  he  is  right.  If  you  think  so,  please  ascertain 

1  See   "  Private   Correspondence,"   vol.   ii,   p.    14,   Meacham    to  Webster, 
December  8,  1835. 


662  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

how  cheap  they  are — &  if  they  are  cheap,  quite  cheap,  you  might 
get  a  parcel  &  set  out — a  good  many  on  Cherry  Hill,  &  others 
elsewhere —  They  are  very  pretty,  &  if  hardy,  will  soon  cover 
the  ground,  &  I  incline  to  think  they  are  rather  hardy. 

Yrs  always 

D.  W. 
What  has  become  of  Charles  Henry  Thomas  Esq  ?  ?  ? 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON,  May  13.  1836— 
My  Dear  Son, 

This  letter  came  today. — 

I  have  not  heard  from  you,  beyond  Hagerstown.  If  I  get 
no  letter  by  tomorrow,  I  shall  have  considered  you  will  have 
reached  Wheeling — will  be  fast  passing  on,  &  I  shall  therefore 
next  address  you  at  Toledo. —  We  have  nothing  of  much  in 
terest  here.  The  H.  of  R.  are  still  debating  to  what  Comee  they 
shall  refer  the  land  Bill. 

The  City  has  been  full  of  Boston  people —  Col.  Perkins,  Mr 
Wm  Sullivan  &  daughter,  Mr  R.  G.  Shaw  &  family,  Mr  Brad 
bury  &  daughters,  &c. — 

— No  news  from  N.  York. 

[D.  WEBSTEE]  * 

(To  Mr.  Murphy.2) 

WASHINGTON  May  23,  1836. 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  have  rec'd  y'r  letter  of  the  16,  &  am  glad  to  hear  from  you. 
My  Londonderry  land  rises  every  day,  at  least  in  my  own  estima 
tion.  I  might  be  persuaded,  possibly,  to  take  40  Dollars  an  acre 
for  it,  now,  (tho'  I  do  not  engage  to  do  so)  because  I  want 
mone$,  but  if  not  disposed  of  by  the  first  day  of  July  its  price 
will  be  50  Dollars  pr  acre,  &  from  that  day  nobody  need  look 
at  it  with  an  expectation  of  buying  it  for  less. 

We  have  very  hot  &  very  dry  weather  here.     Mrs.  Webster  & 

1  This  letter  is  in  Daniel  Webster's  hand,  but  unsigned.     Fletcher  Webster 
was  on  his  way  west  to  look  after  his  father's  land  interests  there. 
*  This  letter  is  in  the  possession  of  Judge  Corning,  of  Concord,  N.  H. 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  663 

Julia  are  still  N.  York,  but  I  expect  them  here  this  week.     I  fear 
Congress  will  sit  to  the  end  of  June. 

Yrs 

D.  WEBSTEB 


(To  I.  W.  Kelly!) 

WASHINGTON  June  9.  1836. 
Dr  Sir 

The  difficulty  with  Josiah  White  is,  that  there  is  neither  grati 
tude,  honesty,  or  truth  about  him.  I  have  written  to  Dr.  Pres- 
cott  to  take  possession  of  all  the  wood  which  is  cut,  &  not  drawn 
off. 

By  your  account  he  expects  to  get  his  living — to  buy  his 
flour,  hay  &c — by  cutting  &  selling  wood,  on  my  land.  Let  me 
know  if  the  writ  of  possession  is  yet  in  force,  or  can  be  revived. 
As  he  has  planted,  I  may  leave  him  through  this  season,  if  he 
behaves  well — but  my  patience  is  exhausted — &  I  will  have  no 
more  to  do  with  him. 

Yrs 
D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  June  12,  1836 
My  Dear  Son 

Your  letters  to  Mr  Davis  &  Mr  Cramer,  (not  Kremer)  were 
reed  about  a  week  ago,  &  were  very  satisfactory  to  those  Gentle 
men.  They  praised  them  highly,  as  evincing  intelligence,  on 
your  part,  &  attention  to  the  important  business  in  which  you  are 
engaged.  Mr  Edward  Curtis  happened  to  be  here,  &  praised 
them,  &  still  more  regretted  that  he  was  not  with  you. 

I  have  no  letter  from  you  since  you  left  Toledo;  but  I  learn 
by  a  letter  from  Mr.  Davis  that  you  left  Detroit,  on  horseback, 
about  the  27th  of  May,  I  suppose  for  Jackson,  White  Pigeon, 
&  so  on  to  Michigan  City  &  Chicago. —  At  the  latter  place, 
you  will  have  found  various  letters  from  us.  It  is  still  uncertain 
when  Congress  will  rise ;  but  various  things  call  me  to  the  North, 
&  it  is  my  purpose  to  depart  between  the  24th  June  &  1st  of 

1  I  am  indebted  to  the  kindness  of  Judge  Corning,  of  Concord,  N.  H.,  for 
this  letter. 


664  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

July.  We  have  nothing  very  interesting.  It  has  been,  on  the 
whole,  a  dull  &  barren  session,  with  this  exception,  that  it  will 
have  ended  with  the  creation  of  two  new  States.  The  Toledo 
boundary,  I  believe,  goes  around  to  the  Ohio  claim  entirely. 

We  hear  little  from  Boston.  At  last  date,  Mr  White's  family 
not  left  home,  five  days  ago.  I  believe  he  is  detained  by  Mr 
Delands  illness.  The  East  Boston  lots,  it  is  said,  sold  very  well. 

Under  another  cover,  you  will  find  a  communication,  upon  a 
particular,  &  new  undertaking.  As  Mr  Upton  has  brought  this 
about,  partly  for  the  reason  of  giving  you  business,  I  doubt  not 
you  will  do  your  very  best  to  accomplish  the  expectations  of 
the  parties.  You  will  continue  to  address  me  after  the  receipt 
of  this,  supposing  this  does  not  reach  you  till  after  the  24th,  as 
I  presume  it  will  not,  as  at  Boston. —  Indeed  I  may  be  already 
leaving  Washington  when  this  reaches  Chicago. 

About  coming  home — when  may  we  look  for  you?  I  think, 
there  is  sometimes  fever  &  ague  in  the  lake  Country,  &  as  you 
are  not  yet  well  (acclimated)  if  that  is  the  word,  you  would  do 
well  not  to  stay  too  long,  especially  if  it  should  be  probable  that 
the  affairs  which  you  will  have  on  hand  will  call  you  back  in  the 
fall.  It  is  expected  very  important  sales  will  take  place  in  Wis 
consin,  in  October,  as  you  will  have  learned,  &  a  great  many  peo 
ple  will  be  present.  There  is  no  doubt,  that  if  you  come  home 
in  August,  having  done  tolerably  well  so  far,  you  can  take  back 
a  good  deal  of  money  in  the  fall.  What  I  would  suggest,  is, 
that,  with  the  advice  of  Harding,  &  other  friends  in  Chicago,  as 
of  Mr  Whitney  at  Green  Bay,  you  employ  one  or  two  good 
men — say  two,  &  send  them  in  different  directions  to  explore  for 
you,  in  Wisconsin,  in  the  lands  which  are  expected  to  be  for  sale. 
If  you  then  return  some  weeks  before  the  sale,  you  will  then  re 
ceive  their  report,  &  act  accordingly.  I  understand,  where  one 
has  the  requisite  previous  knowledge,  a  favorable  opportunity  of 
entering  lands  exists,  just  at  the  close  of  the  public  sales,  while 
others  are  gone  into  the  woods  to  examine,  &c —  All  these 
things,  however,  you  will  know  more  about,  than  I  could  tell  you. 
Mr  Haight  leaves  this  place  for  Wisconsin  this  week, —  He  will 
probably  find  you  at  Chicago.  He  thinks  you  ought,  by  all 
means,  to  attend  the  sale,  as  he  thinks  the  Company,  assembled 
on  that  occasion,  will  be  willing  to  give  you  one  or  two  prime 
chances.  There  is  something  in  this,  worthy  of  being  considered. 

In  all  your  operations  you  should  appear  to  be  acting  for 
yourself ;  or,  at  least,  for  yourself  &  me ;  and  as  it  is  very  prob- 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  665 

able  that  this  business  may  induce  you  to  make  your  home  in  that 
region,  at  least  for  some  time,  you  should,  on  all  occasions,  act  as 
much  [as]  possible  as  if  you  were  already  a  Western  man. 

Mr  Davis  intends  going  to  Detroit,  immediately  on  the  rising 
of  Congress.  Very  possibly,  you  may  fall  in  with  him,  some 
where.  I  think  it  likely  you  will  not  receive  this  letter,  until 
you  have  seen  the  waters  of  the  Missippi. 

Adieu !  My  Dear  Son —     I  shall  expect  to  receive  a  letter,  in 
5  or  6  days,  announcing  your  arrival  in  Chicago. — 
Your  affectionate  father 

DANL  WEBSTER 
D.  F.  Webster  Esq 

With  other  members  of  Congress,  I  have  taken  a  small  inter 
est  in  Wirmebago  City — this  is  fancy  stock.  I  expect  little  or 
nothing  from  it.  *  *  * l 

(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

PERU  [Illinois]  Dec.  28,  1837. 
My  dear  Father 

Since  I  wrote  you  last  I  have  made  a  long  visit  to  St.  Louis, 
on  business  for  the  Col.  I  had  a  very  tedious  time  coming  honv* 
on  account  of  delays  from  the  interruptions  of  navigation  by  the 
ice.  *  *  * 

I  shall  be  very  glad  to  see  Lowrie;  though  I  am  somewhat 
afraid  that  he  will  be  spoilt  by  the  Col's,  rascally  Irishmen  who 
are  the  laziest  set  of  good  for  nothing  rogues  that  I  ever  saw. 
We  have  had  a  good  deal  of  trouble  with  them ;  I  shall  hail  Ray's 
arrival  with  great  pleasure  as  a  signal  for  their  dispersion.  We 
are  surrounded  by  Irish — more  than  half  the  Col's  tenants  &  all 
his  workmen  &  women  are  from  Green  Erin.  They  steal  from 
us  by  the  wholesale.  I  hope  a  few  years  will  make  a  great 
change  in  the  population  of  Peru  &  Salisbury.  *  *  *  2 

I  saw  the  President's  message  in  St.  Louis —  I  thought  there 
was  not  much  in  it.  How  contemptible  his  allusions  to  the  elec 
tions  were —  What  would  Gen.  Washington  or  John  Adams 
have  thought  of  such  paragraphs  in  a  President's  message. 

The  Col.  says  that  Illinois  will  go  about  right.      *     *     * 

FLETCHER  WEBSTER 

1  Address  omitted. 

9  The  omitted  paragraph  concerns  Fletcher's  private  business, 


666  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  N.  Ray  Thomas.1) 

WASHINGTON  March  5,  1838. 
Mr.  N.  Ray  Thomas 
Sir, 

You  are  now  about  to  proceed  to  Illinois  and  other  North 
western  states  as  my  agent,  Your  principal  duties  will  be  of  two 
kinds. 

1st.  In  the  first  place  you  will  have  the  care  &  disposal  of  the 
lands  lots  and  parcels  of  real  Estate  belonging  to  me  in  Ohio, 
Indiana,  Illinois,  Michigan  &  Wisconsin  with  power  to  sell  ex 
cepting  the  estate  or  farm  called  Salisbury  near  La  Salle.  You 
take  with  you  an  account  of  these  pieces  &  parcels  of  property 
of  which  account  I  also  retain  a  duplicate.  You  take  also  the 
patents,  land  office  receipts  &  deeds  &  agreements  of  individuals 
showing  my  title —  There  are  shares  also  in  incorporations  and 
Joint  Stock  Company s  of  which  you  have  the  regular  evidences. 
My  design  is  that  you  should  sell  this  property  or  any  part  of  it 
if  opportunity  should  offer  which  you  think  favourable.  In  the 
course  of  the  ensuing  season  I  hope  you  will  be  able  to  visit  most 
parts  of  the  country  where  this  property  lies  so  as  to  ascertain 
its  value,  and  be  able  to  act  understandingly  in  the  sale  of  it. 
You  are  also  authorized  to  exchange  any  of  it  for  other  property 
if  a  favorable  opportunity  arises,  and  in  case  of  sale  of  any  part 
you  may  re-invest  in  other  purchases  in  your  discretion.  It  is 
not  my  wish  to  extend  my  interest  in  that  country,  but  rather  to 
contract  it,  and  to  dispose  of  a  great  part  of  what  I  own  as 
soon  as  the  time  shall  be  favourable;  still  you  may  reinvest  in 
cases  that  seem  to  be  advantageous —  You  will  take  care  not  to 
interfere  with  my  agreements  with  Geo.  W.  Jones  &  Levi  C. 
Turner  or  other  persons  who  have  purchased  for  me  with  which 
agreements  you  are  acquainted.  In  case  of  sale  you  will  see  the 
proper  commissions  paid  to  those  who  made  the  purchases,  ac 
cording  to  their  respective  agreements. 

2nd.  Your  other  main  duty  will  be  to  carry  on  my  farm  called 
Salisbury.  You  will  look  at  the  Deeds  which  are  said  to  be  sent 
to  Ottawa — see  what  land  they  contain,  and  see  what  land  they 
comprise —  My  wish  is  to  have  a  very  large  farm,  as  large  as 

1  A  younger  son  of  the  family  from  whom  Daniel  Webster  purchased  his 
estate  at  Marshfield,  Mass.  In  the  summer  of  1837  Webster  had  made  a 
journey  through  the  West.  He  now  proposed  to  establish  a  large  estate  in 
that  country.  See  Curtis'  "Life  of  Daniel  Webster,"  vol.  i,  p.  571. 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD 

one  active  man  can  well  superintend  the  management  of — •  If 
this  estate  be  not  large  enough  at  present,  find  out  what  adjoin 
ing  lands  may  be  bought  and  at  what  prices —  Fletcher  and  his 
family  live  in  the  house,  and  I  presume  you  will  live  with  them — 
You  will  keep  an  account  of  whatever  produce  of  any  kind  he 
receives  and  of  whatever  he  contributes  towards  the  pay  of  any 
labourers  or  for  other  purposes —  My  object  is  to  realize  an  in 
come  from  this  farm —  You  will  therefore  manage  it  with 
economy  and  to  the  best  possible  advantage —  The  farm  must 
be  well  stocked — you  will  employ  your  own  labourers  and  will 
have  no  master  over  you  in  whatsoever  respects  the  farm,  but  will 
of  course  consult  freely  with  Fletcher  on  all  important  matters, 
not  only  in  relation  to  the  farm,  but  in  other  concerns  of  mine — 
You  will  keep  accurate  &  exact  accounts  of  expenses  &  income 
from  the  farm,  as  also  proper  accounts  of  all  sums  received  & 
paid  on  my  account  in  the  sale  or  purchase  of  property,  or  other 
wise.  You  will  please  write  me  regularly  on  the  first,  fifteenth 
and  last  days  of  every  month  and  oftener  if  occasion  requires. 

As  to  compensation  it  is  understood  between  us  that  you  shall 
receive  Two  thousand  dollars  for  one  year,  commencing  on  the 
first  day  of  January  last —  You  are  to  be  allowed  travelling 
expenses  from  Boston  to  La  Salle,  and  also  travelling  expenses, 
on  all  journeys  undertaken  from  La  Salle  on  my  business — 
Your  personal  expenses  Clothing  board  &c  you  will  defray  your 
self —  You  will  be  entitled  to  keep  a  horse  on  the  farm  for  your 
own  use — 

Yours  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(From  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

PERU.    [Illinois]  Sept.  26th.  1838. 
My  dear  Father, 

Things  occur  every  day  to  delay  me  and  every  day  I  rejoice 
that  I  am  still  here  to  attend  to  them,  although  I  am  indeed  most 
anxious  to  see  you  all  &  my  wife  &  child  again.  *  *  *  If 
Ray  Thomas  were  here  I  should  be  more  able  to  leave,  but  there 
is  no  one  to  take  proper  charge  of  the  farm;  the  men  are  be 
coming  clamorous  for  pay  and  I  have  been  obliged  to  give  them 
all  I  could  raise  in  any  manner  &  indeed  to  furnish  some  supplies 
besides.  Your  farm  is  not  carried  on  well  nor  can  it  be  on  the 


668  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

present  plan.  It  is  too  expensive.  I  have  very  much  to  say  to 
you  on  this  subject  when  we  meet.  Ray  has  done  all  he  can  & 
everything  has  been  made  the  best  of — but  I  will  keep  all  my 
remarks  until  we  meet.  *  *  * 

DANIEL  F.  WEBSTER. 

(From  E.  Phinney.) 

My  dear  Sir  LEXINGTON  [Mass.]  25th  March  1839. 

I  send  you  three  of  my  pigs,  of  which  I  beg  you  will  do  me 

the  favor  to  accept.      . ...  . .  .  .  ...  . .  ...  ...  ..... 

;  it  will  give  me  pleasure  to  renew  your  stock,  and 

as  I  hold,  that,  to  one  who  has  done  so  much  to  save  our  bacon, 
every  farmer  should  feel  himself  bound  to  furnish  him  with  the 
best  materials  for  the  making  of  his  own. 

With  proper  treatment  I  have  no  doubt  you  will  find  them  to 
be  an  ornament  to  any  swinish  community. —  Please  direct 
your  farmer  not  to  feed  to  high  least  they  wax  fat  &  become  idle 
and  useless — 

With  my  sincere  respect 

I  am  Dr  Sir  yr 

Obt  Servt. 

E.  PHINNEY. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

My  Dear  Son,  WASHINGTON  Jan.  5.  '40. 

This  Mr.  Hancock,  whom  I  believe  you  have  seen,  lives  near 
Fremont,  close  by  Mr.  James. —  He  says  he  has  a  very  good 
estate,  with  nurseries  &c,  which  he  is  in  danger  of  losing,  for  the 
want  of  one  or  two  thousand  Dollars,  &  that  if  he  must  sacrifice 
it,  he  prefers  it  should  f  allinto  my  hands,  as  an  old  acquaintance. 
I  do  not  know  that  any  thing  can  be  done  for  him,  as  I  have 
no  money,  but  he  was  so  urgent  that  I  promised  to  write  to  you. 
If  he  could  be  bought  out,  cheap,  or  any  arrangements  made,  that 
should  compensate  for  a  great  sacrifice, — &  if  the  creditor  would 
wait  till  next  autumn,  perhaps  something  might  be  done.  But 
there  must  be  a  strong  inducement —  At  any  rate,  I  cannot 
come  under  obligation  to  pay  any  money,  short  of  the  next  au 
tumn.  Perhaps  you  can  make  an  agreement  with  the  creditors, 
to  suffer  his  debt  to  remain,  until,  having  seen  what  Hancock 
proposes,  you  shall  see  me  here. — 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  669 

I  pray  you,  ascertain  what  has  been  done  with  the  Bank 
Mortgage  on  Mr.  Hubbard.  Has  suit  been  brought  upon  it? — 
And  what  has  been  done  with  Mr.  Hubbard's  Bill  in  Equity? — 

As  you  were  at  Chicago,  you  probably  learned  something  of 
these  things. 

There  is  nothing  particular  new  here.  Genl  Harrison  will 
hardly  be  here  before  February.  His  Cabinet  is  not  yet  under 
stood  to  be  made  up,  &  nothing  known  beyond  what  is  generally 
said  to  be  settled,  as  to  two  seats  in  it. 

All  were  well  at  home,  when  I  last  heard.  We  have  had  a 
series  of  very  cold  days,  which  are  continuing — 

Yrs  affectionately 
DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  John  Taylor.1) 

Dear  Sir  WASHINGTON  May  23.  1840. 

Mr  Samuel  Lawrence  of  Lowell  has  presented  to  you  &  me  a 
bull  calf,  now  at  Lowell,  one  month  old.  It  is  from  a  full 
blooded  imported  Devonshire  bull,  &  a  fine  cow,  7/8"  Devon 
shire,  and  one  eighth  Durham.  It  is  bright  red,  except  the  tip 
of  the  tail,  which  is  white,  and  a  little  white  about  the  fore  feet. 
I  wish  you  to  send  for  him,  as  soon  as  you  receive  this.  I  ex 
pect  he  will  make  something  more  than  common.  The  blood  is 
excellent  for  steers  &  also  for  milk.  He  now  drinks  milk —  He 
must  be  taken  up  carefully  in  a  cart  well  fed  with  milk  by  the 
way  &  have  as  much  milk  as  he  wants  till  I  see  you.  Do  not 
put  him  to  any  cow — but  give  him  milk  in  a  pail.  Send  for 
him  as  soon  as  you  can. 

I  wish  I  could  say  when  Congress  will  adjourn.  One  of  my 
first  visits  when  I  get  to  Boston  will  to  Franklin.  Remember 
the  turnips — I  will  write  to  Henry  W  send  you  directions  &  to 
Mr  Fletcher  to  send  you  up  some  seed.  Sow  about  June  20th — 
I  sow  in  drills  28  inches  apart — that  admits  the  plough.  Has 
Seth  Weston  sent  you  your  plough? —  The  land  should  be 
ploughed  just  before  sowing,  the  seeds  soaked,  so  as  to  start 
quick,  and  then  the  turnips  will  get  ahead  of  the  weeds.  I 
hope  you  will  make  the  fields  shine  this  year. 

We  shall  write  you  in  season  about  the  horses. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER. 

1  Webster's  farmer  on  the  estate  in  Franklin,  N.  H. 


670  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

TUESDAY  3  o'clock  [Sept.  29,  1840] 
Dear  Wife 

I  could  not  get  away  this  eve'g,  on  acct  of  the  necessity  of  cor- 
rect'g  the  report  of  my  speech.  I  go  tomorrow — right  thro  to 
Wilmington — &  stop  at  Phila.  on  my  return. —  I  feel  better 
today  than  I  have  done  for  two  months — but  I  am  run  down  & 
run  over  with  calls.  Give  my  love  to  Julia  &  S.  I  shall  expect 
to  find  a  letter  at  Washington. 

Yrs  always  1'v'ly 

D.  W. 

What  a  lovely  night  you  had —  I  got  up  once  or  twice  to 
look  out — today  is  lovely  Oh,  Marshfield ! — Marshfield ! 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

FRANKLIN  [N.  H.]  Oct.  26,  [1840]  Monday  morg. 
Dear  Wife, 

You  will  perceive,  that  this  letter  is  in  the  hand  writing  of 
Mr.  Haddock;  and  it  is  well,  that  he  is  with  me,  for  I  have  been 
quite  unwell  for  the  last  three  or  four  days.  They  carried  me 
from  Nashua  to  Francestown  &  from  Francestown  to  Oxford,  in 
these  miserable  go-carts,  called  barouches — all  open  at  front, 
and,  as  the  wind  was  from  the  North-West,  with  much  rain,  I 
had  to  bear  the  beating  of  both.  I  took  up  Mr  Haddock  at 
Hanover,  and,  when  I  arrived  at  Oxford,  on  Thursday  evening, 
I  felt  down  sick,  and  went  immediately  to  bed;  and  kept  it  till 
noon,  on  Friday,  when  I  went  out,  and  made  my  speech,  returned 
&  went  to  bed  again,  &  sent  for  a  Physician.  This  Physician 
gave  me  quantities  of  Calomel,  and,  on  Saturday  morning  I  felt 
somewhat  better.  I  was  received  into  the  home  of  Col.  Bissell, 
a  gentleman,  whom  you  saw  on  the  10th  of  Sept.  at  our  rooms, 
with  Mr.  Britton.  He  and  his  wife  are  the  kindest  people  in 
the  world,  and  gave  me  every  attention.  I  don't  know,  that  I 
shou'd  have  escaped  a  fever,  if  I  had  been  obliged  to  take  the 
room  of  the  tavern.  Feeling  better  on  Saturday  morning,  and 
the  gentlemen  furnishing  a  close  carriage  for  Mr  Haddock  & 
myself,  we  set  out  for  this  place,  but  only  reached  Andover  that 
day;  for  when  I  got  there  I  was  very  much  fatigued.  We  ar- 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD,  671 

rived  yesterday  at  ten  Oclock ;  but,  still,  I  did  not  feel  well.  Com 
mon  medicine,  such  as  magnesia  &c.  seemed  to  have  no  effect. 
My  skin  was  very  dry  and  hard.  I,  therefore,  sent  for  a  Phy 
sician,  &  told  him  to  give  me  a  powerful  emetic,  which  he  did. 
I  have  heard  of  Thompson's  Medicine,  some  called  "screw  auger," 
some  called  "wild-cat,"  but  I  never  took  any  thing  which  made 
such  thorough  work  with  me ;  I  feel  much  relieved  this  morning, 
and  mean  to  get  up  by  &  by.  But  I  dictate  this,  from  my  bed. 
By  way  of  variety  &  amusement  we  had  a  fall  of  six  inches  of 
snow  last  night!  I  shall  not  be  able  of  course,  to  attend  the 
meeting  at  Salisbury  today.  I  lament  this  very  much;  but  it 
cannot  be  helped. 

I  have  written  to  Mrs.  Heeley  to  inform  all  inquirers,  that  I 
shall  make  no  more  speeches  any  where,  or  under  any  circum 
stances.  I  shall  keep  still,  here,  today,  and  amuse  myself  by 
looking  out  upon  the  snow.  And  as  soon  as  I  feel  able,  I  shall 
take  the  stage  coach  to  Nashua,  &  so  home. 

Mrs.  Ezekiel  is  about  visiting  Boston.  I  think  I  shall  meet 
her  at  Concord,  and  bring  her  along.  John  [Taylor's]  Family 
are  well.  He'd  a  severe  fit  of  illness  in  the  summer,  arising  I 
suspect,  from  overwork ;  but  he  is  now  quite  restored.  When  we 
saw  him,  he  was  fearful,  that  the  drought  would  much  diminish 
his  crops,  but  they  came  in  better  than  he  expected.  He  beats 
all  N.  H.  for  turnips  &  carrots,  which  important  things  I  thus 
mention  to  you  because,  when  you  have  all  read  this  letter,  in 
Boston,  I  wish  you  to  send  it  to  Henry  Thomas;  and  for  the 
particular  benefit  of  Henry,  I  wish  to  add,  that  John  will  send 
down  the  oxen  by  the  first  opportunity,  and,  perhaps,  two  or 
three  young  cattle  with  them. 

And  so  no  more  at  present. 

Yours  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER. 

in  bed 


(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

FRANKLIN  Oct.  27,  1840. 
My  Dear  Wife, 

I  am  much  relieved  since  my  letter  of  yesterday,  by  the  severe 
operation  of  medicine,  the  night  before.  I  am,  however,  ex 
ceedingly  weak,  &  find  it  most  comfortable  to  be  on  the  sofa  & 


672  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

dictate  a  letter  to  you.  I  had  thought  of  going  homeward  to 
morrow,  but  the  dampness  of  the  air,  occasioned  by  the  fall  of 
snow,  may  render  it  imprudent,  unless  I  should  recover  my 
strength  very  fast. 

Mr.  Kelley  &  Mrs.  Pierce  have  been  down  this  morning  and 
made  me  a  call.  They  are  quite  well;  Mrs.  Kelley  seemed  not 
be  in  good  health;  she  is  more  feeble  than  usual. 

The  meeting  at  Salisbury,  which  I  was  not  able  to  attend,  went 
off  very  well.  Mr.  Bartlett  &  Mr.  Joel  Eastman  addressed  the 
people. 

I  have  just  been  out  of  doors  to  see  John  Taylor's  beeves  and 
turnips.  I  pass  the  time  lying  on  the  sofa,  &  looking  out  of  the 
window,  to  see  the  droves  of  cattle  pass,  &  hearing  John  Taylor 
and  our  cousin  talk.  Several  friends  have  called,  but  have 
kindly  made  their  visits  short.  Mr.  Noyes  inquires  kindly  after 
you;  so  does  Mr.  Pierce.  Mr.  Haddock  sends  much  love  to  his 
dear  good  Aunt,  &  more  especially  to  his  cousin  Julia  and  her  lit 
tle  girl. 

I  am  charged  with  burning  the — Convent  at  Charles-town.1 
Do  you  recollect  how  I  did  it !  Will  you  promise  not  to  betray 
me,  if  I  deny  it ! 

I  see  there  is  a  great  row  in  N.  York. 

Yrs&c 

DANL,  WEBSTER 

by  C.  B.  H. 


(To  Mrs,  Caroline  Webster.) 

FRANKLIN  Wednesday  mor'g 

[Oct.  28,  1840] 
Dear  Caroline, 

I  write  you  today,  with  my  own  hand,  that  you  may  be  as 
sured  of  my  convalescence.  I  staid  at  home  yesterday,  very 
much,  and  lolled  on  the  sofa.  Mrs.  Mr.  Kelley  &  Ellen,  Mr. 
Noyes  &  others  called  in.  I  talked  of  every  th'g  but  politics,  & 
speeches,  but  not  a  word  of  that.  What  doings  in  N.  Y !  I  do 

1  In  the  North  American  Review  of  January,  1841,  vol.  liii,  p.  268,  there 
is  quoted  from  "  Grattan,"  an  anonymous  writer  in  the  Washington  Globe  : 
"  Daniel  Webster  was  reposing  on  a  couch  in  his  marble  palace  at  Boston,  and 
enjoying  from  his  windows  the  conflagration  of  the  Charlestown  Convent  in  1836, 
while  a  word  from  him  might  have  put  a  stop  to  the  devastation."  There  were 
three  miles  of  buildings  between  his  house  and  Charlestown. 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  673 

believe  that  B.  F.  Butler  is  one  of  the  greatest  rascals  living.1 
I  hope  he  will  come  to  his  deserts. 

I  am  sorry  today  the  weather  remains  damp,  &  the  snow  does 
not  go  off,  though  it  is  not  very  cold.  Unless  tomorrow  should 
be  a  decided  bad  day,  I  shall  go  to  Concord  in  the  P.  M.  &  home 
the  next  day.  I  wish  you  had  come  here  as  I  proposed.  I  would 
staid  a  week  longer,  for  the  pleasure  of  rest  &  quiet.  Mr.  Had 
dock  will  probably  quit  this  Eve'g.  He  has  been  of  great  ser 
vice  to  me;  &  I  leave  him  room  here  for  a  post  script,  to  give 
you  an  account  of  what  he  proposes  for  the  winter. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER. 
My  dear  Aunt. 

You  see  that  uncle  writes  a  little  like  an  old  man.  His  hand 
trembles  a  grain.  I  think  this  is  more  owing  to  politics  than 
sickness ;  though  he  looks  rather  wan,  I  must  confess ;  and  I  have 
all  the  labor  of  disposing  of  John  Taylor's  turkies  &  squash  pies. 
Mr.  Webster  is  very  prudent  in  this  particular,  indulging  him 
self  with  a  little  gruel  &  a  cup  of  tea  now  &  then.  The  symp 
toms  of  disease  are  clearly  much  abated ;  and  I  doubt  not  he  will 
be  able  to  ride  tomorrow,  if  the  skies  smile. 

I  hope  to  see  you  in  the  winter,  at  Washington,  where  I  pro 
pose  to  spend  a  month.  Possibly  I  may  meet  you  at  New  York 
before  you  go  on. 

With  true  regard 

Yours  &c 
C.  B.  HADDTJCK. 

(To  Seth  Western?) 

Nov.  1,  1842 
Dear  Sir; 

As  to  the  fatting  sheep,  please  send  one,  well  dressed,  to  Mr. 
Appleton,  the  middle  of  this  month,  &  one  to  Mr.  Paige,  the  first 
of  Deer. —  If  either  of  them  write  for  it,  of  course  send  an 
other. 

You  mav  as  well  continue  to  feed  them  on  oats  &  corn,  instead 
of  turnips,  as  they  are  so  soon  to  be  killed.  You  can  kill  one  for 
your  own  use  that  of  the  neighbors  whenever  you  like. — 

1  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  of  New  York. 

8  Mr.  Webster's  farmer  on  the  Marshfield  farm. 


674  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

As  to  the  beef  cattle,  get  the  red  ox  &  the  cow  along  pretty 
fast,  but  do  not  kill  either,  till  further  directions — 

As  to  kelp,  should  it  come  on,  I  am  more  &  more  in  doubt  what 
to  do  with  it. 

I  think, 

1st.  that  we  shall  not  get  along  to  our  minds,  with  either  the 
Peach  orchard,  or  the  piece  enclosed  on  the  Hill  without  another 
coat  of  manure,  either  plowed  in  or  spread  on  the  land. 

2.  That  it  is  not  best  to  break  up  any  land  in  the  pasture,  till 
those  two  pieces  are  put  in  proper  condition. 

Therefore,  let  us,  either, 

1st.  Spread  the  ashes  on  the  Peach  Orchard,  &  run  the  chance 
of  grass  coming  up ;  &  top  dress  the  lower  piece  with  kelp,  if  we 
get  any,  or  plough  up  both,  and  manure  them  as  well  as  we  can. 
These  two  pieces  are  as  much  exposed  to  view,  as  any  two  on  the 
farm.  They  look  ugly,  &  will,  till  properly  manured.  Think  of 
these  matters. 

D.  W. 


(To  Seth  Weston.) 

WASHINGTON  Mar:  31,  1843. 
Dear  Sir: 

We  have  had  warm  weather  lately,  with  much  rain ;  and  as  it 
looks  as  if  the  winter  was  at  last  breaking  up,  I  have  come  to  a 
sudden  conclusion,  that  I  must  be  among  you,  &  put  the  ploughs 
going. 

Look  out  for  me,  at  Green  Harbour,  on  Friday  next,  the  7th 
day  of  April,  at  1  o'clock. — (dinner  abt.  2)—  Probably  Ed 
ward,  or  Mr.  Appleton,  or  both,  will  be  with  me.  We  shall  want 
nothing  to  eat,  but  pork  and  potatoes,  &  a  fish,  which  I  intend  to 
take.  Lydia  &  Aunt  Browne,  or  somebody  else  to  help  Lydia, 
must  be  put  in  requisition,  as  soon  as  you  receive  this ;  that  the 
House  may  be  opened,  &  aired. 

The  large  Boat  must  be  launched,  &  in  order.  The  admiral 
must  bestir  himself.  The  black  mare  must  be  in  readiness,  &c. 

Nothing  but  bad  weather,  or  accident,  will  prevent  me  from 
arriving,  as  above.  If  anything  occurs,  I  will  give  you  notice. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL,  WEBSTER 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  675 

(To  Seth  Weston.) 

Dear  Sir,  FEB-  25-  ^ 

I  have  written  for  a  "Biddell's  Scarifier",  &  a  Garrett's  Horse 

Hoe"— 

See  what  is  said  in  pages  9  &  10,  of  the  book  I  now  send  you, 

on  the  subject  of  White  Mustard —      I  have  written  for  some 

seed — 

— I  am  expecting  to  hear  from  you  every  day,  about  Franklin. 

Yrs  D.  W. 


(To  Seth  Weston.) 

Dear  Sir  NEW  YORK  Tuesday  Novr.  3  (1846). 

A  rain  commenced  here  on  Friday,  Eve,  &  continued,  moder 
ately,  &  with  wind,  till  Saturday  afternoon.  A  strong  blow  then 
sprung  up  at  N.  E.  &  the  rain  increased.  All  day  on  Sunday 
wind  &  rain  continued;  &  so  through  yesterday —  Last  night 
the  wind  hauled  to  the  S.  E.  where  it  is  now ;  &  it  has  been  rain 
ing  quite  hard,  in  successive  showers,  this  morning.  At  the 
present  moment,  (10  O  clock)  light  appears  in  the  west  &  it  looks 
as  if  it  would  clear.  You  have  heard  of  the  accident  to  the 
Oregon,  &  the  disaster  of  the  Rhode  Island.  Notwithstanding 
this  violent  eastern  wind,  the  weather  has  been  warm  as  summer, 
&  is  so  now.  This  is  remarkable.  I  hope  the  rain  has  reached 
southward,  so  that  our  parched  lands  may  be  refreshed,  &  the 
springs  filled.  I  am  thinking  of  kelp.  The  S.  E.  wind  may  br'g 
it  along. 

We  shall  leave  here  tomorrow,  if  the  weather  is  fair ;  but  in  all 
probability  shall  not  reach  Marshfield  till  Saturday  mor'g;  by 
the  early  train —  If  we  do  not  send  other  word,  let  the  waggons 
there  be  ready  for  us,  at  Kingston —  I  suppose  two  must  be 
sent,  on  account  of  trunks. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER. 

(To  Seth  Weston.) 

Dear  Sir  WASHINGTON  Jan.  14. .47. 

We  arrived  here  on  Saturday,  the  9th,  &  it  was  fortunate  we 


676  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

did  so,  as  a  very  heavy  snow  fell,  on  Sunday,  &  Sunday  night. 
The  weather  is  uncommonly  cold,  for  this  place. 

I  rec'd  you  first  number  soon  after  arriv'g,  &  was  glad  to  hear 
from  you,  &  to  know  that  are  well.  It  is  far  more  agreeable  to 
think  of  Marshfield,  than  it  is  to  think  of  the  Mexican  War. 
News  this  morn'g  from  New  Orleans  is  rather  alarming.  There 
is  reason  to  fear  that  Genl.  Santa  Anna  may  have  fallen,  with  a 
Superior  force,  on  one  of  the  detachments  of  our  Army. —  We 
shall  know,  in  a  day  or  two. 

Before  leav'g  Boston,  I  spoke  to  Mr.  Howe  to  send  down  some 
lumber  by  Capt.  Sherman.  This  will  save  the  necessity  of  buy'g 
at  Quincy. 

If  all  signs  do  not  fail,  I  shall  be  able  to  send  some  money  next 
week. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL,  WEBSTER 

I  shall  soon  look  for  No.  2  of  the  Gazette.  You  will  find 
writ'g  paper,  quills  &c,  in  my  Library,  or  in  my  office. 


(To  Seth  Weston.) 

WASHINGTON  Feb.  12,  184-7. 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  reed  your  letter  yesterday.  The  arrangements  made  or  pro 
posed,  respecting  the  Cottage,  &c  are  entirely  approved,  &  may 
be  carried  into  effect,  as  soon  as  convenient. 

The  little  addition  to  be  made  to  the  Cottage  must  be  neat, 
&  well  put  on,  so  as  not  to  look  bad.  I  should  like  to  know  a 
little  more  about  the  plan,  &  probably  shall  have  time  &  oppor 
tunity  ;  since  I  have  concluded  to  go  home,  before  we  undertake 
any  long  journey.  Congress  rises  on  the  third,  &  I  shall  prob 
ably  see  you  by  the  10th  of  March. 

I  am  glad  the  hands  find  a  little  kelp,  now  &  then.  Whatever 
leisure  time  they  have,  I  hope  they  will  employ  on  the  stones,  &  in 
the  new  field. 

I  expect  to  find  Mr.  Whit'g  with  a  handsome,  well  trained, 
young  team  of  four  or  five  yokes. 

I  enclose  a  check  for  $250.  Danl  Wright  must  have  someth'g 
tho'  I  hoped  he  w'd  have  picked  up  enough  in  Boston.  Some 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  677 

little  press'g  things  you  can  pay  off.     Mr.  Cushman,  probably, 
can  wait  without  inconvenience,  till  I  get  home. 

The  weather  here  has  been  remarkably  changeable,  rain'g  one 
day,  &  freez'g  the  next.  We  are  quite  well.  If  I  remain  of  the 
opinion  to  make  a  journey  to  the  South,  Mrs.  W.  will  be  likely  to 
stay  here,  while  I  am  gone  home. 

Yrs  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER 
Keep  up  the  Gazette. 

(To  Porter  Wright.  ?) 

Dear  Sir  MAB-  29'  47' 

I  wrote  you  yesterday,  but  by  accident  the  letter  failed  to  get 
to  the  P.  Office —  It  goes  with  this — 

I  send  now  some  memoranda,  to  which  I  wish  to  draw  your 
attention,  with  that  of  Henry  Thomas  &  Porter — 

Any  thing  you  send  off,  on  Friday  mor'g,  will  find  me  here, 
or  be  sent  on,  &  overtake  me  at  Richmond —  Address  me,  as 
here. 

You  must  all  take  a  day,  to  make  out  a  despatch.  Tell  me  the 
present  state  of  things,  as  fully  as  you  can,  in  all  respects — 
farming,  cattle,  oxen,  cows,  calves,  sheep,  lambs,  goats  &  kids — 
horses,  mares  &  colts,  &  swine  &  pigs. 

— Is  the  business  arranged,  between  Porter  &  Mr  Morrison, 
about  exchange  of  Houses  &c — ? — 

— Tell  me  all,  that  all  of  you  can  think  of —  Mr  Baker  will 
report  on  geese,  turkies,  chickens  &c. — 

Is  the  new  hen  house  ready  ? —     When  will  the  hens  move  ? 

We  must  lay  out,  once  more,  coops  for  turkeys,  at  home,  &  on 
the  island. 

I  shall  continue  to  write  to  you,  as  things  may  happen  to  come 
to  my  mind — 

As  far  as  I  can  now  see,  I  shall  smell  the  ocean  at  Marshfield, 
just  about  the  first  of  June.  It  may  be  5  or  10  days  earlier. 

Porter  will  get  a  little  mon'y  for  his  beef,  &  I  must  know  what 
else  will  be  wanted,  to  preserve  life  till  I  come. — 

— I  hope  some  stones  have  been  hauled  for  the  wall,  in  front 
of  the  House.  We  ought  to  make  a  good  long  stretch,  this 
Spring —  It  should  be  built  immediately  after  planting. 

Yrs.     D.  W. 


678  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL    WEBSTER 

(To  W.  W.  Seaton.1) 

BOSTON,  June  21,  1847. 
My  dear  Sir, 

—We  came  up  from  the  place  of  places,2  three  days  ago,  and 
have  inflicted  on  ourselves  a  residence  of  that  length  in  Boston ; 
to-day  we  hasten  back  to  the  Old  Elms  and  the  Sea.  Mrs.  Web 
ster  has  received  J 's  letter  from  New  York,  and  bids  me  say 

that  she  has  obeyed  all  its  injunctions,  requests,  and  intimations. 

Our  journey  was  shortened,  to  our  disappointment.  Still  it 
was  pleasant.  We  saw  many  new  things  and  many  good  people. 
I  can  now  talk,  like  an  eyewitness,  of  cotton-fields  and  rice  planta 
tions,  turpentine,  cypress  swamps,  and  alligators. 

— Think  of  us  at  Marshfield, — on  our  piazza,  with  now  and 
then  a  grandchild  with  us,  a  pond  near,  where  'cows  may  drink 
and  geese  may  swim,'  and  Seth  Peterson,  in  his  red  shirt-sleeves, 
in  the  distance.  Then  there  is  green  grass,  more  than  we  saw 
in  all  the  South,3  and  then  there  is  such  a  chance  for  rest,  and  for 
a  good  long  visit  from  'tired  Nature's  sweet  restorer'. — 

Yours, 

D.  W. 


(To  Porter  Wright.) 

BOSTON  Nov.  15 — 47.    Monday  Morn'g. 

Dear  Porter  Wright; 

A  Devonshire  Bull,  &  heifer,  will  probably  be  sent  to  the  farm, 
this  week — -about  Wednesday  or  Thursday —  Let  them  both  be 
kept  at  the  ox  barn,  so  as  not  to  mix  with  our  old  stock —  The 
Bull  must  be  kept  up.  Perhaps  a  good  place  would  be  the  little 
hovel  in  the  Piggery.  They  are  Devonshires;  the  heifers  is  2 
yrs  old,  &  very  large.  Perhaps  she  is  likely  to  be  better  for 
calves  than  for  milk.  She  is  of  the  same  family  as  the  bull ;  but 
it  is  in  calf  by  another  Devonshire  bull,  imported  by  the  So 
ciety — 

If  the  weather  should  continue  open,  &  there  should  be  no 

1  Reprinted  from  the  "Life  of  W.  W.  Seaton;"  p.  305. 

2  Marshfield. 

3  In  a  previous  letter  he  asserted:  "  There  is  more  greenwood  now  in  Marsh- 
field  than  in  South  Carolina  and  Georgia." 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  679 

kelp,  &  you  should  get  time  to  plough  any,  I  wish  you  would 
plough  the  orchard,  near  the  house.  Those  apple  trees  need 
help  from  ploughing  &  manure. 

There  is  ploughing  enough,  also,  to  be  done  in  the  Cushman 
field. 

Yrs  D.  W. 

The  Bull  &  Heifer  are  from  Mr.  Samuel  Lawrence,  at  Lowell. 
Mr.  Barker  must  take  good  care  of  the  man,  while  he  chooses  to 
stay —  

(To  Seth  Weston.) 

WASHINGTON  Deer.  24.  '47. 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  thank  you  for  your  letter,  &  shall  be  quite  obliged  to  you  to 
write  me,  once  a  week,  as  heretofore — 

Tell  our  good  friend  that  money  was  very  scarce,  when  I  left 
Boston,  but  that  I  have  the  promise  of  some,  shortly — ,  I  send 
a  little  today  to  Porter,  for  Mr.  Hathaway  &  Sylvester,  who  are 
quite  in  want. 

— I  hope  you  keep  ice,  &  the  ice  house,  in  memory.  What  lit 
tle  ice  we  were  obliged  to  br'g  last  summer  from  Boston  cost  us 
money  enough  to  build  a  good  ice  house. 

I  am  anxious  to  hear  about  kelp. —  If  the  fish  will  keep  off,  & 
kelp  will  not  come  on,  they  [will]  very  much  break  up  our  farm 
ing  projects. 

We  have  an  expensive  team,  eat'g  hay  &  turnips,  &  doi'g  lit 
tle- 
How  is  Porter? 

Yrs         D.  WEBSTEE. 

(To  Seth  Weston.) 

WASHINGTON  Jan.  23.  48. 
My  Dear  Sir; 

I  was  glad  to  hear,  by  your  letter,  that  Porter  Wright's  wife 
was  better.  We  had  begun  to  be  concerned  about  her. 

The  winter,  so  far,  has  been  unsteady,  but  I  presume  the  last 
four  or  five  nights  have  made  ice,  with  you.  Here  the  weather 
has  been  very  fine,  for  near  a  week.  The  days  are  warm,  &  the 
nights  clear. 


680  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

I  should  be  very  sorry  to  lose  Mr.  Hatch,  but  I  really  do  not 
see  how  I  can  agree  to  raise  his  wages.  Our  labor  already  costs 
so  much,  I  cannot  make  it  cost  more.  I  like  him  very  well,  espe 
cially  as  a  hand  to  go  with  me  in  the  Boat,  &  to  take  care  of 
our  navigation.  But  on  the  farm,  you  know,  there  are  some 
sorts  of  hard  work  which  he  cannot  well  do.  Though  quite  sorry 
to  part  with  him,  I  shall  have  no  hard  thoughts,  if  he  finds  he 
can  do  better,  elsewhere.  If  he  should  not  stay,  the  Boats  will 
probably  all  remain,  till  July. 

As  soon  as  the  Supreme  Court  adjourns,  I  shall  take  a  run 
home,  say  about  10.  or  15.  March.  By  that  time,  I  hope  we  shall 
have  some  good  beef  to  sell. 

Do  the  turnips  hold  out?  Are  there  any  sound  potatos  re 
maining? —  Does  kelp  make  its  appearance?  How  do  the  sheep 
look  ?  Do  they  get  some  good  English  hay  ? — 

But  I  must  not  ask  too  many  questions. 

Yrs.          D.  WEBSTER. 


(To  Seth  Weston.) 

DrSir.  APRIL  22.  [1848] 

Sow  your  two  sorts  of  oats  quite  distant  from  one  another.  & 
from  all  other  fields  of  oats — so  as  to  keep  the  seed  distinct — one 
is  Scotch  Oats — the  other  Orchard  oats —  The  weather  is  now 
fine — let  the  work  go  ahead — employ  what  hands  are  necessary 
— remember  to  mow  down  the  little  corner  of  bushes — in  the 
lower  pasture — just  this  side  the  Boat  House. — left  hand —  Let 
Boat  House  &  Bath  House  be  whitewashed — &  the  Summer  house 
painted — 

I  shall  be  with  you  before  June. —  The  cottage  ought  to  be 
opened  the  first  day  of  June,  &  the  work  on  the  House  begun, 
Monday,  the  5th —  See  that  all  things  are  ready — write  for 
money,  if  you  need  it — 

Do  not  let  the  men  overload  the  steers.  You  have  cattle  & 
horses  enough — always  use  strong  teams — 

I  send  a  check  for  $50. — lest  you  should  want  it  for  corn. 
It  seems  we  stand  well  for  Leicester  lambs — full  bloods — that  is 
good. 

Keep  the  best  of  the  heifer  calves. — kill,  or  alter  the  males, — 
no  half  blood  bulls — or  half  blood  rams — 

Yrs  D.  W. 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  681 

(To  Porter  Wright.) 

WASHINGTON  Feb.  9.  '49. 
Dear  Porter 

Mr.  Thomas  has  written  me  about  the  sheep.  You  must  sell 
what  you  can,  &  get  rid  of  them  as  well  as  you  can.  At  any  rate, 
purify  the  flock. 

You  may  sell  some  of  the  poorer  sort  of  cows,  if  buyers  offer, 
at  a  fair  price.  I  wish  all  to  be  done,  that  can  be  done,  to  get 
forward  the  Gardner's  house.  I  have  supposed,  that  Charles 
Peterson  could  be  at  work  on  doors,  window  frames,  planing 
boards  &c,  unless  he  is  engaged  on  the  cellar  kitchen. 

Yrs         DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  Porter  Wright.) 

BOSTON  Friday,  noon  Nov  9.  [1849] 
Porter. 

We  shall  go  down  Monday,  by  the  morning  Train  to  Cohasset, 
and  shall  be  there,  I  suppose,  by  11  oclock. 

We  shall  want  you  to  send  up  a  double  waggon,  and  my 
Chaise — Monica  may  cook  for  us  a  dish  of  beans,  and  a  turkey — 
one  of  the  four  from  the  Island. 

As  to  cattle,  which  Daniel  Wright  could  not  sell,  we  must  do 
as  well  as  we  can  with  them.     I  shall  not  send  them  back  to 
Brighton.     Some  of  the  best  we  must  feed  a  little,  with  salt-hay, 
turnips,  &c — sell  to  anybody,  that  will  buy. 
Look  out  for  Kelp.     You  have  teams  enough. 

Yours 
^^^  D.  W. 

(To  Porter  Wright.) 

BOSTON  Monday  Morn'g.  8  oclock — Dec.  49 
Porter 

It  is  rainy,  &  has  been  snowing,  and  the  wind,  so  far  as  I  can 
see,  is  East.  I  suppose  you  will  not  think  it  a  proper  day  for 
killing  the  cattle,  &  I  shall  not  go  down  till  it  clears,  &  the  sun 
gets  out  again.  If  tomorrow  morning  be  fair  look  for  me  by  the 
early  Kingston  train. 

My  notion  is ; 


682  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

That  the  poor-house  man  will  take  (one)  of  the  Phillips  oxen — 
Then,  fill  my  two  small  high  tubs,  with  the  best  pieces  of  the 
other  Phillips  ox,  &  with  some  pieces  from  one  of  the  other  oxen. 
This  I  want  put  up  in  the  very  best  manner,  with  salt,  saltpetre, 
&  sugar. 

If  it  turns  out  (to)  be  right,  three  months  hence  we  may  be 
able  to  sell,  at  that  time,  one  pair  of  the  fat  oxen — 

Then,  there  must  be  some  beef,  salted,  for  Mr.  Baker's  use,  & 
a  piece  to  hang  up  fresh. 

The  same  for  Fletcher's  people,  to  use  this  winter.  Of  course 
this  need  not  be  of  the  best  pieces. 

Then  put  up  what  you  want  for  the  Cottage,  &  be  sure  to  put 
up  enough,  &  put  it  up  well.  Remember,  that  for  the  two  last 
years,  our  beef  has  not  turned  out  first  rate.  You  must  all  do 
your  best  this  year — 

Then  after  the  Cottage  is  supplied,  let  the  rest  go  to  the 
workmen,  or  neighbors,  giving  the  workmen  the  first  offer. 

As  to  salt.  There  are  sent  down  30  bushels  of  Turk's  Island 
Salt,  which  looks  well.  And  20  Bushels  of  Trapney,  which  is 
said  to  be  good  for  beef.  Trapney  is  an  Island,  I  believe  within 
the  Straits —  The  Salt  is  said  to  be  better  than  that  of  St. 
Uber —  And  I  learn  in  the  market  that  many  people  now  prefer 
Turk's  Island,  for  beef  as  well  as  pork —  But  I  think  it  will  be 
well  to  try  the  Trapney.  You  might,  if  you  choose,  put  a  little 
Turk's  Island  with  it — 

I  have  written  this,  lest  you  should  need  directions,  before  I 
get  down- —  But  it  is  most  probable  that  I  shall  go  down  to 
morrow,  if  not  this  Eve'.  Send  for  me,  as  soon  as  it  is  fair 

Yrs  D.  W. 

I  shall  want  to  see  Mr.  Ames  very  much — 


(To  John  Taylor.) 

APRIL  8.  (1850?)— 
Dear  Sir 

I  should  be  glad  to  carry  out  our  whole  plan  of  farming,  but 
if  labor  is  too  high,  we  must  cut  short.  I  cannot  think  of  giving 
16  or  17  Dollars  a  month.  Crops  will  not  pay  for  labor  at  this 
rate.  I  am  willing  to  give  as  much  as  we  have  given  hereto 
fore  ;  &,  on  the  whole,  must  leave  the  matter  pretty  much  to  your- 
discretion. 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  683 

As  to  potatoes,  if  you  conclude  to  go  on,  &  make  a  field,  you 
must  look  up  the  seed.  You  know  I  told  you  to  get  some  of  Gov. 
Hill.  He  calls  them  York  reds.  There  is  nothing  quite  so 
good  as  the  Mercers;  &  perhaps  you  will  be  obliged  to  go  to 
Boston  to  get  them.  We  have  none  to  spare  at  Marshfield. 

I  enclose  you  $80 — in  Bank  notes.  If  you  need  more  money 
before  I  get  home  you  may  sell  50  bushels  of  corn —  Keep  all 
the  rest,  &  all  the  oats.  If  you  don't  find  good  grass  seed  at 
hand,  you  may  send  an  order  to  "Joseph  Breck  Esq,  Agricul 
tural  Warehouse,  Boston — "  I  will  write  to  him  to  answer  all 
your  calls. 

I  send  you  several  parcels  of  garden  seeds.  Keep  what  you 
want,  &  give  some  to  the  neighbors —  You  might  leave  some  of 
the  parcels  with  Mr.  Nesmith,  or  Mr.  Ladd,  or  Mr.  Colburn, 
&c.  at  the  village  for  general  distribution.  I  do  not  know  how 
good  they  are. 

D.  W. 


(To  Porter  Wright.) 

WASHINTON,  Nov.  28.  '50. 
Thanksgiv'g  morn'g,  1/2  past  5  O  clock. 
Porter  Wright 

I  am  glad  you  have  got  some  kelp,  &  hope  more  may  come 
ashore. 

I  suppose  it  is  as  well  to  kill  the  hogs,  or  most  of  them  now; 
but  I  have  some  mind  to  keep  two  of  the  largest  till  January, 
&  see  what  they  will  come  to.  We  have  never  kept  any  of  this 
stock  till  they  had  fairly  got  their  growth.  They  might  be 
kept  in  the  Piggery.  If  you  see  no  objection  to  this,  let  it  be  so. 
Pork  may  be  worth  more  in  January  than  it  is  now. 

I  wish  a  half  barrel  of  nice  pork  to  be  sent  to  Mrs.  Blatchford, 
some  of  it  in  thick  pieces,  &  some  in  thinner.  You  will  of  course 
fill  my  tub,  &  may  also  save  a  few  butt  ends,  in  case  they  should 
be  needed.  I  suppose  it  will  be  best  to  let  the  hands  have  what 
they  want;  but  six  Dollars,  seems  very  low,  for  pork  so  well 
fatted  on  sound  corn.  If  you  keep  two  till  January,  it  will 
probably  be  best  to  send  them  to  Boston.  I  must  leave  these 
things  very  much  to  your  judgment. — 

It  is  time,  also,  I  presume  to  slaughter  the  Beef  cattle,  or  dis 
pose  of  them.  Be  sure  to  keep  beef  enough  for  cottage  use. 


684  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

The  Stevens  oxen  must  be  fed  longer,  &  until  they  get  quite 
fat.  What  will  be  wanted  for  my  tub  &  Fletcher's  will  come  out 
of  them.  And  I  think  I  will  have  a  1/2  barrell  lightly  salted,  & 
sent  on  here.  I  can  write  about  that,  hereafter. — 

All  the  things  have  arrived,  and  in  uncommon  good  order. 
We  are  all  well  here.  Mrs.  W.  will  be  here  next  week. 

Yrs 
DANL  WEBSTER 

You  have  done  very  well,  as  to  ploughing.  But  the  weather 
is  still  so  mild,  that  I  should  not  be  surprised  to  hear  the  ploughs 
were  going  again. 


(From  John  Taylor.) 

SUNDAY  EAV.  Franklin  May  the  2d,  1852. — 
Mr.  Webster 
Dear  Sir 

*  *  *  Last  Friday — the  last  day  of  April — I  drove  50, 
hed  of  Cattle  up,  and  Turned  them  into  the  Punch  Brook  Paster. 
When  we  let  them  out  of  there  Several  yards,  whear  thay  had 
Bin  shet  up  for  six  months,  it  was  a  great  site  to  behold,  runing 
&,  bellering,  I  never  saw  creatures  appear  to  be  so  happy,  they 
Run  nearly  all  the  way  up  The  sand  hill,  and  cept  runing  til 
they  reached  the  parster  gait — yesterday  I  drawd  up  6,  hundred 
of  hay  to  them,  but  they  would  not  Eat  it.  they  ware  all  ful  &, 
bright.  I  shal  not  carry  them  any  more  hay,  unless,  we  have 
another  cold  storm. 

I  am,  Sir,  Your  most  obedient  servant. 

JOHN  TAYI.OB 

(To  David  Tomlinson.) 

MARSHFIELD  11  May  1852. 
Dr  Sir, 

It  is  very  kind  of  you  to  send  me  a  few  sprouted  chestnuts.  I 
value  the  gift  &  thank  you  for  it.  I  have  on  my  farm  most  sorts 
of  trees  which  the  climate  will  bear,  but  as  it  happens,  I  have  not 
one  good  chestnut  tree.  Your  present,  therefore,  has  come  in 
good  time.  If  any  tree  should  be  produced  from  these  nuts,  I 
shall  call  them  the  Tomlinson  chestnuts. 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  685 

Owing  to  an  accident  which  has  much  affected  the  use  of  my 
hands  &  arms,  for  the  present,  I  do  not  write  without  much  diffi 
culty,  but  I  make  an  effort  to  sign  this  letter  with  my  own  hand. 

Your  obliged  brother  farmer  &  fellow  citizen. 

DANL  WEBSTER. 


(To  Porter  Wright.1) 

Porter  Wright  WASHINGTON,  June  1,  1852. 

I  received  your  letter  at  New  York,  and  was  glad  to  hear,  that 
Mr.  Weston  was  getting  better.  Tell  him  not  to  work  too  hard ; 
if  he  should  be  laid  up  we  should  be  half  ruined.  Remind  him 
of  the  new  sills  to  the  cow-barn.  Summer  is  coming  on  at  a  full 
gallop.  You  will  very  soon  need  a  place  for  your  hay.  I  wish 
Mr.  Weston  to  employ  all  the  help  he  needs,  and  to  be  in  time 
with  every  thing.  I  think  more  of  his  head  than  of  his  hands. 

You  appear  to  have  got  along  wonderfully  well  in  planting, 
and  all  must  now  be  left  to  Providence ;  you  will  of  course  write 
me  weekly,  or  oftner,  and  ask  further  directions  if  such  be 
needed.  Take  care  not  to  work  too  hard  yourself.  It  is  quite 
as  much  as  you  ought  to  do,  to  superintend  others. 

If  the  season  is  good,  I  wish  to  do  our  very  best  for  turnips. 
Remember  the  two  acres  near  the  Mason  gate  [grew]  great  tur 
nips  with  the  help  of  Ezra  Wright's  manure  heap. 

We  all  arrived  here  safe  last  Saturday  evening,  being  the  29th 
inst.  and  found  the  household  all  well. 

I  am  quite  well  except  my  hands  and  I  use  them  as  little  as 
possible. 

Yours  truly 

DANL  WEBSTER 

June  2,  Yrs  of  29,  rec'd  this  morning. 


(To  Porter  Wright.) 

Porter  Wright.  WASHINGTON  June,  9"  1852. 

I  expect  a  letter  from  you  to  day,  but  having  a  word  to  say 
I  say  it  this  morning,  before  people  are  stirring. 

I  expect  to  be  in  Marshfield  before  the  month  is  out,  and 

1  Dictated  to  G.  J.  Abbott. 


686  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

among  other  things  necessary  to  be  done,  one  is,  to  put  all  the 
boats  in  order,  Mr.  Hatch  must  go  up  and  bring  down  the  Lap 
wing,  and  the  small  boats  must  be  repaired  and  painted,  and  all 
that  is  necessary  done,  with  sails,  oars,  cables,  and  anchors.  The 
boat-house  must  be  whitewashed  and  useless  rubbish  cleared  out  of 
it.  The  road  leading  down  to  it  must  be  a  little  repaired.  Gates 
put  in  order  &c. —  Do  not  forget  to  cut  up  the  little  cedar 
bushes,  in  the  lower  part  of  the  Baker  field. 

Are  you  well  supplied  with  Turnip  seed.  If  not  you  must  go 
to  Mr.  Breck.  Be  sure  to  get  the  best  sorts.  For  Swedes  I 
suppose  Skirving's  purple  top,  such  as  we  have  used  is  the  best. 
Of  the  White  Turnips,  I  suppose  the  Pomeranian  Globe  may  be 
the  best,  although  there  are  other  good  sorts  of  Globe  Turnips. 

You  must  consult  Mr.  Breck  about  this,  and  perhaps  Mr. 
Morrison  can  have  something  useful  to  say.  I  hope  to  see  some 
thing  rather  extra  on  the  two  acres  by  the  Mason  gates — 

We  are  all  well,  &  trust  you  are  well  at  Marshfield.  If,  before 
I  get  home,  you  see  any  appearance  of  the  return  of  hard  heads 
upon  the  shore,  let  me  know. 

Yr  friend 

DANI,  WEBSTER 

(From  John  Taylor.) 

Mr  Webster.  FRANKLIN  Sept  16th.  1852. 

Dear  Sir 

I  arrived  Home  last  Eavning,  at  4.  O'clock,  my  wife  was 
fritend  to  See  me  come  home  a  Live,  she  thought  I  must  of  bin 
kild, —  She  scent  Two  teligraphs  after  me,  I  got  home  be 
fore  she  had  Received  an  anser  from  eather,  Tenn  years  ago 
my  Wife  Opened  one  of  my  Letters  Which  she  received,  I  was  at 
Brighton  at  the  time,  When  I  got  home — I  told  her  That  She 
must  not,  never  Open  my  Letters  in  my  Absence,  in  openening 
the  Letter  which  you  wrote  me  the  13th  my  Wife  thought  that  I 
must  be — Ded. 

Last  Saturday  &  Sunday  ware  Two  verry  rany  days  here.  I 
think  the  Cattle  will  do  Well  here  til  Mr  Webster  comes  Up,  the 
Poltery  yarrd  will  Be  finished  this  week, 

as  well, 
I  am,  Sir,  Your  most  obedient  Servant, 

JOHN  TAYLOR 
I  Bought  me  a  Larrg  Box  of  fish  In,  Boston, 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  687 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

FEIDAY  28 


Dear  Fletcher, 

I  reed  your  letter,  about  the  Illinois  land  —  quite  well  written  — 
Those  farms  are  valuable  —  &  I  shall  not  sacrifice  them.     I 
hope  to  get  along,  without  disturbing  their  condition,  at  all,  at 
present.  —     I  hope  we  shall  all  live  out  all  our  days  !  yet. 
Yrs  D.  W. 


(To  John  Taylor.) 

(M.  SEP.  5.) 
Dr  Sir 

We  had  up  our  5  yoke  of  4>  yr  old  steers,  today,  &  measured 
them. —  The  smallest  girted  6  ft.  7  inches,  the  largest  6  ft.  11 
inches.  The  black  steer  and  his  mate  went  6  ft.  9  inches. 

If  you  get  in  the  rye,  this  week  &  all  necessary  things  done, 
you  may  come  down  the  early  part  of  next  week,  leaving  Henry 
to  take  the  lead  &  go  ahead  with  the  men. 
Let  me  hear  from  you. 

D.  W. 

(To  John  Taylor.) 

Dr  Sir  (JAN-  6)' 

I  am  glad  to  learn  that  you  are  all  well,  &  doing  well. 
I  cannot  buy  Mr  Farewell's  oxen.  Money  is  too  scarce.  Be 
sides,  it  is  not  good  management  to  exchange  young  cattle  for 
old.  The  growth  is  loss,  when  that  is  done —  We  can  get  you 
something  to  do  the  work  in  the  spring.  I  hope  to  hear  from 
you,  regularly. 

D.  W. 

(To  John  Taylor.  ?) 
Dear  Sir 

We  must  have  a  larder,  which  you  may  as  well  be  mak'g,  when 
you  cannot  get  out  doors. 

— It  may  be  an  Octogon — about  10  or  12  feet  in  diameter — & 
as  many  high — &  then  a  roof  to  turn  the  rain —  It  should  be 
paved,  a  little  higher  than  the  earth,  so  that  water  will  drain  off.— 

There  must  be  windows,  with  Shutters  of  coarse  wire — as  well 
as  with  glass. —  The  object  will  be  to  admit  the  air  when  neces- 


688  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

sary — but  to  be  able  to  shut  out  the  sun,  &  the  flies  &  mosquitos — 
Plan  a  little  someth'g,  &  knock  out  the  stuff —     I  shall  see 

you  before  March  is  out. 

Yrs  D.  W. 

Any  lambs  or  calves  yet? 


(To  John  Taylor.) 

Dear  Mr  Taylor,  BoSTON  SeP«  30  Tuesday- 

I  have  a  subsoil  plough,  to  be  sent  to  you,  by  the  cars  to  Con 
cord. —  Let  it  follow  the  other  plough  6  or  8  inches  deep — 
Mr.  Calef  understood  the  idea —  Push  it  through  all  the  potatoe 
ground  in  the  meadow — &  next  year  you  will  not  want  for  po 
tatoes —  Let  this  be  done  exactly  &  no  mistake 

I  got  home  well.  Henry  went  to  Marshfield  this  forenoon. 
I  follow  this  afternoon. 

Your  friend 

D  WEBSTER 

(To  Porter  Wright.) 

SATURDAY  MOR'G. 
Dear  Sir, 

It  will  be  some  days  before  I  can  come  down  to  Marshfield.  If 
other  business  will  allow,  I  want  you  to  try  the  muscles.  I  should 
like  to  have  some  spread,  pretty  thick,  on  the  east  side  of  the 
fence,  proposed  to  be  ploughed,  over  by  the  great  rocks,  & 
ploughed  in —  Let  the  piece  run  the  whole  length,  from  fence, 
&  be  as  wide  as  you  can  get  muscles —  If  this  weather  holds,  I 
hope  you  will  be  able  to  do  someth'g. 

Yrs 

D.  WEBSTER 

(To  Porter  Wright.) 

Porter- BOSTON,  Thursday  Morning. 

Mr  Bartlett,  the  double  Ploughman,  wishes  us  to  try  the 
plough,  last  sent,  on  some  land  already  broken  up,  with  a  pair 
of  horses. 


THE    FARMER    OF    MARSHFIELD  689 

If  the  weather  is  good,  and  the  land  in  order,  I  wish  you  to 
try  this,  next  Saturday :  either  on  the  corn  field,  near  Fletcher's, 
or  on  the  Potato  field. 

Let  the  horses  be  in  good  condition,  and  work  8  hours. 

If  it  cannot  be  done  on  Saturday,  it  must  be  put  off  till  Tues 
day. 

The  bouts  will  be  rather  short,  in  the  field  near  Fletcher's. 

If  you  take  a  piece  in  the  Potato  field,  it  might  be  well  to 
clear  off  the  tops. 

Yours, 
==^  D.  W. 

(To  Porter  Wright.) 

AUGUST  27 
Porter  Wright 

I  wish  Mr  Ames  to  buy  me  30  yearlings,  or  two  year  old  steers, 
or  part  of  each  age;  and  rather  prefer  some  of  each.  When 
purchased,  I  wish  him  to  mark  them,  with  a  W —  If  he  wants 
money  he  may  draw  on  me,  at  5  days  sight,  and  send  the  Bill  to 
me,  wherever  I  may  be.  His  draft,  or  Commission,  or  compensa 
tion  in  any  way,  will  be  promptly  paid.  You  know  what  kind 
of  cattle  we  want ;  not  very  expensive,  or  fancy  animals,  but  fair, 
tolerably  large,  and  growthy  steers.  I  care  little  about  pairs,  or 
matches;  but  do  not  want  any  mean  things. 

I  am  quite  willing  you  should  employ  the  man,  with  the  ma 
chine  to  thrash  grain,  if  you  think  best. 

We  shall  lose  something  in  the  straw,  but  you  have  so  much 
work  to  do,  I  think  the  grain  may  as  well  be  thrashed  by  the 
machine. 

I  hope  this  cool  and  dry  weather  will  help  save  the  potatos. 

Yours 

D.  W. 


'g  intellectual  31ntere$t& 


JL  HE  ready  interest  that  Webster  always  manifested  m  all 
manner  of  intellectual  pursuits  is  shown  in  his  public  speeches 
and  published  letters.  There  was  nothing  narrow  in  his  whole 
mental  make-up.  Only  two  subjects  would  occur  to  one  trying 
to  think  of  the  deficiencies  in  Webster's  general  culture.  One 
looks  in  vain  for  any  evidence  that  he  cared  for  music  or  art. 
He  had  the  keenest  appreciation  for  the  beauty  in  natural  objects, 
and  a  love  for  the  pleasing  out-of-door  sounds,  but  the  themes 
of  art  and  music  never  were  touched  by  the  pen  that  ventured' 
upon  almost  every  other  phase  of  human  interest.  He  loved 
poetry,  even  dabbled  in  it  himself,  in  his  early  days,  as  we  have 
seen  in  the  "Fragments  Concerning  His  Early  Life."  We  can 
find  plenty  of  evidence  of  his  love  of  Shakespeare  and  of  Milton. 
There  have  been  preserved  among  his  papers  many  notes  on 
matters  of  pure  literature.  Nevertheless  his  mind  was  essentially 
practical;  more  likely  to  expend  its  energy  upon  utilitarian 
things. 

The  letters  and  papers  here  presented  show  his  interest  in  pop 
ular  education,  industrial,  technical  and  mechanical  education, 
and  in  scientific  contributions  of  the  more  practical  nature.  He 
regarded  political  economy  as  "solemn  commonplace"  in  a  great 
part,  and  thought  their  rules  "fail  in  their  application."  In 
his  talk  about  college  life  he  advances  interesting  ideas  upon  the 
object  of  education  and  his  theory  of  attaining  it. 

Probably  nothing  is  so  characteristic  of  the  man  on  his  literary 
side  as  the  letter  by  Abbott,  his  amanuensis,  which  tells  of  the> 
vast  literary  plans  of  his  master.  The  great  mind  wandering 
over  the  fields  of  thought  found  alluring  themes  on  every  side. 
The  plans  floated  easily  in  the  massive  head,  but  the  physical 
energy,  the  tireless  patience,  and  the  sacrifice  of  the  world  that 
would  have  been  necessary  to  carry  out  the  details  were  wanting. 
He  loved  too  well  to  feel  his  power  over  men,  and  to  get  the  im 
mediate  returns  for  efforts  made.  He  could  put  forth  a  giant's 
strength  for  an  hour  or  a  day,  but  he  had  not  the  tough  endur- 

[690] 


INTELLECTUAL    INTERESTS  691 

ance  of  the  writer  of  literary  monuments.  In  his  plan  of  a  his 
tory  we  have  a  proposed  work  as  pretentious  as  that  of  Gibbon, 
but  he  never  would  have  carried  it  out,  had  he  been  granted  the 
longevity  of  Methuseleh.  True,  his  collected  speeches  make  an 
impressive  monument,  but,  if  we  examine  it,  we  shatt  find  it  an 
aggregation  of  smaller  productions  rather  than  a  massive  unity 
— a  pyramid  rather  than  an  obelisk. 

He  always  took  a  great  interest  m  historical  literature,  and 
seemed  especially  impressed  with  the  political  value  of  a  broad 
dissemination  of  our  national  history,  and  of  monuments  to  com 
memorate  great  historical  events. 

Little  is  given  here  of  his  interesting  descriptions  of  travel.1 
I  have,  however,  listed  the  letters  of  the  Private  Correspondence, 
which  contain  these  essays.  He  was  an  alert  traveler  and  thereby 
gained  much  both  of  knowledge  and  of  culture. 


(To  James  W.  Page.) 

SARATOGA,  Sunday  morning 

[July  10,  1825] 
Dr  Wm. 

We  came  here  yesterday,  from  Albany.  As  at  present  ar 
ranged  the  rout  is  pleasant.  A  coach  brought  us  nine  mile — 
We  then  entered  a  canal  packet  boat — ascended  three  or  four 
locks,  &  came  along  through  a  country  of  very  good  scenery  nine 
or  ten  miles,  where  we  left  the  canal,  &  were  brought  here  in  a 
carriage.  We  had  an  opportunity  of  seeing  the  junction  of  the 
Western  &  Northern  canals,  &  the  passage  of  the  former  over 
the  Mohawk  river,  in  what  they  call  an  acqueduct.  The  river 
here  is  about  400  yrds  wide — stone  piers  are  erected  &  on  them 
a  plank  canal  is  made,  large  enough  for  the  usual  boats  &c  We 
saw  also  the  falls  called  the  Cohoes.  At  Ballston  we  stopped  but 
a  few  minutes,  our  Ladies  think  that  the  Saratoga  waters  would 
suit  their  complaints  better.  This  morning  they  have  drank  not 
a  little  from  the  Congress  Spring —  There  is  said  to  be  more 
company  here  than  is  usual  for  the  season.  We  shall  probably 
stay  till  Tuesday —  At  Utica  we  expect  letters  from  you.  I 
hope  to  get  a  copy  of  my  speech,2  somewhere  along.  I  do  not 

1  The  letter  to  McGaw,  October  11,  1828,  found  among  the  religious  letters, 
contains  some  interesting  comments. 
9  The  First  Bunker  Hill  Address. 


692  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

know  what  is  the  nearest  Postoffice  to  Niagara  Falls,  on  the 
American  side —  Some  of  the  Gentlemen  who  have  been  there 
can  tell  you.  I  shall  inquire  for  letters  at  Lewiston,  &  at  Black 
rock,  unless  I  hear  from  you  at  Canandaigua  that  you  write  to 
some  other  place.  I  shall  also  inquire  at  the  nearest  P.  Office. 

Mrs  W.  has  told  you,  I  suppose,  all  about  Catskill  Mountains. 
We  professed  to  wish  that  you  &  Mr.  Mrs.  Blake  had  been  there 
with  us.  She  says  she  has  today  no  particular  commission  to 
charge  you  with. 

I  pray  you  remember  me  to  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Blake.  I  trust  the 
lady  has  recovered  her  voice,  &  wish  they  were  setting  out  with 
us  for  Niagara. 

Love  to  the  children 

Yrs  D.  W. 

(To  Jared  Sparks.1) 

February  4,  1826. 

*  *  *  It  will  give  me  true  pleasure  to  aid  you  in  your  in 
tended  collection  of  General  Washington's  works,  in  any  and  all 
ways  in  my  power.  Judge  Story  has  not  yet  arrived,  but  we 
expect  him  this  eve.  I  will  have  an  early  conversation  with  him 
on  the  subject.  I  think  your  proposed  work  one  of  great  impor 
tance,  and  which  you  could  so  execute  as  to  do  yourself  great 
credit.  *  *  * 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 


(To  Mr.  Hope.2) 

My  Dear  Sir  BOSTON  Jan.  12.  '49 

The  bearer  of  this,  Revd.  John  Miller,  of  New  Jersey,  is  a 
Gentleman  of  character,  &  science,  who  proposes  to  spend  some 
months,  in  Edenburgh,  in  the  prosecution  of  his  studies. 

He  is  interested  in  the  Department,  which  is  distinguished  by 
Sir  Wm  Hamilton's  labors;  and  is  desirous,  also,  of  witnessing 
the  order  &  arrangement  of  the  Scotch  Universities. —  The 
shortest  line  from  you  to  Sir  Wm,  or  to  some  Gentleman  in  the 
University,  will  be  a  great  favor  to  him,  &  will  quite  oblige  me. 

1  Taken  from  Sparks'  "Life  and  Writings,"  vol.  i,  p.  402.  Daniel  Webster 
was  then  a  member  of  the  House  of  Representatives  for  Massachusetts. 

4  Addressed  to  Hon.  Mr.  Hope,  Lord  of  Sessions.  This  letter  is  owned 
by  Mr.  Charles  Roberts,  of  Philadelphia. 


INTELLECTUAL    INTERESTS 

Fondly  cherishing  the  recollection  of  a  former  short  acquaint 
ance,  &  with  sentiments  of  the  most  sincere  regard, 
I  am,  Dear  Sir, 

Yours  cordially 

DANL  WEBSTER 

(To  Samuel  N.  Sweet.1) 

Dear  Sir  WASHINGTON,  December  31st,  1849. 

I  have  had  very  frequent  occasions  to  answer  the  same  inquiry 
as  that  which  you  propose  to  me  in  your  letter  of  the  26th  of 
this  month.2  The  speech  to  which  you  refer  is  my  composition. 
The  Congress  of  the  Revolution  sat  with  closed  doors,  and  there 
is  no  report  of  the  speeches  of  members  on  adopting  the  Declara 
tion  of  Independence.  We  only  know  that  John  Adams  spoke  in 
favor  of  the  measure  with  his  usual  power  and  fervor.  In  a  let 
ter,  written  from  Philadelphia  soon  after  the  Declaration  was 
made  he  said  it  was  an  event  which  would  be  celebrated  in  time  to 
come  by  bonfires,  illuminations,  and  other  modes  of  public  re 
joicing.  And  on  the  day  of  his  death,  hearing  the  ringing  of 
bells,  he  asked  the  occasion,  and  being  told  that  it  was  the  4th 
of  July,  and  that  the  bells  were  ringing  for  Independence,  he 
exclaimed,  "Independence  forever!"  These  expressions  were 
used,  in  composing  the  speech,  as  being  characteristic  of  the  man, 
his  sentiments,  and  his  manner  of  speech  and  elocution.  All  the 
rest  is  mine. 

With  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Rev.  A.  Potter.3) 

My  Dear  Sir  WEDNESDAY  MORNING 

I  send  you  Mr  Turner's  book.     There  is  much  in  it,  which  a 

mere  general  scholar  will  be  disposed  to  pass  over  hastily;  but 

the  latter  part  of  the  first,  &  the  whole  of  the  second  volume,  I 

think  interesting. 

So  is  the  account  of  the  population  of  Europe,  in  the  com- 

1  This  letter  is  printed  in  Lanman's  "  Life  of  Webster,"  p.  154-. 

8  Asking  if  John  Adams  really  made  the  speech  which  Webster  put  in  his 
mouth  in  the  oration  on  Adams  and  Jefferson. 

3  Addressed  to  Rev.  A.  Potter,  Chestnut  Street  (probably  Philadelphia). 
This  letter  belongs  to  Mr.  Charles  Roberts,  of  Philadelphia. 


694  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

mencement  of  the  work.  This  seems  to  me  the  best  thing  I  have 
seen,  on  that  difficult  subject — the  dispersion  of  mankind  over 
the  earth — 

Yrs  very  truly 

D.  WEBSTER 

(To  Dr.  Warren.1  ?) 

I  am  about  to  state  to  you  a  fact,  for  the  cause  of  which  you 
may  inquire  of  the  learned.  Three  or  four  hours  yesterday,  I 
stood  on  my  feet,  shaking  hands  incessently  with  visitors,  and  of 
course,  always  shaking  with  the  right  hand,  my  left  hand  having 
nothing  to  do,  all  the  while,  but  hang  down  quietly.  At  the  close 
of  this  labor,  my  right  arm  and  hand,  felt  no  fatigue  or  pain, 
but  severe  pain  affected  my  left  arm,  from  the  shoulder  to  the 
ends  of  the  fingers.  I  do  not  quite  understand  this.  I  am  aware 
that  nerves  go  off  in  pairs,  from  the  spine  to  the  limbs,  and  that 
such  is  the  sympathy  of  the  system,  that  what  affects  one  pair,  is 
apt  to  affect  the  corresponding  pair  on  the  other  side.  But  how 
the  right  arm  &  hand,  which  went  through  the  heat  of  the  en 
gagement,  should  suffer  little  or  nothing,  while  the  left  arm  & 
hand,  which  were  non  comb'ants  should  suffer  so  much,  a  good 
deal  puzzles  me.  I  have  experienced  the  same  thing  frequently 
before,  but  on  those  occasions,  have  supposed  the  cause  to  be  the 
holding  of  my  hat  in  my  left  hand  for  a  long  time,  for  such  hold 
ing,  you  know,  will  fatigue  the  arm.  But  yesterday  my  left  arm 
and  hand,  had  no  such  hat  to  hold.  They  seem  to  think  that 
their  fellows  on  the  other  side,  were  worse  off  than  they  really 
were,  &  this  apprehension,  seems  to  have  produced  great  uneasi 
ness,  &  sympathetic  pain. 


(Memorandum.2) 

This  is  a  coin  of  Wm  &  Mary —  Sometimes,  or  on  some  coins, 
both  both  faces  were  on  one  side,  cheek  by  Jole —  Hence  Green, 
in  his  poem  on  Spleen,  says 

— "of  Kitty,  aunt  left  in  the  lurch, 
On  grave  pretence  to  go  to  churcli, 
Espied  in  hack,  with  lover  fine, 
LiJce  Will.  <§*  Mary  on  the  com." 

1  This  is  a  dictated  unfinished  letter  of  Daniel  Webster. 

2  In  Daniel  Webster's  hand. 


INTELLECTUAL    INTERESTS  695 

(From  Timothy  Pickering.1) 

BOSTON,  July  19,  1826. 
Dear  Sir, 

Yesterday  I  received  from  my  son  Octavius  a  letter  informing 
me  that  you  wished  to  see  the  original  letter  from  Mr.  John 
Adams,2  referred  to  in  my  prefatory  remarks  to  reading  the 
Declaration  of  Independence,  three  years  ago,  and  the  remarks 
also :  both  are  inclosed.  And  for  the  more  precise  understanding 
of  Mr.  Adams'  letter,  I  also  inclose  the  copy  of  mine,  to  which 
it  is  an  answer,  and  of  my  reply,  making  my  acknowledgments 
for  that  answer.  Of  all  these  papers  I  pray  you  to  take  par 
ticular  care,  and  to  return  them  to  me  by  my  son,  or  other  safe 
hand,  when  you  shall  have  done  with  them. 

All  unpleasant  feelings  towards  Mr.  Adams,  had  ceased  long 
before  the  occurrence  of  the  above  mentioned  correspondence.  A 
subsequent  event  obliged  me,  in  my  own  vindication,  to  expose 
publicly  his  faults.  Still  I  view,  as  I  have  always  viewed  him, 
as  a  man  of  eminent  talents,  zealously,  courageously  &  faithfully 
exerted  in  effecting  the  Independence  of  the  Thirteen  United  Col 
onies:  and  I  believe  that  he,  more  than  any  other  individual, 
roused  and  prepared  the  minds  of  his  fellow  citizens  to  decide 
positively  and  timely  that  greatest  revolutionary  question. 
Very  respectfully,  I  am,  dear  Sir, 
Your  obedt.  Servt, 

T.  PICKERING. 

(To  Jared  Sparks.9) 

OCTOBER.  12,  1826 

*  *  *  "I  have  read  Mr.  Cardozo's  book,  and  looked  into 
McCulloch ;  but  the  field  spread  out  so  wide  before  me  that  I  gave 
up  the  idea  of  entering  upon  it  with  any  view  of  writing.  A  great 
part  of  Mr.  Cardozo's  notes  are  taken  up  in  commenting  on 
Smith  and  Ricardo.  The  very  statement  of  the  questions  in 

1  The  services  of  T.  Pickering  as  a  patriot  in  the  Revolution  are  well  known. 
He  was  Adjutant-General,  a  member  of  the  Continental  Board  of  War,  and 
finally  Quartermaster-General  during  the  Revolution.  He  was  Postmaster- 
General  and  Secretary  of  War  under  Washington  and  finally  Secretary  of 
State.  Later  he  was  Senator  from  Massachusetts. 

a  About  this  time  Webster  was  preparing  for  his  Adams  and  Jefferson 
oration,  delivered  August  2,  1826. 

*  Taken  from  Sparks'  "Life  and  Writings,"  vol.  i,  p.  272. 


696  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

difference  between  him  and  them,  so  as  to  be  intelligible  to  gen 
eral  readers,  would  occupy  the  space  of  a  short  article.  I  must 
confess,  morover,  that  there  is  a  great  deal  of  solemn  common 
place,  and  a  great  deal  also  of  a  kind  of  metaphysics,  in  all  or 
most  of  the  writers  on  these  subjects.1  There  is  no  science  that 
needs  more  to  be  cleared  from  mists  than  that  of  political  econ 
omy.  If  we  turn  our  eyes  from  books  to  things,  from  specula 
tion  to  fact,  we  often,  I  think,  perceive  that  the  definitions  and 
the  rules  of  these  writers  fail  in  their  application.  If  I  live  long 
enough,  I  intend  to  print  my  own  thoughts  (not,  however,  in  any 
more  bulky  form  than  a  speech,  or  an  article  in  the  'North  Ameri 
can')  on  one  or  two  of  the  topics  discussed  by  Mr.  Cardozo. 
But  when  that  leisure  day,  necessary  even  to  so  small  an  affort, 
may  come,  is  more  than  I  can  say.  *  *  * 

D.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Albert  Picket  et  al.2) 

f,     .,  WASHINGTON  Jany.  3d.  1835 

Gentlemen, 

I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  13th  of  December. 

Entertaining  the  deepest  conviction  of  the  utility  and  necessity 
of  popular  Education,  and  feeling  the  most  sincere  and  grateful 
respect  for  those,  who,  in  the  capacity  of  teachers,  devote  their 
labors  and  lives  to  that  great  object,  it  would  give  me  true  pleas 
ure  to  comply  with  your  request,  if  existing  duties  and  engage 
ments  would  allow.  But  I  cannot  flatter  myself  with  the  hope  of 
being  able  to  visit  the  West,  in  the  Autumn  of  this  year. 

If  I  should  again  have  the  gratification  of  being  in  Ohio, 
which  I  very  much  desire,  it  must  be  in  the  spring,  in  conse 
quence  of  the  nature  of  my  private  and  professional  engage 
ments  at  home. 

I  proffer  to  you  Gentlemen,  my  most  cordial  good  wishes ;  my 
most  zealous  cooperation  and  service,  in  whatever  I  may  be  use 
ful  to  your  association ;  and  pray  you  to  believe  that  it  is  with  no 
common  degree  of  regret,  that  I  find  myself  obliged  to  decline  the 
honor  which  you  have  tendered  to  me.3 

With  much  personal  regard 

[D.  WEBSTER] 

1  See  "Private  Correspondence  of  Daniel  Webster,"  vol.  i,  p.  500. 
*  Committee  of  a  Teachers'  Association  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 
8  This  letter  is  from  a  draft  in  Daniel  Webster's  hand. 


INTELLECTUAL    INTERESTS  697 

(To  Daniel  P.  K'mg.1 ) 

BOSTON  May  30  1835. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  received  a  good  while  ago  your  address  at  the  Celebration  of 
the  Lexington  Battle  in  Danvers  which  you  were  so  good  as  to 
send  me,  together  with  the  very  kind  letter  which  accompanied  it, 
and  I  must  not  omit,  even  at  this  late  hour,  to  express  my  thanks 
for  the  great  pleasure  I  have  received  from  its  perusal. 

The  scenes  described  in  your  Address  are  always  full  of  inter 
est  to  the  mind  of  an  American,  but  they  receive  an  additional 
charm,  when  presented  to  our  view  along  with  so  many  most  ex 
citing  reminiscences  of  former  times,  as  you  have  given  us.  One 
feels  transported  back  to  the  period  when  these  occurrences  were 
not  History  but  present  realities.  It  is  well  that  the  events  and 
characters  of  the  Revolution  should  often  be  brought  to  the 
minds  of  this  generation.  It  will  help  to  keep  alive  those  sacred 
principles,  which,  as  you  truly  remark,  lay  at  the  foundation  of 
the  Revolutionary  struggle.  But,  My  Dear  Sir,  your  Address 
needs  no  aid  from  the  nature  of  the  subject  to  give  it  interest. 
Its  own  merits,  apart  from  anything  extrinsic,  will  sufficiently 
commend  it  to  the  favorable  attention  of  the  reader.  For  one,  I 
can  assure  you  I  have  received  very  great  satisfaction  from  its 
pages.  I  cannot  express  a  stronger  wish  than  that  it  may  con 
duce  as  much  to  make  its  author  favorably  known  to  the  public, 
as  I  am  sure  it  will,  to  the  pleasure  of  others. 

Allow  me,  Sir,  to  express  my  grateful  sense  of  the  compliment 
you  have  been  so  partial  as  to  pay  me  in  the  selection  of  your 
son's  name,  and  to  proffer  my  best  wishes  for  the  health  and 
happiness  of  my  namesake.  May  he  be  an  honor  to  himself,  to 
his  parents  and  his  country.2 

I,  am,  My  Dear  Sir,  Most  Truly. — 

[DANIEL  WEBSTER] 

1  Who  had  sent  him  an  address,  printed  at  Salem,  1835,  commemorative  of 
seven  young  men  of  Danvers,  who  were  slain  in  the  Battle  of  Lexington.  He 
complimented  Webster  and  said  he  had  named  his  son  after  "the  statesman 
whose  motto  is  '  Our  country,  our  whole  country  and  nothing  but  our  country.'  " 

*  This  is  taken  from  Daniel  Webster's  draft  of  the  letter  sent. 


698  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

(To  J.  Q.  Adams.1) 

BOSTON,  Oct.  31st,  1836 
Sir: 

All  the  manuscript  dissertations  received  from  your  hands,  on 
the  subject  of  the  Congress  of  Nations,  for  the  amicable  settle 
ment  of  National  differences,  and  the  abolition  of  War,  are  here 
with  returned.  My  engagements  have  allowed  me  not  as  much 
time  for  examining  them  as  I  would  have  desired.  The  atten 
tion  which  I  have  been  able  to  give  to  the  subject,  has  however 
convinced  me,  that  the  writers  generally,  have  not  come  up  to  the 
probable  expectation,  of  the  donors  of  the  prize,  the  magnitude 
of  which,  might  reasonably  have  been  expected  to  bring  into  the 
field,  a  strong  array  of  competitors.  In  many  of  their  produc 
tions,  there  is  more  of  declamation  than  of  argument,  and  in 
very  few,  if  in  any  of  them,  is  that  profound  and  philosophical 
investigation  of  the  subject  which  it  was  undoubtedly  the  object 
of  the  prize  donors,  to  encourage  and  furnish. 

There  is  moreover,  in  too  many  instances,  an  obvious  want  of 
chasteness  and  good  taste,  and  even  of  grammatical  accuracy,  in 
the  composition.  In  making  these  general  criticisms,  let  me  not 
be  understood  as  applying  them  indiscriminately,  and  with  equal 
rigor,  to  each  of  the  Essays,  nor  of  suggesting  that  I  find  noth 
ing  in  them  to  approve.  While  I  note  their  faults  I  acknowledge 
that  they  have  their  merits  also.  The  writer  of  the  Essay  marked 
"I",  has  in  my  judgment  rather  distanced  his  rivals,  and  to  him, 
so  far  as  it  depends  upon  me,  I  should  be  willing  to  award  the 
prize. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

DAN'L  WEBSTER. 


(To  James  J.  Mapes.2) 

WASHINGTON,  February  20,  1840. 
Sir, 

I  have  had  an  opportunity  of  looking  over  the  first  number  of 
the  American  Repertory,  published  by  you,  and  highly  approve 
of  its  general  object. 

It  is  a  time  when  great  good  may  be  done  to  the  arts,  to  the 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  Charles  Francis  Adams. 

3  Printed  in  the  "  American  Repertory,"  vol.  i,  p.  175. 


INTELLECTUAL    INTERESTS  699 

cause  of  industry,  and  to  the  prosperity  of  labor,  by  a  wide  dif 
fusion  and  extension  of  the  more  important  and  practical 
branches  of  knowledge. 

I  happen  to  have  an  account  of  "Gram's  Compressed  Fuel", 
for  Steam  Engines,  which  I  do  not  remember  to  have  seen  pub 
lished  in  the  United  States.  I  send  it  to  you  for  publication  in 
your  periodical,  if  you  think  proper. 

With  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 


(Remarks  on  Education.1 ) 

[1845] 

He  alluded  first  to  the  universal  interest  felt  in  all  ages  in  the 
subject  of  education.  He  glanced  at  its  importance  to  every 
individual  as  involving  that  culture  both  of  intellect  and  the 
heart,  and  essentially  connected  with  his  present  and  eternal  hap 
piness.2 

And  the  youth  of  this  age  and  country,  he  said,  should  be 
sensible  of  the  peculiarly  propitious  circumstances  in  which  they 
are  placed,  and  appreciate  the  privileges  by  which  they  are  dis 
tinguished  from  those  of  every  past  generation,  and  every  other 
land.  To  see  the  truth  and  force  of  this,  we  need  only  cast  our 
eye  up  and  down  this  beautiful  Valley  of  the  Connecticut, 
adorned  not  more  by  its  natural  scenery  and  fertile  soil,  than  by 
the  numerous,  and  flourishing  seminaries  of  learning  scattered 
over  its  bosom.  The  spot  where  he  stood,  seemed  peculiarly 
favored;  presenting  on  the  one  hand,  an  Academy,  annually 
furnishing  the  colleges  from  twenty  five  to  fifty  young  men,  to 
be  liberally  educated;  on  the  other  a  high  school  delightfully 
located  and  in  efficient  and  prosperous  operation;  and  here  a 
College,  young  indeed,  but  a  most  honourable  monument  to  the 
patriotism  &  piety  which  laid  its  foundations.  The  very  in 
fancy  of  the  Institution  he  would  remark,  had  its  peculiar  ad 
vantages,  and  the  circumstances,  which  to  many  young  men, 
might  seem  disadvantages,  were  far  less  so  than  is  often  sup- 

1  A  newspaper  report  of  an  address  by  Webster. 

*  This  printed  report  of  a  speech  was  found  among  the  newspaper  clippings 
which  Webster  had  evidently  collected,  for  many  of  them  bear  his  hand 
writing.  This  is  indorsed  by  him  simply  "Amherst — Andover."  On 
September  8,  1836,  Webster  delivered  an  address  at  Harvard's  bicentennial 
celebration,  of  which  we  have  only  a  meager  report.  See  "  History  of  Harvard 
University,"  by  Josiah  Quincy,  vol.  ii,  p.  685. 


700  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

posed.  Costly  apparatus,  and  splendid  Cabinets,  have  no  magi 
cal  power  to  make  Scholars.  In  all  circumstances  as  a  man  is 
under  God,  the  master  of  his  own  fortune,  so  he  is  the  maker  of 
his  own  human  intellect,  that  it  can  grow  only  by  its  own  action, 
and  by  its  own  action  it  will  most  certainly  and  necessarily  grow. 
Every  man  therefore  must  in  an  important  sense  educate  him 
self.  His  book  and  teacher  are  but  helps;  the  work  is  his.  A 
man  is  not  educated  until  he  has  the  ability  to  summon,  in  any 
emergency,  all  his  mental  powers  to  vigorous  exercise  and  con- 
troul  them  in  that  exercise  till  he  effect  his  purposed  object.  It 
is  not  the  man  who  has  seen  most,  or  read  most,  or  heard  most, 
who  can  do  this ;  such  an  one  is  in  danger  of  being  borne  down 
like  a  beast  of  burden  by  an  overloaded  mass  of  other  men's 
thoughts.  Nor  is  the  man  who  can  boast  merely  of  native  vigor 
and  capacity;  the  greatest  of  all  the  warriors  that  went  to  the 
siege  of  Troy  had  not  the  preeminence  because  nature  had 
given  him  strength  and  he  carried  the  largest  bow,  but  because 
self-disciplme  had  taught  him  how  to  bend  it. 

He  said  it  was  his  opinion  that  among  the  improved  modes  of 
teaching,  which  characterize  the  present  state  of  the  science  and 
the  art,  those  would  be  found  most  useful  that  should  have  the 
greatest  tendency  to  bring  the  mind  of  the  student  near  to  the 
mind  of  the  teacher.  Mind  is  excited  by  close  intercourse,  by 
contact  as  it  were,  with  mind.  The  attention  of  both  parties  must 
be  drawn  by  a  constant  attraction  to  some  common  point.  Let 
the  powers  of  the  student  be  examined,  tried,  exercised,  strength 
ened,  guided  by  this  kind  of  intercourse.  Let  it  extend  to  every 
study,  and  be  applied  to  every  little  thing  in  the  whole  course  of 
instruction,  and  be  felt  daily  and  hourly.  Of  such  communion  of 
mind  with  mind,  of  such  action  of  mind  upon  mind,  the  effects 
will  be  at  once  displayed.  It  is  like  what  is  often  seen  around  the 
beautiful  mountain  which  adorns  this  horizon,  when,  drawn  mu 
tually  together,  cloud  approaches  cloud;  then,  and  then  only,  is 
there  a  transmission  and  reception  and  interchange  of  the  electric 
fluid. 

He  closed  his  remarks  (to  which  this  abstract  by  no  means  does 
justice)  by  painting  the  anguish  of  heart  which,  in  the  just 
retribution  of  heaven,  must  torture  the  man  who,  when  his  coun 
try  and  his  religion  call  for  his  services,  too  late  finds  that  he  has 
abased  the  privileges  resulting  from  a  free  government  and  from 
Christianity,  and  has  wasted  the  short  but  precious  portion  of  his 
immortal  existence  which  was  allotted  for  his  self-education. 


INTELLECTUAL    INTERESTS  701 

(To  Edward  Curtis.?) 

RALEIGH.  North  Carolina.  May  1,  1847  (?) 
— buildings,1  &  there  are  sundry  handsome  residences,  belongi'g 
to  Judges,  Lawyers,  Physicians,  &c,  &  to  some  rich  planters,  who 
live  here,  but  whose  estates  are  elsewhere.  On  the  whole,  it  is  a 
pleasant,  green  look'g,  respectable  little  City.  But  it  was  a 
mistake  to  br'g  the  Govt.  here.  It  should  have  been  fixed  at 
Fayetteville,  on  Cape  Fear  River,  quite  a  favored  spot  for  com 
merce,  &  now  the  great  town  for  distribution  of  traffic,  inland. 
Here,  is  no  navigation,  &  no  facilities  for  manufacturers.  The 
abstract  idea  of  a  local  centre  brought  the  Govt.  [here.]  ? 
Like  many  other  abstract  ideas,  its  application  to  practical  life 
&  business  has  not  been  found  satisfactory.  We  arrived  here  on 
Saturday,  at  12  O'clock ;  found  the  Govr's.  coach  at  the  cars,  & 
were  reed  by  him  &  his  wife,  at  the  Govt.  house,  with  great  kind 
ness.  We  are  of  course  well  lodged.  Gov.  Graham,  late  Sena 
tor  in  Congress,  is  a  highly  respectable  person,  of  an  old  North 
Carolina  Family,  &  a  true  &  sound  Whig.  Here  lives  Mr  Badger, 
now  about  in  the  Circuits,  Mr.  Haywood,  late  Senator  in  Con 
gress,  Mr.  Iredell,  formerly  also  a  Senator,  &  many  other  re 
spectable  families.  The  Govr.  makes  a  dinner  on  Monday,  Mrs. 
Haywood  gives  a  party  the  same  Eve'g,  &  Tuesday  mor'g  we 
depart,  for  Charleston  by  way  of  Wilmington.2 

^^^  [D.  W.] 

(Correction  of  a  Translation.5) 

JUNE  12.  1851 
Lawfully — "legitemately,"  as  used  here,  is  not  English,     It 

1  This  fragment  is  in  Daniel  Webster's  hand  and  written  on  part  of  a  sheet 
containing  a  letter  of  Mrs.  Webster  to  Mr,  Curtis. 

2  The  letters  that  especially   show  Webster's   keen  interest  in  travel  are: 
Daniel  Webster  to  Mrs.  Paige,  Charleston,  May  9,  1847;  Daniel  Webster  to 
Seth  Weston,   Charleston,    May    10,    1847:  Daniel   Webster  to   Mrs.    Paige, 
Columbia,  S.  C.,  May  13,  1847;  Daniel  Webster  to  Mrs.  Paige,  Columbia,  S.  C., 
May  15,  1847;  Daniel  Webster  to  R.  M.  Blatchford.  Marshfield,  December  7, 
1847;  Daniel  Webster  to  Mrs.  Paige.   April,   1849;  Daniel  Webster  to  Mrs. 

Paige,  April  23,  1849;  Daniel  Webster  to  R.  M.  Blatchford,  Augusts, ; 

Daniel  Webster  to  R.  M.  Blatchford.    August  10.  :  Daniel  Webster  to 

Fletcher  Webster,  Capon  Springs,  June  27,  18.51.     All  of  the  above  letters  are 
to  be  found  in  "Private  Correspondence,"  vol.  ii,  pp.  244,  246,  24-9,  252,  315, 
318,  332,  335,  446. 

8  This  was  written  by  Daniel  Webster  at  the  end  of  a  translation  made  for 
him  at  the  State  Department.     It  is  but  a  fragment,  but  too  good  to  lose. 


702  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

is  ambitious  Americanism.  "Legitimate"  means  of  lawful  origin 
We  are  most  sure  of  writing  good  English,  when  we  use  the 
plainest  words. — 

(To  Mrs.  Harriett e  Story  Paige.) 

BOSTON  May  2d  1848 
My  Dear  Sister 

This  Book  is  said  to  be  the  best  existing  Index  to  Shakespeare ; 
It  is  by  a  Lady,1  &  I  ask  leave,  most  affectionately,  to  present 
this  Copy,  to  another  Lady,  who  knows  Shakespeare,  who  can 
appreciate  all  facilities  of  reference,  to  his  immortal  passages, 
&  who,  I  hope,  will  not  be  displeased,  to  receive  this  from  me. — 

DANL  WEBSTEE 

(G.  J.  Abbott  to  Edward  Everett.) 

WASHINGTON,  April  12,  [1854] 
Dear  Sir, 

You  may  perhaps  remember  that  I  informed  you,  a  short  time 
after  Mr.  Webster's  death,  in  reply  to  your  inquiry  as  to  the 
progress  which  Mr.  Webster  had  made  in  the  "History  of  Wash 
ington's  Administration," — that  only  the  general  plan  of  the 
work  had  been  sketched.  This  was  prepared  under  the  follow 
ing  circumstances. 

During  the  last  year  of  Mr.  Webster's  life  he  not  un  frequently 
spoke  of  the  manner  in  which  he  proposed  to  employ  his  time 
after  his  retirement  from  office  and  public  life. 

The  first  time  he  mentioned  this  subject  to  me  was  at  Marsh- 
field  in  October  1851.  He  had  just  written  the  dedications  of 
the  several  volumes  of  his  works,  &  read  such  parts  of  the  Memoir 
as  you  had  then  submitted  to  him.  It  appeared  to  strike  him 
more  forcibly  than  ever  before  how  long  his  life  had  been  pro 
tracted  ;  for,  he  remarked,  he  found  that  he  had  been  personally 
engaged  in  the  discussion  of  almost  every  great  question  which 
had,  at  any  time,  occupied  public  attention  during  the  last  half 
century,  while  his  memory  reached  back  to  the  period  of  the 
adoption  of  the  Constitution  itself. 

He  told  me  that  his  work  on  the  Constitution  had  long  occu 
pied  his  mind  and  was  so  well  matured  that  he  could  dictate  it  as 

1  Mary  Cowden  Clarke. 


INTELLECTUAL    INTERESTS  703 

fast  as  I  could  take  it  down,  and  he  even  thought  that  he  could 
prepare  a  volume  in  a  month.  He  proposed  that  I  should  leave 
Washington  with  him,  go  down  to  Marshfield  &  render  such  af- 
sistance,  as  his  amanuensis,  in  the  preparation  of  this  latter 
work,  as  I  was  able. 

We  were  interrupted  in  the  conversation,  and  it  was  not  again 
resumed  at  Marshfield. 

You  are  well  acquainted  with  the  reasons  growing  out  of  the 
state  of  public  affairs  which  induced  him  to  defer  his  resignation. 

After  his  return  to  Washington  he  would  occasionally  revert  to 
the  subject,  thus  showing  his  interest  in  it,  &  that  he  still  looked 
forward  to  its  accomplishment  as  the  crowning  effort  of  his  life. 
Especially  was  this  the  case  during  the  time  he  was  engaged  in 
the  preparation  of  his  Historical  Discourse. 

At  this  time,  also,  he  was  making  those  arrangements  in  regard 
to  his  cemetery,  of  which  he  speaks  in  one  of  his  letters  to  Mr. 
Fillmore.  There  was  evidently  a  strong  impression  upon  his 
mind,  perhaps  I  might  say  presentiment,  that  the  remaining  in 
tellectual  labor  which  he  designed  to  accomplish  must  speedily  be 
commenced  and  finished.  The  severity  of  his  autumnal  catarrh 
in  1851,  &  the  serious  tone  in  which  he  would  sometimes  speak  of 
its  recurrence  in  1852,  showed  that  it  gave  him  much  anxiety. 

He  remarked  one  day,  when  we  were  alone,  that  he  should  com 
plete  his  seventieth  year  in  the  following  January,  &  that  he  had 
been  for  some  time  thinking  of  resigning  his  seat  in  the  cabinet, 
&  he  proposed  to  do  it  when  he  should  reach  that  age :  something 
he  added  respecting  the  seeming  impropriety  of  holding  a  subor 
dinate  position  after  reaching  that  period  of  life,  and  of  receiv 
ing  instructions  from  a  younger  man.  He  said  he  should  not 
again  enter  into  active  practice  at  the  bar,  as  he  more  &  more  dis 
liked  the  contests,  often  exciting  and  wrangling,  in  which  he  must 
sometimes  engage  with  young  men.  He  spoke  of  the  more  con 
genial  pursuits  with  which  he  intended  to  occupy  himself, — his 
little  book — which  he  designed  as  a  relaxation  from  his  more 
serious  studies — on  the  birds  &  fishes  of  Marshfield;  of  this  he 
repeated  to  me  a  chapter  on  the  cod-fish, — an  imaginary  con 
versation  between  Seth  Peterson  and  an  intelligent  boy.  As  you 
may  readily  conceive  with  Mr.  Webster's  interest  in  the  subject, 
his  acquaintance  with  it,  his  great  fund  of  anecdotes,  &  the  great 
simplicity  &  clearness  with  which  it  would  have  been  treated,  the 
work  would  have  been  one  of  the  most  popular  &  fascinating 
books  of  the  day. 


704  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

He  subsequently  referred  to  his  proposed  work  on  the  evidences 
of  Christianity.  This  was  a  favorite  idea  with  him,  &  he  often 
spoke  of  it  in  Washington,  &  when  he  left  there  in  1852,  he 
directed  me  to  bring  the  copies  of  Cicero  de  Natura,  which  he 
proposed  to  translate  &  illustrate  with  notes.  And  when  near 
the  termination  of  his  life,  finding  that  even  this  could  not  be 
accomplished  in  the  very  presence  of  death,  he  condensed  into  an 
epitaph  the  expression  of  his  belief  in  Christianity  in  the  place 
of  an  irresistible  argument  which  he  hoped  to  have  made. 

[-4  sheet  of  Mr.  Abbott's  letter  has  been  lost.] 
in  which  he  was  greatly  interested.     In  the  summer  of  1852  I 
collected,  at  his  suggestion,  and  sent  to  Marshfield,  such  public 
documents  and  books  as  would  be  useful  for  consultation  &  refer 
ence  in  the  preparation  of  the  Work. 

While  in  the  cars  on  our  return  from  Trenton,  where  he  had 
argued  the  great  India  rubber  case,  I  called  his  attention  to  some 
proposed  alterations  &  corrections  of  the  proof  sheets  of  the  His 
torical  Discourse  which  had  been  sent  to  him  for  his  inspection. 
I  noticed,  afterwards,  as  he  sat  alone  in  his  seat,  that  his  mind 
was  occupied,  &  I  forebore  to  interrupt  him.  He  soon  called  me 
to  his  side,  and, — in  that  earnest  &  impressive  manner,  which  he 
so  frequently  assumed  in  the  last  months  of  his  life,  and  which 
made  us  feel  that  whatever  he  said,  it  was  intended  we  should  re 
member, — stated  at  considerable  length  the  outlines  of  his  pro 
posed  Work  on  the  Constitution. 

Some  days,  subsequently,  in  the  little  office  in  his  house,  [at 
Washington]  he  dictated  the  heads  of  this  conversation,  or 
rather  the  general  plan  of  the  Work  as  it  then  lay  in  his  mind. 

He  directed  me  carefully  to  place  this  memorandum  among  his 
private  papers  in  my  case. 

He  did  not  again  revert  to  this  paper. 

After  Mr.  Webster's  death,  on  my  return  to  Washington,  I 
looked  for  this  paper  but  was  unable  to  find  it.  Frequent  & 
careful  searches  were  made  both  in  the  Department  and  among 
my  own  papers. 

I  felt  quite  certain  that  I  had  taken  it  to  Marshfield  in  Sep 
tember  1852,  though  I  was  confident  it  had  not  been  called  for 
by  Mr  Webster.  At  last,  I  became  satisfied  that  it  had  been  left 
at  Marshfield,  &  would  be  found  among  Mr.  Webster's  papers, 
or  that,  by  some  mischance,  it  had  been  destroyed:  This  I 
feared  as  the  original  was  taken  down  so  rapidly  that  it  is  almost 
illegible,  &  might  easily  have  been  mistaken  for  useless  memo- 


INTELLECTUAL    INTERESTS  705 

randa.  Fortunately,  I  found  last  night,  in  a  very  safe  place,  the 
long  missing  paper,  which  I  hasten  to  transcribe  &  place  in  your 
hands. 

With  great  regard 

Very  truly  Yours, 

G.  J.  ABBOTT. 


(History  of  Washington's  Administration.) 

Mr.  Webster  thinks  of  writing  a  History  of  the  Constitution 
and  of  the  Administration  of  the  First  President, — the  Work  to 
be  comprised  in  about  fifty  chapters  of  fifty  pages  each,  to  com 
mence  with  the  First  Congress, 

As  showing  the  sense  of  the  country  upon  the  importance  of  a 
United  Government. 

Not  to  relate  the  military  events  of  the  War  of  the  Revolution, 
but  to  record  the  proceedings  which  led  to  the  adoption  of  the 
Articles  of  the  Confederation. 

To  state  things  as  they  existed  at  the  peace  of  1783. 

Their  insufficiency  to  answer  the  purposes  which  a  Union  of 
the  States  was  designed  to  accomplish, 

The  growing  necessity  in  the  minds  of  men,  of  a  Government, 
which,  instead  of  acting  through  the  authority  of  the  States, 
should  act  directly  on  individuals. 

The  state  of  the  country  at  the  conclusion  of  peace. 

A  geographical  description  of  the  settled  parts  of  it. 

The  population  of  the  respective  states. 

Their  Agriculture,  Commerce  and  Manufactures. 

A  good  Map. 

The  continental  debt  then  existing. 

The  debts  of  the  several  States. 

The  inability  of  Congress  and  the  States  to  pay  their  debts. 

Proceedings  of  Legislative  and  other  public  bodies  in  the 
States,  showing  the  unsatisfactory  state  of  things,  and  the 
necessity  of  a  new  form  of  Government. 

The  proceedings  which  led  to  the  meeting  of  delegates  at 
Annapolis. 

The  proceedings  of  the  Congress  of  the  Confederation,  and 
especially  the  Reports  of  the  Committees. 

Mr.  Hamilton,  Madison  and  others. 

The  meeting  of  the  Convention  in  Philadelphia  in  May  1787. 

Full  Biographical  notices  of  its  members. 


706  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Its  proceedings  and  discussions. 

The  Constitution  as  the  result  of  the  deliberations  of  this  Con 
vention. 

Its  publication  and  the  proceedings  of  Congress  thereupon, 

Its  discussions  before  the  people 

The  Federalist. 

The  debates  in  the  several  State  Conventions. 

The  general  principles  of  the  Constitution  as  a  popular  repre 
sentative  Government. 

Montesquieu. 

The  difficulty  of  framing  a  provision  for  an  Executive  head. 

The  happy  contrivance  for  the  Constitution  of  the  Senate. 

The  Constitution. 

Its  compactness,  its  brevity,  and  its  comprehensiveness. 

Its  felicity  in  declaring  what  powers  Congress  should  possess, 
and  what  powers  the  several  States  should  cease  to  exercise. 

An  examination  of  the  powers  of  Congress,  with  the  reason  for 
each,  and  so  of  the  Judiciary  power  and  the  Executive  power. 

The  great  idea  that  such  a  Government  must  have  an  ultimate 
construction  and  power  of  decision  respecting  the  extent  of  its 
own  authority, 

The  necessity  that  a  legislative  power  should  be  accompanied 
with  a  commensurate  Judicial  and  Executive  authority. 

The  influence  of  commercial  necessity  as  producing  a  dispo 
sition  to  adopt  this  constitution. 

The  Public  Lands, 

The  National  Debt,  and  the  certainty  that  it  could  not  be  paid 
under  the  existing  provisions. 

The  interest  with  which  the  World  looked  upon  this  great  ex 
periment  of  Republican  liberty. 

Dr.  Paley, 

The  adoption  of  the  Constitution  by  nine  States, 

The  election  of  the  first  President, 

The  difficulty  of  assembling  the  first  Congress. 

The  Inauguration  of  Genl.  Washington  at  New  York, 

The  early  Laws, 

The  organization  of  his  Cabinet, 

Acts  of  Congress  authorizing  the  appointment  of  Executive 
officers,  or  Heads  of  Administration, 

A  general  view  of  the  country  at  that  time,  in  regard  to  its 
domestic  situation,  its  industry,  trade,  &c.  and  in  regard  to  its 
foreign  policy. 


INTELLECTUAL    INTERESTS  707 

General  Washington's  first  Inaugural  speech. 
These  topics  to  form  the  first  volume. 

(Volume  Second.) 

Gen.  Washington's  domestic  policy. 

The  payment  of  the  public  debt. 

The  establishment  of  a  Commercial  system. 

The  Revenue  system. 

The  Currency, 

The  Bank, 

The  Mint, 

The  Naturalization  laws, 

The  policy  of  the  Government  in  regard  to  the  industrial  Arts. 

The  sale  of  gublic  lands. 

Copy  right,  and  Patent  Inventions, 

The  Census. 

The  Judiciary,  (a  most  important  chapter). 

The  men  who  formed  the  act, 

Richard  Henry  Lee. 

Simeon  Strong  &c. 

The  character  of  the  men  who  composed  the  first  Administra 
tion,  and  the  leading  members  of  Congress,  of  whom,  biographical 
notices  shall  not  have  been  made  under  a  previous  head. 

The  establishment  of  a  seat  of  Government  in  the  District  of 
Columbia,  and  the  laying  out  of  the  City  of  Washington. 

Rebellions  in  Pennsylvania,  and  other  domestic  occurrences. 

Rapidly  growing  prosperity  of  the  country  under  this  new 
Government. 

Popularity  of  the  Administration  at  home,  and  the  rapidly 
growing  respect  for  the  country  abroad. 

The  beginning  of  settlements  in  the  North  West  Territory  &c, 
&c, 

(Volume  Third.) 

General  Washington's  second  election. 

The  French  Revolution, 

Our  connection  with  France,  and  the  commencement  of  this 
revolution  to  be  stated  and  discussed  at  large, 

Washington's  proclamation  of  neutrality, 

Policy  of  this  measure,  and  its  Justice  towards  France,  under 
the  Treaty  of  alliance  of  1778  to  be  fully  considered. 


708  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

The  general  principles  of  Washington's  Administration  in  re 
gard  to  our  foreign  relations, 

Neutrality. 

Non  Intercourse. 

The  equality  of  Nations, 

The  exactness  with  which  Washington  demanded  all  proper 
respect  from  other  Nations. 

His  Justice  united  with  high  bearing, 

The  British  Treaty  of  1794, 

The  mobs  in  Philadelphia  and  Boston, 

Washingtons  dignified  conduct,  and  rebuke  of  the  disturbers, 

His  letter  to  Boston. 

The  virtuous  Ten 

Mr  Jay, 

Lord  Grenville, 

The  unconsciousness  at  that  time  of  the  probable  growth  of 
American  Commerce,  and  especially  of  the  production  of  Cotton 
in  the  United  States. 

The  consequence  of  this  production,  and  its  influence  upon 
Slavery  in  the  United  States, 

The  difficulties  with  France, 

The  state  of  the  country  at  the  close  of  Washington's  Admin 
istration  in  March  1797. 

Its  resources,  Commerce  and  manufactures, 

The  rise  of  the  Federal  and  Republican  parties, 

John  Adams, 

Thomas  Jefferson, 

The  close  of  Washingtons  Administration,  and  his  farewell  ad 
dress, 

A  comparison  of  the  Character  of  Washington  with  those  of 
the  most  distinguished  public  men  of  Ancient  and  Modern  times. 

For  comments  of  Webster  on  oratory  and  rhetoric  see  Webster's  "  Private 
Correspondence,"  vol.  i,  p.  463,  and  vol.  ii,  p,  111. 


£a>port$man 


\VEBSTER  would  have  been  a  warm  personal  friend  of  Izaak 
Walton  or  of  Nvmrod,  if  either  had  been  so  fortunate  as  to  be  his 
contemporary.  His  fame  went  far  and  wide,  and  gun  clubs  and 
angling  clubs  all  over  the  land  made  him,  an  honorary  member. 
The  attention  evidently  pleased  him,  for  he  kept  their  certificates! 
and  letters;  some  of  them  many  years. 

Many  times  in  his  letters  we  hear  of  his  "John  Trout"  rod, 
and,  as  he  playfully  threatened,  "the  halibut  and  bluefish  might 
tremble,"  when  he  went  forth  with  his  "Old  Kill-all."  Some  one 
had  made  him  a  gift  of  two  silver-mounted  rods  and  reels,  a  book 
of  flies  and  hooks,  and  he  promptly  gave  the  outfit  that  distin 
guishing  title.  Armed  with  this  and  rowed  by  "Commodore" 
Hatch  and  Peterson,  he  fairly  warned  the  perch  and  pickerel  to 
"look  out  for  themselves."  He  not  only  caught,  but  he  studied 
fish  and  knew  their  history,  as  we  may  see  in  the  letter  to  Mr. 
Clark.  He  even  enjoyed  "the  subordinate  pleasure  of  listening 
to  the  recital  of  the  capture  of  fish  and  the  battles  with  the  mos 
quitoes." 

He  was  quite  as  enthusiastic  with  the  gun  as  with  the  rod. 
His  farms  were  regular  preserves;  he  didn't  "want  a  man  with 
a  gun  around  his  place."  He  was  insatiable.  Ticknor  writes 
of  his  being  out  thirteen  hours  with  no  regular  meals,  and  never 
tired  nor  hungry  while  there  was  a  bird  to  be  seen.  If  he  was 
in  Boston,  he  suddenly  had  business  at  Marshfield,  if  there  was 
"a  flight  of  coots."  Mrs.  Webster  gives  us  a  pleasant  picture 
of  the  man  whose  imposing  dignity  had  so  often  won  the  "ap 
plause  of  listening  senates."  He  comes  in  from  the  day's  hunt 
with  forty-six  birds,  "beetle-heads,  red-breasts  and  humilities." 
He  had  "burned  all  his  powder,  fired  all  his  shot,  broke  his  ram 
rod — got  no  dinner,"  and  walked  for  hours  in  the  tide-covered 
marshes.  He  says  that  if  he  "had  only  known  where  they  were 
he  might  have  gone  to  them  in  a  chaise." 

This  last  phase  completes  the  picture  of  Webster  in  his  every 
day  life  as  we  can  get  it  from  his  correspondence.  If  he  was, 

[709] 


710  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

as  his  greatest  enemy,  Theodore  Parker,  conceded,  "the  greatest 
figure  that  has  appeared  upon  this  earth  since  the  time  of  Charle 
magne,"  it  was  due  in  part  to  the  fact  that  he  was  an  out-of- 
doors  man.  He  took  from  the  vital  air  and  the  genial  sun,  ad 
much  as  from  his  books,  the  undying  eloquence  that  still  moves 
us  from  the  silent  pages,  though  the  voice  of  the  living  speaker  is 
no  more. 


(To  Porter  Wright.) 

Porter  Wright  APEIL  l6' 

I  thought  it  was  Asa  Delano,  the  Carpenter,  not  Nathl,  who 
wanted  to  go  into  the  John  Taylor  House.  Mr.  Nat  Delano  is 
an  excellent  man,  &  I  like  him  much  —  &  is  very  handy  with  a 
Boat  ;  but  he  has  always  a  gun  in  his  hand,  &  if  he  lives  in  that 
house,  he  will  kill  every  quail,  for  6  miles  all  around,  —  &  not 
leave  one  for  me.  I  do  not  wish  to  say  this  to  him,  exactly; 
but  I  do  not  incline  to  let  him  in.  You  may  say,  that  I  prefer 
letting  it  to  those  who  work  altogether  on  the  Farm. 

Yrs  D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.)^' 

THURSDAY  MOE'G  8  O  clock. 
Dear  F. 

I  suppose  we  shall  need  a  considerable  rally  of  cavalry  this 
mor'g;  &  would  be  obliged  to  you  to  be  here,  between  9  &  10  with 
Fanny —  Please  ascertain  what  Ladies  at  your  House  propose 
to  take  the  field.  Mrs.  W.  cannot  go  out,  on  acct  of  the  expected 
visit  from  Plymouth  friends.  I  suppose  your  wife  must  keep 
her  state  for  the  same  reason —  If  she  be  well  eno.,  &  circum 
stances  allow,  I  should  like  to  give  her  a  short  drive  in  my  "Fer- 
rinton"  ? — 

Pray  let  Mr.  Alwell  go  this  mor'g  &  shoot  some  brown  backs, 
peeps,  or  someth'g  else.  We  must  have  a  dish  of  birds.  If  he 
gets  any,  let  him  br'g  them  up,  by  2  or  3 — &  pick  them,  or  have 
them  picked.  Some  of  our  people  are  tired  &  some  sick.  We 
shall  look  for  you,  at  dinner,  if  agreeable  to  you. 

Yrs  D.  W. 

Do  you  want  a  bit  of  Halibut? 


THE    SPORTSMAN  711 

(To  Mrs.  W.  W.  Seaton.1) 

"FRIDAY  MORNING. 

"Dear  Mrs.  Seaton, — As  I  could  not  accompany  Mr.  Seaton 
on  his  expedition  to  Piney  Point,  I  hope  for  the  subordinate 
pleasure  of  listening  to  his  recital  of  its  incidents,  his  capture  of 
fishes,  his  battles  with  the  mosquitoes,  etc.,  etc. 

"I  wish,  therefore,  to  engage  him  to  dine  to-morrow  at  five 
o'clock  here,  at  the  Burdine  Mansion,  with  one  or  two  friends 
only ;  and  I  write  this  to  insure  your  influence  on  the  occasion. 

"Mr.  Curtis  took  an  abrupt  departure  last  evening,  leaving 
messages  of  love  for  your  household  with  me. 

"I  sent  over  a  letter  to  Fletcher's,  yesterday,  and  had  a  kind 
reply  from  M .  But  she  did  not  'catch  the  idea.' 

"I  shall  be  obliged  to  come  round  this  evening,  and  go  into 
explanations. 

"Yours,  with  the  truest  regard, 

"DAN'L  WEBSTER." 

"Dear  W.  W.  S., — Fish  all  right  for  to-morrow.  Let  them 
bask  in  Monica's  ice-chest  till  the  day  comes. 

"D.  W. 
"5  o'clock."  

(Mrs.  Grace  Webster  to  James  W.  Paige.) 

SANDWICH  August  22d  1825. 
My  dear  Brother, 

The  day  you  left  us  we  were  all  rather  sad,  and  something 
stupid.  The  next  you  recollect  was  fixed  on  for  our  excursion 
to  Naushon.2  We  set  out  accordingly  about  ten  o'clock  Mr. 
Blake  and  William  Fessenden  in  a  chaise,  Mrs.  Blake  &  son  & 
Master  Daniel  in  Barouche,  Mr.  Webster  &  myself  bringing  up 
the  rear.  Our  ride  was  pleasant,  the  day  just  warm  enough. 
We  passed  through  the  town  of  Falmouth — a  very  pleasant  place 
indeed — from  thence  to  Woods'  Hall  where  we  dined,  and  then 
took  shipping  in  a  nice  little  boat,  sometimes  rowing,  sometimes 
sailing.  The  company  all,  excepting  myself,  amused  themselves 
with  fishing  for  [illegible]  tho'  not  very  successfully — there 
were  enough  taken,  however,  for  supper.  *  *  * 

1  Reprinted  from  the  "Life  of  W.  W.  Seaton,"  p.  304. 
s  One  of  the  Elizabeth  Islands,  off  Buzzards  Bay. 


712  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

We  reached  the  cove  about  six  in  afternoon.  The  next  was 
the  important  day  on  which  a  "stag  was  to  die.  Our  huntsmen 
one,  and  all,  excepting,  George,  whose  charge  was  within  doors, 
began  the  chase  immediately  after  breakfast.  Before  twelve 
they  returned,  Mr.  Webster  having  killed  a  fine  Doe  and  one  of 
the  party  a  Stag.  We  all  regretted  you  could  not  have  been 
one  of  the  party.  They  went  again  after  dinner,  started  three 
deer  and  they  tho't  wounded  one,  but  killed  none.  *  *  * 

The  Gentlemen  have  come  bringing  their  spoils  with  them,  so 
adieu  for  the  present.  Fine  luck  which  always  gives  good  spirits. 
I  thot  I  would  run  up  and  finish  my  letter  while  while  the  guns 
were  burnished  for  the  afternoon's  heat.  *  *  *  l 


(Mrs.  Grace  Webster  to  James  W.  Paige.) 

My  dear  Brother,  SANDWICH  [Mass.]  Sept.  6,  1826. 

*  *  *  Mr.  W.  has  just  returned  from  the  field  [to  day] 
with  more  than  one  feather  to  day.  He  went  out  with  Mr.  Child 
and  usual  attendants  to  the  great  marshes  and  brought  home  70 
large  birds — Mr.  W.  shot  46  with  his  own  hand,  consisting  as  I 
hear  the  catalogue  of  ring-tailed  curlews,  Beetle-heads,  red 
breasts,  Humilitys  and  greybeaks — much  the  greatest  part  be 
ing  red  breasts.  He  is  very  tired  or  he  would  write  to  Mr.  Blake, 
he  says  he  burnt  all  his  powder — fired  away  all  his  shot,  broke  his 
ram-rod — got  no  dinner,  and  walked  a  long  way  on  the  Marshes 
after  they  were  covered  with  the  tide — he  wishes  you  to  tell  Mr 
B.  that  he  never  saw  better  shooting  in  the  great  marshes — and 
that  if  he  had  known  where  the  birds  were  to  be  found — he  might 
have  gone  directly  to  them  with  a  chaise.  So  no  more  of 
birds.  Tomorrow  we  intend  to  show  Eliza  Cotuit  and  Mashpee 
lake  *  *  * 

Your  afft 

Sister 
G.   W. 

(Mrs.  Grace  Webster  to  James  W.  Paige.) 

My  dear  Brother,  SANDWICH,  Sep  5,  1826 

Mr  Webster  arrived  yesterday  at  a  much  earlier  hour  than  I 

1  Unsigned,  but  written  by  Mrs.   Grace  Webster.     It  is  on  this  outing  at 
Sandwich  that  Webster  first  saw  and  was  attracted  by  Marshfield. 


THE    SPORTSMAN  713 

expected  and  brought  an  unexpected  guest,  tho'  I  wrote  to  Eliza 
to  come  I  nevertheless,  did  not  expect  her.  Mr.  W.  has  taken 
her  &  Julia  down  to  the  beach  notwithstanding  the  wind  which 
has  blown  a  gale  here  ever  since  yesterday  morning — it  is  very 
unpleasant  to  me.  *  *  * 

Your  affectionate  Sister 

G.  W. 

I  forgot  to  say  that  Mr.  W.  has  had  fine  sport  today  17  large 
birds — before  dinner 


(George  Ticknor  to  Prescott.1 ) 

SUMMER.  1828 

*  *  *  But  Mr.  Webster  is  a  true  sportsman.  He  was 
out  13  hours  today,  without  any  regular  meal,  and  is  now  as 
busy  as  a  locksmith,  with  his  guns.  He  seems  to  feel  as  if  it 
were  the  one  thing  needful  to  kill  birds  and  neither  to  tire  or 
grow  hungry  while  one  can  be  seen.  It  has  already  made  him 
look  bright  and  strong  again,  for  he  cajne  from  Nantucket  in  but 
a  poor  condition.  *  *  * 


(To  Stephen  White.) 

BOSTON,  Sep.  10  [1832] 
My  Dear  Sir  Monday  4,  P.  M. 

I  came  from  Green  Harbour  this  morning,  I  am  sorry  to  say 
left  Mrs  W.  a  little  unwell.  She  wrote  you  a  letter  last  Eve; 
&  left  it  for  a  finishing  P.  S.  this  morning;  but  when  morning 
came,  she  was  not  well  enough  to  attend  to  it.  The  amount  of 
her  epistle,  she  desired  me  to  communicate  to  you ;  it  is,  that  Mr 
Jones  still  is  at  M.  &  of  course  her  visits  to  C.  H.  must  be 
p-poned,  some  days.  Mr  Jones  likes  to  stay  with  his  son,  as  long 
as  he  can,  &  likes  fishmg  also, — in  which  occupation  he  is  en 
gaged  today,  with  Commodore  Peterson  &  Hatch.2  He  will 
probably  set  forth  tomorrow,  direct  for  Providence.  A  thousand 
thanks  &  apologies  were  written,  or  to  be  written,  &  sent,  for 

1  Taken  from  "Life  of  George  Ticknor,"  vol.  i,  p.  387. 

2  Daniel  Webster  always  called  his  boatman  Hatch,  Commodore. 


714  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

him,  by  my  wife  to  you  &  your  damsels — but  Cheney  Hill  lay 
so  remote  from  his  line  of  March,  that  he  was  obliged  to  give  up 
the  idea  of  visiting  it. 

I  must  remain  here  in  Court  Street  for  a  day  or  two;  after 
that,  (my  wife  being  well)  we  can  come  to  C.  H.  at  any  time, 
that  may  suit  you.  I  can  send  for  Mrs  W. ;  but  perhaps  it  will 
be  as  well,  &  so  she  seemed  to  think,  that  the  whole  matter  should 
be  put  off  till  next  week,  &  that  we  should  come  up  on  Monday, 
&  go  to  C.  H.  on  Tuesday.  I  must  be  back  again  toward  the 
end  of  next  week,  as  Com'd.  Peterson  expect  a  flight  of  coots, 
positively,  by  the  24th  Inst. — 

Possibly  you  may  be  this  way,  tomorrow,  or  Wednesday  morn 
ing,  in  which  case  I  shall  have  the  happiness  of  seeing  you; — 
I  intend  going  to  M.  Wednesday  1  o'clock,  if  I  do  not  conclude 
to  send  for  Mrs.  W 

Yrs  truly  ever 

DANL.  WEBSTER 

(To  Seth  Weston.) 

N.  Y.  THURSDAY 

MOR'G 
My  Dear  Sir,  13th  of  Aug.  (1846). 

I  go  East  this  Eve'g ;  &  shall  probably  be  in  Marshfield  as  soon 
as  you  receive  it,  within  one  day.  Mrs.  W.  I  presume  is  in  Bos 
ton —  We  shall  make  our  appearance,  probably,  Saturday  fore 
noon.  If  not  done  already,  I  wish  you  to  put  the  curlew  all 
right — &  make  that  dog  point  better.  I  shall  want  to  know  what 
way  the  wind  is. 

If  Saturday  be  a  good  day,  Mr  Hatch  must  lay  in  stores  of 
Halibut,  Cod  &  Hadduck — lest  it  should  be  rain'g  the  first  of 
next  week — 

I  think  we  shall  be  down  by  Saturday's  mid  day  train.  Tell 
Monica.  Probably  Mrs.  W.  may  write  to  her — if  not,  she  may 
expect  us  to  a  good  chowder  on  Saturday. 

D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  Fletcher,  MARSHFIELD  May  3  1849. 

Pray  bring  down  a  reel  for  my  old  "Kill-all,"  John  Trout's 


THE    SPORTSMAN  715 

making.     It  must  have  a  ring,  or  clasp,  for  the  rod  to  run 
through ;  diameter  of  ring  about  an  inch.    Reel  not  too  heavy. 

Yrs, 

DANL,  WEBSTER. 


(From  R.  B.  Forbes.) 

BOSTON  May  30, 1849 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  send  under  charge  of  Capt  Morris  of 
the  Tow  Boat  or  of  Nicholas  Berry,  a  small  Schooner  to  be 
known  as  the  "Lapwing,"  which  vessel  I  beg  you  to  accept  as  a 
small  token  of  the  respect  I  entertain  for  your  character,  as  well 
as  in  acknowledgment  of  your  kindness  to  me  &  to  my  cousin 
Mr  T  S  Forbes,  now  in  China — 

Perhaps  Mr  Sam  Hall,  late  ship  carpenter  now  alderman,  may 
go  with  the  craft — 

I  have  been  unable  to  procure  from  him  any  Bill  for  work  done 
on  the  boat  since  he  learned  she  was  for  yourself —     *     *     * 
Very  respectfully 

Yr  Obed  Servant 

R.  B.  FOBBES 

(To  Mr.  Blatchford.) 

WASHINGTON,  June  15.  '49. 

Friday  2  O  clock. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

I  am  sorry  you  have  lost  your  cause,  but  am  delighted  to  hear 
of  you  back  again  to  New  York.  I  have  been  so  engaged  here, 
for  8  or  10  days  that  I  have  hardly  been  able  to  raise  my  eyes 
from  my  table.  I  will  write  you  again  tomorrow,  and  tell  you 
when  I  think  I  can  get  to  N.  York — and  take  you  to  Marshfield. 
And  then,  let  the  halibut  and  blue  fish  tremble ! 

I  am  in  extraordinary  good  health.  This  is  the  first  really 
warm  day — and  I  keep  in — 

Yours 

D.  W. 

I  should  like  to  be  engaged  to  argue  your  cause  before  the 
Queen  in  Council. 


716  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

JUNE  28,  50 
My  Dear  Son ;  f  riday  mor'g 

I  have  reed.,  gladly,  your  letters,  by  sundry  successive  mails, 
but  have  not  been  diligent  to  answer  them.  This  week  I  have 
also  been  rather  busy —  We  passed  two  days  at  Piney  Point — 
The  weather  was  very  warm —  I  tried  the  Sheep's  heads,  two 
mor'gs,  with  some  success. 

Yesterday  I  made  a  little  speech,  in  answer  to  Mr.  Soule.  To 
day,  I  am  trying  to  bring  up  my  correspondence. 

I  have  written  Porter  Wright  that  you  would  let  him  have 
$100 —  I  have  not  one  cent,  I  am,  besides,  overdrawn  at 
Merchts  Bank  $200 —  Could  you  &  our  ever  kind  Mr  Harvey 
raise  me  $500 — on  my  acceptance,  payable  here,  at  60  or  90  ds. 
Pray  lose  no  time  in  letting  me  know,  as  I  fear  I  shall  fall  into 
a  bog. 

Yrs  D.  W. 

I  am  glad  you  are  going  to  celebrate  the  4th.  make  something 
of  it.  

(To  John  Tat/lor.) 

CAPON   SPRINGS  Hampshire  County 

Virginia — among  high  mountains. 
John  Taylor  (  June  29,  1 851 ) 

I  expect  to  leave  this  place  tomorrow,  &  reach  Washington 
Tuesday,  the  first  day  of  July.  As  soon  as  possible,  after  the 
4th  I  hope  to  get  off  to  the  North. 

I  do  not  intend  to  spend  a  great  deal  more  time  in  Washington 
till  October.  I  hope  to  make  you  several  visits — long  &  good. 
Probably  I  shall  now  go  to  Marshfield  first.  I  shall  want  the 
Boat  to  be  ready  for  Lake  Como.  You  will  not  have  time  to 
attend  to  it  yourself,  but  I  wish  you  to  get  Mr.  George,  or  some 
other  carpenter,  to  put  it  into  first  rate  repair.  See  that  there 
are  good  oars,  cable,  &  anchor.  Have  it  well  painted,  &  all  ready 
to  be  launched  on  my  arrival.  We  will  keep  it  near  Mr.  Han 
cock's  where  it  will  be  safe.  Perch,  Pickerel,  as  well  as  Shel 
drakes  must  look  out  for  themselves.  It  is  very  hot  weather  in 
these  parts.  I  hope  you  are  all  well,  &  going  ahead. 

Yr  friend 

WEBSTER. 


THE    SPORTSMAN  717 

(To  Benjamin  C.  Clark.) 

MR.  PAIGE'S,  Nahant, 
Friday  Morning,  July  23rd.,  1852. 
My  young  Friend : 

I  propose  joining  you  this  morning,  to  pay  our  respects  to  the 
Tautog,  but  fear  we  shall  hardly  be  able  to  tempt  them  from  their 
lurking-holes,  under  this  bright  sun.  They  are  naturally  shy 
of  light.  "Tautog"  means  simply  the  "black  fishes,"  "og"  be 
ing  a  common  termination  of  plural  nouns  in  the  language  of  our 
Eastern  Indians.  I  believe  the  fish  is  not  known  in  Europe.  Its 
pricipal  habitat  originally  seems  to  have  been  Long  Island 
Sound,  Buzzard's  Bay,  and  the  Elizabeth  Islands.  Seventy  years 
ago  the  Hon'ble  Stephen  Gorham,  father  of  the  Hon'ble  Benja 
min  Gorham,  now  of  Boston,  brought  some  of  these  fish  alive 
from  New  Bedford  and  put  them  into  the  sea  at  Boston.  They 
are  now  found  as  far  East  as  the  mouth  of  the  Merrimac.  They 
abound,  as  you  know,  on  the  south  side,  as  well  as  on  the  north 
side  of  our  Bay.  Indeed,  it  is  thought  that  by  their  own  prog 
ress  north  they  doubled  Cape  Cod,  not  long  after  Mr.  Gorham's 
deposit,  at  Boston. 

Thirty  years  ago,  Mrs.  Perkins,  the  wife  of  the  late  Samuel  G. 
Perkins,  a  lady  whose  health  led  her  to  pass  her  summers  on  the 
sea-coast  and  who  had  a  true  love  for  fishing,  caught  a  Tautog, 
with  a  hand-line,  off  these  rocks,  which  weighed  20  Ibs. 

It  will  suit  me  quite  as  well  to  go  off  again,  in  the  beautiful 
"Raven,"  if  we  can  obtain  plenty  of  bait,  and  especially  if  your 
Father  will  accompany  us. 

Yours  truiy, 

DAN'L,  WEBSTER. 

To  Mr.  Clark,  my  Companion  of  Yesterday,  Nahant. 

1  This  letter  appeared  in  the  New  York  Independent,  August  4th,  1881. 


'$  personal  finances 


J_HE  task  of  presenting  Webster's  PUBLIC  finances  would  be 
far  pleasanter,  for  in  his  long  public  career  he  rarely  made  a 
mistake  upon  which  all  competent  critics  would  agree.  His  policy 
would  be  questioned  by  one  partisan  or  another  to-day,  but,  on 
the  other  hand,  he  would  have  good  financiers  who  would  defend 
him  honestly.  But  his  personal  finance  causes  a  pitying  smile 
whenever  mentioned.  Even  his  own  letters  show  that  he  was 
careless  in  keeping  accounts  and  careless  m  handling  money. 
They  show  that  he  neglected  his  business  engagements.  But 
that  was  not  serious  enough  vn  itself  to  account  for  his  being 
harassed  and  hounded  during  the  whole  of  the  latter  part  of  his 
life  by  creditors.  Had  he  never  gone  into  public  service,  he 
would  have  been  rich  in  spite  of  carelessness.  He  earned  fees 
that  were  enormous  for  that  day.  But,  as  he  said,  and  plainly 
showed  by  his  accounts,  NULLIFICATION  cost  him  many  thousands 
of  dollars.  The  time  that  he  was  compelled  to  spend  in  the 
Senate  lost  him  time  in  the  Supreme  Court..  .From  about  1830 
his  finances  began  to  trouble  him,,  and  then  his  heavy  speculations 
in  western  lands,  about  1835,  got  him  more  deeply  engaged,  and 
by  1840  the  period  of  real  financial  embarrassment  begins.  Then 
his  purse  became  "like  a  keg,  soon  emptied,  if  tapped  at  both 
ends,  and  then  turned  over,  and  the  bung  knocTced  out,"  as  he' 
wrote  Seth  Weston.  The  letters  here  given  show  him  shrewd 
enough  in  bargaining,  and,  in  his  letter  to  Griswold,  ready 
enough  to  demand  his  pound  of  fiesh. — Nor  was  he  wholly  re 
gardless  of  expense,  as  his  comment  on  the  cost  of  living  at  thel 
Tremont  indicates.  Is  it  not  possible  to  believe  that  Webster 
sacrificed  financial  success  to  public  weal — or,  if  we  choose  to  be 
more  cynical,  to  his  political  ambitions? 


(To  -  -.) 

NEW  YORK,  Dec.  21,  1829. 

I  have  your  letter  respecting  the  1000  Doll,  note  of  Mr. 

[718] 


PERSONAL    FINANCES  719 

s.     I  cannot  say  whether  the  debt  is  mine  or  Mr. s,  not 

having,  however,  any  recollection  of  any  debt  of  mine  for  which 
security  was  given  in  that  form.  I  inclose  a  paper  in  note  form, 
to  be  made  up  into  a  note  of  a  thousand  dollars,  or  any  less  sum, 

to  be  signed  by  Mr. ,  in  order  to  get  a  discount  to  pay  this 

note,  and  we  will  ascertain,  hereafter,  whose  debt  it  is.  I  am 
confident  it  is  not  mine,  but  may  be  mistaken.  I  have  written  to 
him  on  this  matter,  saying  I  should  forward  an  indorsement  to 
you,  and  saying,  also,  that  if  he  found  it  difficult  to  get  a  dis 
count,  you  would  help  him  to  some  part  of  the  money,  as  I  shall 
pick  up  some  little  fees,  and  see  them  to  my  credit  in  bank  at 
Boston  before  5  Jan.1 

D.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Mr.  Kinsman.?) 

Dear  Sir  WASHINGTON  Deer.  21,  1831 

I  have  reed  your  letter,  respecting  the  Antelope.2  It  is  quite 
certain,  I  think,  that  the  Commissioners  will  require  the  regular 
proofs  of  condemnation,  in  England.  In  other  cases,  I  have 
never  known  such  proofs  to  be  dispensed  with,  unless  on  the 
ground  that  they  had  been  lost,  by  time  or  accident. 

I  notice  your  payment  of  Dr  Sewalls  draft,  in  which  you  did 
riglu 

I  owe  a  bill  of  130  or  140  Dlls  to  Hilliard  Gray  &  Co,  book 
sellers,  &  they  seem  to  be  quite  persevering  dunners —  Will  you 
please  go  &  pay  it,  &  take  a  receipt  in  full — 

I  go  next  week  to  Annapolis,  to  argue  a  cause  in  the  Maryland 
court.  Let  your  letters  come  here  as  usual — &  they  will  be  for 
warded —  Yours  truly, 

D.  WEBSTEB 

(To  John  R.  Thomson.3) 

My  Dear  Sir,  BOSTON,  Aug.  6.  1833 

On  my  arrival  in  Boston,  a  few  days  after  I  had  the  pleasure 

1  This  letter  is  taken  from  a  newspaper  clipping  in  the  possession  of  C.  E. 
Bliss,  of  Bangor,  Me.     The  original  is,  however,  in  the  possession  of  C.   P. 
Greenough,  of  Boston. 

2  The  Antelope,  captured  July  13,    1812.     This  claim  was  one  which  was 
settled  by  the  treaty  with  Denmark. 

3  Secretary  Delaware  and  Raritan  Co. 


720 

of  exchanging  a  word  with  you  on  the  RailRoad.  I  found  your 
letter  of  the  12th  of  July,  indorsing  a  bank  note  of  100  Dollars, 
as  a  retainer  from  the  "Delaware  &  Raritan  Canal,  and  Camden 
&  Amboy  RailRoad."  My  family  being  at  Marshfield  I  pro- 
ceded  immediately  to  that  place,  I  have  there  been  staying  ten 
or  twelve  days,  to  recruit  from  the  fatigue  of  a  long  journey. 

On  coming  to  town  and  recurring  to  your  letter,  it  occurs  to 
me  that  there  may  be  some  difficulty  in  accepting  this  Retainer, 
especially  as  it  is  a  general  one,  &  for  all  causes.  I  have  under 
stood  that  some  other  RailRoad  was  in  contemplation,  thro'  N. 
Jersey,  which  may  possibly  come  in  competition  with  this.  So  I 
was  informed  while  in  N.  York,  on  my  [way]  home,  &  so  I  have 
since  learned  also.  And  it  so  happens,  that  in  this  new  projected 
road,  family  friends  and  connections  of  mine  are  interested,  I 
believe,  to  some  considerable  extent.  I  have  not  been  retained, 
by  those  concerned  in  this  new  road,  but  on  account  of  the  con 
nection  of  Mr.  LeRoy,  &  other  members  of  his  family  in  it,  I 
feel  unwilling  to  be  retained  for  any  opposing  interest.  If  I 
am  in  any  error,  as  to  the  controversies  which  your  company  an 
ticipates,  or  there  be  any  question  respecting  which  they  would 
desire  my  professional  advice  or  aid,  I  shall  very  gladly  tender 
both. 

Under  all  the  circumstances,  it  has  seemed  to  me  to  be  the 
proper  course  to  return  the  The  Retainer,  I  leave  the  matter  for 
the  further  consideration  of  your  company,  in  this  view. 

I  pray  the  most  respectful  remembrance  to  Mrs.  Thomson,  & 
the  members  of  her  family,  I  am,  with  rgard, 

Your  Obt.  Servant. 

[D.  WEBSTER.  MSS] 


(To  H.  W.  Kinsman.) 

Private  4*  Confidential. 

WASHINGTON  Jan.  11.  1834 
My  Dear  Sir. 

I  wish  to  write  you  a  letter,  in  confidence,  for  your  own  eyes  & 
Mr  Brook's. — 

The  subject,  is  the  French  claims,  before  1800.  I  moved  on 
that  subject,  early  in  the  session — had  a  committee  appointed — 
myself  at  the  head  of  it,  &  we  have  reported  a  Bill.  By  proper 
pains,  the  Bill  will  assuredly  pass  the  Senate.  Two  members  of 


PERSONAL    FINANCES  721 

the  Comee-  (Mr  Grundy  &  Mr.  Preston)  told  me  they  sh'd  be  glad 
to  vote  against  it,  if  they  could,  but  they  could  not  answer  the 
argument  in  its  favor.  I  have  proposed  Wednesday,  the  5th  of 
Feb.,  for  taking  it  up. — 

It  is  time,  therefore,  I  think,  to  move  in  the  matter  of  the 
agency.  If  the  Gentlemen  in  interest,  in  our  quarter,  desire  my 
aid,  I  wish  them  to  settle  that  point,  before  a  host  of  other  per 
sons  apply.  Will  you,  therefore,  shew  this  letter  to  Mr  Brooks, 
&,  if  necessary,  to  Mr.  Edward  Brooks; — it  need  go  no  far 
ther —  If  Mr  Brooks  thinks  proper,  let  him  draw  up  an  agree 
ment,  substantially  like  that  in  the  case  of  the  Spanish  treaty; 
let  him  sign  it  himself,  and  ask  others  to  sign  it,  If  this  can 
be  done,  to  such  an  extent  as  to  make  it  an  object,  you  may  say 
to  Mr  Brooks  that  it  is  my  intention  very  much  to  relinquish 
other  profefsional  employment,  &  give  my  strictest  personal  at 
tention  to  this  business.  It  will  [be]  an  object  to  do  so,  provided 
I  can  obtain  the  agency  of  the  greater  part  of  the  interest,  in  our 
region. 

If  such  an  agreement  shall  be  signed  by  Mr.  Brooks  &  others, 
Mr  S.  White  would  take  nains  to  get  signers.  Indeed  if  Mr 
Brooks  enters  into  the  object,  you  may  afterwards  shew  this  let 
ter  to  Mr.  White.  I  do  not  wish  to  be  connected  with  any  other 
person,  in  the  agency,  whatever,  For  what  assistance  you  ren 
der,  I  shall  of  course  compensate  you,  as  we  may  agree;  but  I 
wish  to  take  the  whole  responsibility  on  myself,  with  nothing  to 
do  with  any  other  agents. — 

It  would  oblige  me  if  you  could  attend  to  this  soon,  &  let  me 
know  the  result.  Tell  Mr  Brooks,  there  is  nobody  here,  out  of 
doors,  that  can  do  any  good. 

Yrs         D.  WEBSTER 

(To  H.  W.  Kinsman.) 

T^       0.  WASHINGTON  Jan — 13 — 1834 

Dear  Sir 

I  have  received  the  enclosed,  this  morning.  It  w'd  be  a  good 
thing,  I  think,  for  Mr  Brooks  to  write  to  Mr  Bartlett,  or  Mr 
Nelson,  on  the  subj  ect  of  my  letter  of  yesterday.  It  may  be  very 
probable  that  all  the  Newburyport  Gentlemen  are  already  en 
gaged  to  Mr  Gushing;  if  so,  it  is  well.  But  if  unengaged,  very 
probably  they  w'd  sign  my  paper. —  Of  course,  Mr  Brooks  will 
not  mention  anything  of  this  letter. — 


722  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

Mr  Charles  Russell,  of  New  Bedford,  has  a  claim,  I  believe  a 
large  one.  You  might  write  to  him,  saying  you  are  connected 
with  me,  &  that  we  should  be  willing  to  take  the  agency  of  his 
claim  on  the  same  terms  as  that  of  others — 

Yrs         D.  WEBSTER 

Mr  Russell  has  written  me,  like  many  others,  to  press  this  in 
demnity. 

(To  I.  W.  Kelly.1) 

WASHINGTON  Jan.  29.  1835. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  two  missing  letters,  were  brought  to  me  yesterday.  One, 
a  letter  about  Family  affairs,  the  other  a  letter  about  the  land, 
ending,  (or  enclosed)  with,  a  mortgage  deed;  three  notes,  a 
rough  sketch  of  the  land  &c. —  From  circumstances,  I  incline  to 
think  these  letters  were  mislaid  in  the  Post  office  here.  As  you 
will  have  reed  the  other  mortgage  deed,  &  notes,  I  need  not  exe 
cute  this,  as  I  presume — 

By  the  description  in  this  deed,  &  the  plan,  I  see  how  the  land 
lies.  I  am  quite  satisfied  with  the  bargain —  I  think  I  have 
been  fortunate  in  getting  a  good  pasture — 

I  am  inclined  to  buy  Mr.  Quimby's,  if  he  should  be  disposed  to 
sell,  as  I  should  think  he  would  be,  rather  than  to  make  so  much 
fence.  You  may  manaere  with  him,  as  you  see  fit,  &  get  the 
land,  if  you  can,  at  a  fair  rate.  Give  him  to  understand  at  once, 
that  we  must  fence,  if  he  does  not  sell —  I  would  give  him 
something  more,  per  acre,  than  we  gave  Mr.  Shaw,  rather  than 
not  get  it — but  would  not  give  an  extravagant  price.  If  you 
find  him  disposed  to  make  a  bargain,  which  you  think  it  for  my 
interest  to  comply  with,  you  may  conclude  it,  at  once,  without 
further  reference  to  me — name  a  day,  when  the  money  shall  be 
paid,  &  the  deed  executed ;  &  put  it  just  so  far  ahead  that  you  can 
write  to  me — &  I  will  send  a  check  for  the  cash. —  Put  the  bar 
gain  at  once  into  writing,  &  sign  it,  as  my  agent. — or,  what  will 
be  shorter — go  to  Mr.  Nesmith,  have  the  deed  made  out  &  exe 
cuted,  &  left  with  him,  till  you  bring  the  money. — 

I  should  think  he  would  rather  sell,  for  a  little  something  more 
per  acre  than  was  given  to  Mr  Shaw,  rather  than  make  300  rods 
of  fence,  to  enclose  only  28  acres  of  land — 

Manage  the  matter,  as  well  as  you  can. 

1  This  letter  is  in  the  possession  of  Judge  Corning,  of  Concord,  N.  H. 


PERSONAL    FINANCES  723 

I  do  not  know  whether  the  Widow — Tandy's  dower  land,  is  for 
sale  or  not — 

It  is  an  awkward  little  piece,  to  lie  in  the  middle  of  our  pasture, 
but  as  it  is  a  wood  lot,  I  suppose  it  will  not  create  any  necessity  of 
fencing.  I  suppose  she  has  but  a  life  estate  in  the  land;  who 
owns  the  reversion? 

Since  writing  you  the  other  day,  I  have  heard  from  Capt. 
Stevens,  respecting  the  House,  &c — &  shall  write  him,  this  mail 
or  the  next. — 

Yrs  with  regard 
DANL,  WEBSTEB 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.  ?) 
Private  (1836) 

I  cut  the  enclosed  out  of  a  N.  O.  paper.1 

Mr  Livingston  has  set  a  good  example.  I  had  just  as  much 
to  do  with  the  cause  as  he  had.  As  yet,  I  have  not  said  any 
thing  about  my  fee.  If  they  pay  Mr  Livingston  25.000,  they 
can  hardly  fail  to  give  me  also  a  pretty  handsome  sum.  But 
probably  they  will  cut  him  down,  not  a  little.  I  imagine  he 
may  get  a  good  fee,  however. 

— Keep  all  this  entirely  to  yourself - 

^^^  D.  W. 

(To  Samuel  Jaudon.*) 

My  Dear  Sir  (1839) 

Although  we  have  had  little  direct  communication,  since  you 
went  abroad  to  put  matters  of  finance  right  in  Europe,  yet  you 
have  been  too  conspicuous  to  be  lost  sight  of,  &  I  seem  to  know 
as  much  about  your  daily  movements,  as  when  you  were  in 
Phila. —  The  last  I  heard  of  your  wife,  was,  that  she  appeared  in 
the  brilliant  circle  in  the  Abbey,  on  day  of  the  Coronation.  She 
got  out,  without  suffocation,  &  no  doubt  will  regard  it  as  a  spec 
tacle  to  be  remembered.  Without  waiting,  according  to  fashion, 
for  the  end  of  this  epistle,  I  wish,  in  this  early  stage  of  it,  to  pray 
you  to  make  my  affectionate  regards,  &  remember  me  to  all  the 
cis-Atlantic  children. 

1  The  newspaper  clipping  stated  that  Edw.  Livingston  had  drawn  on  the 
city  for  $95,000. 

2  A  banker  in  London,  formerly  a  cashier  in  the  Bank  of  the  United  States. 
See  Curtis'  "  Life  of  Daniel  Webster,"  vol.  ii,  p.  18. 


724  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

My  main  object,  My  Dear  Sir,  in  writing  you  at  this  time,  is 
to  communicate  a  plan,  which  I  have  formed,  or  wish  to  form,  for 
the  purpose  of  crossing  the  water.  I  have  a  very  great  desire  to 
see  England,  once;  &  if  this  desire  is  ever  gratified,  it  must  be 
done  soon.  But  my  circumstances  require,  that  I  should  connect 
some  business  arrangements  with  the  purpose  of  my  voyage ;  in 
deed,  that  I  should  make  such  arrangements  its  leading  object. 

Tired  of  the  sacrifices,  which  I  had  been  making  by  remaining 
in  Congress,  I  endeavored,  in  1836  to  resign  my  seat,  &  with 
intention  of  ret'g  to  the  Law.  But  I  could  not  resign.  My 
papers  were  sent  back,  as  friends  wd.  not  hearken  to  any  sugges 
tion  of  leaving  my  place. 

Seei'g,  then,  that  I  must  do  something,  with  a  view  to  future 
means  of  liv'g,  I  entered  on  Western  investments,  partly  in  com 
pany  with  Col.  Perkins,  partly  in  a  company  of  which  Govr. 
Cass  was  Chief,  &  partly  on  my  own  separate  account.  These 
investments  were  made  by  faithful  &  careful  agents,  principally 
in  agricultural  lands  of  excellent  quality,  in  Ohio,  Illinois,  Michi 
gan  &  Wisconsin.  Prospects  of  profit  seemed  fair,  at  the  time, 
&  I  purchased  as  far  as  my  means  &  credit  would  go. 

The  events  of  1837,  although  they  have  not  effected  the  ulti 
mate  value  of  this  property,  have  retarded  its  sale.  It  is  still 
all  on  hand,  and  the  general  progress  of  settlement,  in  these 
states ;  &  the  immense  emigration  into  them,  greater  the  last  fall 
than  ever  before,  so  far  as  respects  North  Illinois  &  Wisconsin, 
have  no  doubt  greatly  enhanced  its  value.  Now,  if  I  can  dispose 
of  this,  or  a  large  part,  by  a  trip  to  England,  I  should  both 
gratify  my  curiosity,  &  improve  my  circumstances. 

I  know,  that  English  Capitalists,  proposing  to  invest  in  this 
Country,  prefer  stocks,  or  public  Securities,  in  some  form.  But 
I  have  supposed  it  possible,  that  upon  a  proper  representation  of 
values,  it  might  be  possible  to  dispose  of  this  private  p'p'y. 

I  could  take  with  me 

1.  Regular  Government  titles  to  15.  or  20.  thousand  acres  of 
excellent  Farming  &  timber  lands,  in  various  parts  of  the  States 
&  Territory  above  mentioned. 

2.  Certificates  of  the  best  men  in  that  County,  Gov.  Duncan, 
Mr.  May,  &c  &c  &c — that  the  lands  would  not  be  rated  light  at 
5  Dollars  an  acre,  cash,  now ;  &  that  in  all  probability  that  they 
would  double  in  value,  in  5  yrs. 

3.  Proof  that  the  title  is  perfect,  &  that  there  is  no  danger 
of  disturbances,  from  taxes. 


PERSONAL    FINANCES  725 

4.  Good  title  to  sundry  parcels  of  City  property,  in  La  Salle, 
hitherto  called  Peru,  &  to  a  large  &  very  elegant  tract  of  land 
adjoining.  You  know  where  La  Salle  is.  It  is  at  the  entrance 
of  the  Illinois  Canal,  into  the  Illinois  River,  at  the  head  of  Navi 
gation.  It  is  a  point  of  great  centrality,  many  lines  of  com 
munication  meet  at  it,  &  it  must  inevitably  become  a  most  impor 
tant  place.  Even  under  all  the  disadvantages  of  recent  times,  it 
has  increased  rapidly.  The  Canal  will  probably  be  finished  in  3 
Seasons  more ;  &  when  that  shall  be  accomplished,  it  must  be  at 
once  a  point  of  great  traffic  &  exchange  of  merchandise.  I  own, 
(with  D.  F.  W.)  a  good  deal  of  land,  in  the  City,  necessary  for 
building  as  the  place  would  grow,  &  a  most  splendid  tract  near  it, 
divided  from  the  lines  of  the  town  only  by  a  quarter  section  (to 
speak  in  the  language  of  the  land  laws  )  owned  by  Col.  Perkins. 

This  tract  contains  12  or  13  wooded  acres.  It  is  the  most 
beautiful  land  I  ever  saw,  lying  high  near  the  River,  &  inter 
spersed  with  timber  &  meadow  land,  most  delightfully.  It  is  not 
at  all  extravagant  or  excessive,  to  put  this  tract  at  #0  Dollars  an 
acre.  I  think  that  fair  and  competent  judges  would  estimate  my 
property  in  &  about  Peru,  at  100,000  Dollars  I  am  sure,  at 
least,  they  wd  be  of  opinion  it  would  be  worth  that  sum,  &  fast 
risi'g  in  value,  on  the  completion  of  the  Canal. 

I  possess  various  other  things,  such  as  interests  in  City  lots,  in 
mineral  lands,  &  sundry  corporations,  &  also  in  the  Clanogen 
Grant,  which  b'g  of  a  more  uncertain  nature,  I  do  not  b'g  for 
ward,  for  sale,  as  clearly  valuable  &  certain  ppty. 

Now,  the  question  is,  can  this  property  be  sold  in  England? 
If  it  can,  I  will  cross  the  water.  If  it  cannot,  I  can  hardly  afford 
to  lose  the  time  from  my  profession,  &  to  bear  the  expenses  of  the 
trip. 

Within  ten  days,  the  Legislature  of  Mass  are  to  make  choice 
of  a  Senator,  for  the  next  six  years.  After  much  hesitation,  as 
to  what  I  ought  to  do,  I  have  concluded  to  say  nothing.  I  pre 
sume,  therefore,  that  I  shall  be  reelected.  If  I  should  be  en 
couraged  to  go  to  England,  I  should  leave  America  the  first  of 
May,  &  ret'n  in  the  autumn.  If  determined  on  go'g,  it  is  likely 
Mr.  Le  Roy  would  give  his  daughter  a  few  thousand  dollars,  to 
enable  her  to  accompany  her  husband;  &  we  should  take  Julia 
with  us.  A  sale  of  this  property  would  enable  me  to  replace 
what  friends,  (known  to  you)  have  advanced  to  me,  &  to  remain 
in  public  life.  If  it  cannot  be  accomplished,  on  either  side  of  the 
water,  I  must  change  the  Senate  for  the  Bar  of  the  Boston  Courts. 


726  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL  WEBSTER 

I  know,  My  Dear  Sir,  from  long  experience  of  y'r  kindness, 
that  you  will  give  this  matter  some  consideration.  If  you  think 
any  th'g  can  be  done,  I  shall  go  forth.  If  otherwise,  I  shall 
then  feel  that  you  w'd  have  obliged  &  assisted  me,  if  you  could. 
It  is  a  matter  of  importance,  as  it  is  likely  to  settle  the  question 
whether  I  am  ever  to  see  England. 

You  will  best  know  what  form  to  put  these  thi'gs  in,  if  I  go 
over  with  them.  As  to  titles,  I  shall  see  them  all  clear,  &  prop 
erly  certified  by  public  official  personages. 

I  have  not  mentioned  this  subject  to  my  wife,  nor  to  more  than 
two  persons  livi'g,  besides  this  communication  to  yourself.  In 
two  or  three  days  I  shall  be  in  Phila.  &  may  perhaps  suggest  it  to 
Mr  B.  I  hope  for  answer  from  you,  to  be  rec'd  here  as  early  as 
the  middle  of  March;  till  which  time  I  shall  not  make  my  pur 
poses  and  projects  public. 

I  am,  Dr  Sir,  all1 

[D.  W.] 


(To  Charles  H.  Upton.2) 

WASHINGTON  Mar:  26, 1842. 
Sir 

I  have  no  answer  to  make  to  your  letter,  of  yesterday  beyond 
what  I  stated  when  you  called  on  me.  Any  person  may  threaten 
to  appeal  to  the  public,  when  he  presents  a  claim,  which  cannot 
be  sustained,  &  is  not  admitted.  No  doubt,  he  may  in  this  way 
inflict  some  degree  of  pain;  &  if  you  should  see  fit  to  resort  to 
such  a  proceeding,  in  this  case,  the  pain  would  be  measured  by 
the  consideration  that  that  treatment  was  received  at  the  hands 
of  the  son  of  a  Gentleman  with  whom  I  have  been  on  friendly 
terms  for  twenty  five  years,  &  who  recently  went  to  his  grave, 
without  supposing,  so  far  as  I  know,  that  he  had  any  claim,  legal 
or  equitable  agt.  me,  although  he  is  known  to  have  been,  for 
many  years,  living  in  this  city  in  circumstances  far  from  affluent ; 
I  will  only  make  one  remark  on  the  subject,  more.  The  accept 
ance  for  $350,  so  far  as  I  remember,  was  made  at  your  father's 

1  Taken  from  first  draft  of  the  letter  probably  sent.  It  is  in  Daniel  Web 
ster's  hand. 

4  This  copy  is  taken  from  Daniel  Webster's  draft  of  the  letter.  The  letter 
is  in  reply  to  one  written  by  Upton,  dated  March  95,  1842,  in  which  a  threat 
is  made  of  an  appeal  to  the  public  if  Webster  does  not  pay  the  acceptance 
which  Webster  here  explains. 


PERSONAL    FINANCES  727 

request,  on  security  of  a  claim  assigned  to  me.  Afterwards  the 
claim  was  rec'd,  but  it  did  not  amount  to  the  sum.  I  was  there 
fore  a  loser,  as  I  mentioned  to  you,  &  as  I  have  more  than  once 
mentioned  to  your  father.  I  cannot  correspond  with  you  further 
on  the  subject;  but  repeat,  that  your  father  died  very  consider 
ably  in  my  debt. 

If  under  these  circumstances,  you  think  it  just  to  seek  to  annoy 
me  by  useless  Newspaper  publications,  it  is  a  matter  which  I 
must  leave  you  to  reconcile  to  your  conscience  &  character. 

Yrs  respectfully 


(To  Seth  Weston.?) 

My  Dear  Sir  NEW  YORK  Jan.  27  1845. 

My  money  in  Boston  did  not  hold  out  quite  so  well  as  I  ex 
pected.  I  thought  there  was  something  of  it,  for  me — but  a 
keg  is  soon  emptied,  if  it  be  tapped  at  both  ends,  &  then  turned 
over,  &  the  bung  knocked  out. 

I  enclose  herein  a  check  for  $500  on  the  New  York  Merchants 
Bank.  Mr.  Haven,  at  the  Boston  Merchants  Bank  will  readily 
give  Boston  money.  Instead  of  sending  up  my  check  for  $700. 
please  send  up  this.  I  will  endeavor  to  send  you  the  other  $200. 
as  soon  as  I  reach  Washington. 

Remember  that  you  must  put  your  name  on  this  check. 

I  think  it  very  likely  that  Mr.  G.  B.  Weston  would  give  you 
Bills  for  this  check.  But  certainly  Mr.  Sprague,  or  Mr.  Jones, 
can  get  cash  for  it,  at  the  Boston  Merchants  Bank. 

I  go  on  south,  tomorrow  morning 

Yrs  always 

DAJTL  WEBSTER 

Write  me,  to  Washington,  &  tell  me  among  other  things,  how 
the  ice  comes  on.  To  hear  from  Marshfield  is  almost  the  only 
pleasure  I  expect  to  enjoy  at  Washington. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 
Private 

N.  YORK  Feb.  24,  1845. 
Dear  Fletcher 

The  illness  of  some  of  the  judges,  &  other  causes,  render  it  im- 


728  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

probable  that  any  case  of  mine  will  be  reached  at  this  session  of 
the  Court.  I  do  not  incline,  therefore,  to  hasten  back  to  Wash 
ington  as  nothing  is  likely  to  take  place  then,  between  this  &  the 
4th  of  March,  which  I  have  a  particular  fancy  to  see. 

I  think  of  occupying  my  time  here  till  Saturday  morning, 
talking  over  my  own  matters,  &  especially  looking  after  my  west 
ern  lands,  or  some  of  them.  What  do  you  think  the  Peru  farms, 
all  four  of  them,  are  worth  ?  I  wish  you  would  write  me  a  letter 
describing  this  property,  speaking  of  it  as  it  ought  to  be  spoken 
of,  &  saying  that  the  title  is  clear,  &c.  Let  it  be  a  letter  which 
can  be  shown.  If  you  have  an  opportunity,  by  a  safe  hand,  send 
me  the  title  deeds,  which  I  suppose  are  in  the  trunk  which  you 
brought  home  from  Washington,  though  I  am  not  quite  certain. 
If  I  can  make  any  arrangement  to  get  any  money  on  these 
farms,  you  would  have  some  part  of  it. 

I  have  also  some  chance  of  getting  a  little  advance  on  the  Mexi 
can  scrip,  Please  regard  this  as  private,  &  answer  it  by  return 
of  mail. 

Yrs         D.  WEBSTER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

Dear  Fletcher  JAN.  30.  1846 

I  have  reed  your  of  the  28  this  morng.  I  am  really  per 
plexed,  &  distressed,  beyond  description,  &  half  inclined  to  give 
up  every  thing  in  despair.  You  say  that  the  Gentlemen  call  for 
a  list — why  certainly  I  have  given  the  list  three  or  four  times, 
6f  I  have  no  copy  here.  Besides  the  debts  now  immediately  press 
ing,  are  known  by  everybody  to  be  on  the  list ;  viz  the  Bank  debts 
here,  the  debts  in  N.  York  &c. —  Mr  Jaudon,  who  has  been 
here,  knows  all  about  these  debts,  &  will  see  to  the  payment  of 
them,  if  he  can  be  put  in  possession  of  the  means. 

— Seems  to  me,  it  is  mere  formality  to  call  for  new  lists —  At 
any  rate,  I  can  give  none  without  going  home — 

I  can  do  no  more — &  do  not  wish  to  be  written  to  again  on  the 
subject.  I  rather  let  it  all  go,  &  go  home,  as  I  must  do.  You 
may  show  this  to  whom  you  see  fit. — 

I  infinitely  regret  the  thing  was  ever  begun.  It  has  given  me 
a  whole  year  of  anxiety,  &  yet  comes  to  nothing.  I  cannot  write 
any  more  about  it,  nor  say  any  more  about  it.  If  there  is  any 
thing  to  be  put  into  Mr  Jaudons  hands,  for  purposes  which  all 


PERSONAL    FINANCES  729 

know  were  the  original  purposes,  &  which  cannot  be  put  off 
longer,  I  shall  be  glad.  If  not,  I  can  do  nor  say  anything  more 
about  it,  but  must  go  home. 

Yrs  affectionately 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

FEB.  17.  1846 
Dear  Fletcher 

I  intimated  to  you  that  Mr  Haven  would  not  get  here.  So 
it  turns  out.  He  got  to  N.  Y.  &  then  wrote  me,  that  not  finding 
that  he  had  power  over  the  funds  collected,  by  which  he  could 
apply  them  to  their  well  known  original  purpose,  he  halted ;  &  I 
have  heard  nothing  since.  He  has  probably  gone  back.  I  knew 
it  would  be  so;  &  I  now  know  that  I  must  go  home.  I  do  not 
suppose  there  was  ever  so  unfortunate  &  vexatious  a  business. — 
I  can  stand  it  no  longer. 

Yrs  D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

JAN.  10  (1847) 
Dear  F. 

I  send  you  a  letter  from  Mr.  Dorr,  with  copy  of  my  answer. 
It  is  better  to  let  him  run.  I  shall  not  take  his  $100 —  You 
may,  if  you  choose.  Perhaps  he  misunderstood  you ;  &  there  is 
someth'g  in  the  fact,  that  he  has  distributed  the  money.  If  he 
comes  to  you,  it  will  be  better  for  you  not  to  have  any  quarrel 
with  him.  He  is  a  respectable  &  honest  man,  but  he  hates  to 
part  with  his  money.  He  may,  perhaps,  be  useful  to  you,  here 
after. 

Yrs.  D.  W. 


(To  Peter  Harvey.) 

0.  WEDNESDAY  MOR'G  Nov.  24.  '47 

My  Dear  Sir ; 

I  do  not  see  how  I  can  get  along,  without  anticipating,  in 

some  way,  my  Jan.  Installment,  at  the  Hospital  Life  Insr.  Office. 

In  these  emergencies,  I  have  usually  gone  to  Mr.  Haven ;  but 


730  LETTERS   OF  DANIEL   WEBSTER 

he  has  so  often  taken  pains  to  oblige  me,  that  I  quite  dislike  to 
trouble  him  again.  I  think  too,  I  have  heard  he  is  not  well,  &  is, 
doubtless,  just  now  very  much  engaged. 

I  have  made  out  a  power  of  attorney  to  you,  to  receive  the 
money,  which  will  be  payable  Jan.  1. 

I  want  $500.  today,  &  the  residue  by  the  10th  Deer.     Do  you 
see  how  what  I  desire  can  be  accomplished? 

Yrs 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

WASHINGTON  Deer.  20.  '47 
My  Dear  Son 

I  have  reed  your  letter  of  the  17.  of  this  month. 

In  all  former  cases  of  recovery  of  claims  agt  foreign  Govern 
ments,  I  have  rec'd  a  commission  of  5  per  cent.  I  have  known 
no  smaller  charge,  in  general,  either  in  the  English,  Spanish, 
Danish  or  Mexican  cases  — 

But  as  Mr  Dorr  paid  a  good  deal  of  personal  attention  to  his 
case,  I  should  be  content  to  charge  only  1/2  the  customary  com 
mission.  It  is  proper,  too,  I  think  to  deduct  the  $100.  advanced 
to  you. 

Stati'g  the  amount  on  these  principles,  he  may  remit  the  bal 
ance,  in  a  check  on  Boston,  to  me. 

I  shall  immediately  inquire  for  the  names  of  the  steamer,  ac 
cording  to  his  wish.  Leaving  your  mother  in  N.  Y.  I  arrived 
here,  quite  well,  yesterday  morn'g. 

Yours  affectionately 

DANI,  WEBSTER 

(To  Samuel  Jaudon.) 

WASHINGTON,  Deer.  26.  '47 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  am  glad  Mr.  Cape  has  written  to  you,  &  that  you  are  willing 
to  look  into  the  accounts. 

As  to  the  large  claims,  I  have  the  sincerest  conviction,  —  indeed 
I  know  —  I  do  not  owe  a  dollar.  On  the  contrary,  there  is  a  bal 
ance  due  me  ;  but  how  much  that  balance  ought  to  be  considered 
to  be,  might  be  a  question, 


PERSONAL    FINANCES  731 

I  acknowledge  the  account  sent  me  some  time  ago,  for  taxes ;  I 
am  disposed  to  make  arrangements  for  payi'g  it. 

As  to  titles.  I  believe  there  will  be  found  few  or  no  defects, 
except  that  in  regard  to  several  parcels,  a  deed  may  be  wanted 
from  Mr.  Henry  Hubbard,  which  I  have  his  written  promise  to 
make.  I  must,  of  course,  stand  to  my  warranties. 

It  is  hardly  possible,  I  think,  to  get  along  with  this  business, 
till  I  can  go  North.  I  could  not  so  describe  the  papers  needed, 
so  that  they  could  be  selected  from  a  very  great  mass.  Besides, 
I  should  have  occasion  to  see  Mr  Hubbard,  as  well  as  Mr.  Fletcher 
Webster,  who  knows  more  of  the  titles  than  I  do,  &  who  was  ac 
quainted  with  the  case,  fully,  at  the  time  the  conveyances  were 
made. 

As  soon  as  the  Supreme  Court  rises,  I  will  go  home  &  get  the 
papers,  &  pay  immediate  attention  to  the  subject. 

I  will  thank  you  to  communicate  this  to  Mr.  Cape,  who  has 
always  treated  me  in  a  very  kind  &  friendly  manner.  *  *  * 

Yours.     DAN'L  WEBSTER. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

DECK.  30.  [1847]  Thursday  mor'g. 
Dear  F. 

I  was  glad  to  get  a  short  note  from  you  this  mor'g.  You  need 
not  fear  my  going  into  St.  Croix  or  other  project.  I  have  neither 
money  nor  credit  for  such  things. 

Today  I  have  a  bad  cold,  &  feel  unwell ;  but  must  go  into  court. 

Yrs  affectionately 

D.  W. 
I  do  not  get  my  English  papers. 


(To  Porter  Wright.) 

WASHINGTON,  Feb.  2,  '50. 
Porter  Wright; 

Mr.  Weston  will  hand  you  $100 — &  I  will  try  to  send  you 
some  more  soon — 

I  have  no  objection  to  parting  with  the  Ames  steers,  or  the 
Haseltine,  or  both,  for  money  to  pay  debts,  at  a  fair  price ;  but 


732  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

I  do  not  care  about  exchanging  with  Mr.  Delano.  The  offer 
you  have  made  ($15)  is  enough —  I  would  not  give  any  more. 
Mr.  Ames  may  take  the  Brown  oxen — indeed  I  would  sell  almost 
anything,  to  pay  debts —  But  everything  seems  low — 

If  you  do  not  trade  with  Mr.  Delano,  we  will  fat  the  moun 
taineers,  &  look  up  something  else  for  beef,  next  month,  when  I 
come  home.  If  we  keep  the  white  faced  oxen,  the  black  and  red 
steers,  the  large  Durham  steers,  &  the  jumpers,  we  shall  do  pretty 
well  for  teams,  though  another  pair  for  Fletcher's  barn  might  be 
useful —  The  Locke  oxen,  perhaps,  might  go  there — 

I  have  written  Mr.  Stevens  of  the  Revere  House  about  the 
Potatoes.  He  will  write  for  what  he  wants.  I  will  take  Mr. 
Sampson's.  How  is  it  about  ice? — * 

Please  write  me  once  a  week — 

Yrs         DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  Worcester  Webster.) 

j)r  gjr  BOSTON  May  8,  1850. 

That  old  note,  which  I  was  sued  upon,  has  got  into  Execution, 
&  must  be  immediately  paid.  I  must  depend  on  your  gett'g 
discounted  the  note,  which  I  now  enclose,  &  plac'g  the  amt.  to 
my  credit  in  the  Merchants  Bank,  Boston,  on  or  before  the  15TH 
inst — this  must  be  done. 

I  leave  on  the  10th  for  Washington. — 

Give  my  love  to  your  wife.  I  hope  you  are  well.  You  see 
I  am  in  hot  water.  Lend  a  helping  hand — 

Be  sure  to  comply  with  what  is  written  on  the  other  page. 

Pray  for  the  Peace  of  Jerusalem. 

Yr  cousin 

DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  George  Griswold.) 
Confidential. 

My  Dear  Sir  MARSHFIELD.  Oct.  8th.  1852. 

I  trust  you  have  been  satisfied,  as  well  as  the  rest  of  us,  with 

1  This  letter  is  copied  from  a  newspaper  clipping — newspaper  unknown — con 
tained  in  a  collection  of  Websteriana  owned  by  C.  E.  Bliss,  of  Bangor,  Me. 


PERSONAL    FINANCES  733 

the  Decree,  which  has  been  entered  up  by  the  Court  in  the  India 
Rubber  cause  at  Trenton ;  &  I  hope,  my  Dear  Sir,  that  you  will 
not  think  me  obtrusive,  if,  in  connection  with  this  subject,  I  call 
your  attention  to  your  very  kind  and  confidential  letter  to  me  of 
the  18th  of  March  last.1 

Always  most  truly 

&  cordially  yours — 
D.  W. 

(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

MAR.  2. 
Dear  F. 

I  do  not  know  that  any  th'g  can  be  done  for  Haddock. — cer 
tainly  noth'g  this  way. —  If  he  was  to  come  to  Boston,  in  the 
Spr'g,  with  good  proofs  of  the  value  of  property,  proposed  to  be 
mortgaged,  we  w'd  make  an  effort  for  him. 

I  beg  you,  write  him,  &  insist  upon  his  mak'g  out  my  title  to 
the  land,  I  bought,  thro.  him. —  Have  that  attended  to. — 

We  have  had  a  most  severe  snow  storm,  for  3  days.  I  have 
not  seen  the  like  in  Washington. 

The  mails  are  all  behind. —     Halibuts  tails  &  all. 

I  intend  to  pass  this  day  in  my  room,  answering  letters,  clear 
ing  the  table,  &c.  &c. 

Yrs.  D.  W. 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

SUNDAY  MOR'G  Deer.  6. 
Dear  Fletcher 

I  arrived  last  eve'g,  &  found  the  House  open,  &  warm.  Yrs, 
enclosing  a  line  to  Mr.  Carlisle,  was  brought  me  this  mor'g.  I 
will  send  it  to  him,  &  ask  him  to  come  &  see  me ;  &  shall  be  glad 
to  press  this  Spanish  claim  to  some  result. 

At  N.  York  Genl.  C.  gave  me  100  hundred  Dollars,  which  I 
sent  you,  from  Phila. —  He  rather  complained  of  the  amount 
of  the  Bill,  &  said  he  must  consult  other  parties ;  &  added  that  he 

1  The  letter  referred  to  is  not  published,  but  it  contains  a  promise  on  the 
part  of  Mr.  Griswold  to  pay  Webster  $1,000  if  the  India  Rubber  Case  is  won. 
Webster's  argument  in  this  case  was  published  in  pamphlet  form,  but  is  not 
contained  in  the  "  Works." 


734  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

would  attend  to  it,  when  he  got  to  N.  York ;  which  he  wished  me 
to  say  to  you. 

I  was  sorry,  &  am  sorry,  you  did  not  come  to  Philad,  because 
you  had  excited  expectations  in  me,  &  I  had  excited  them  in 
others.  I  think  you  ousrht  to  have  come,  at  any  inconvenience  or 
cost.  You  will,  beside,  have  no  such  good  opportunity  to  ar 
range  for  a  profitable  lecture,  or  two,  in  that  City. 

I  do  not  hear  from  Mr.  Harvey,  who  rather  disappointed  me 
also,  in  not  appearing  at  Phila.  I  am  anxious  to  know  whether 
things  make  progress. 

I  have  as  yet  seen  nobody. 

Yrs.  D.  W. 


'(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

SATURDAY  Mar:  24, 
Dear  Fletcher 

I  have  written  a  short  letter  to  Mr.  Harvey,  today,  of  such  a 
character  that  he  may  show  it. 

I  may  soon  write  him  privately —  Things  go  on  here,  I  think 
well  enough,  at  least,  they  look  about  right,  so  far.  I  must  stay 
here  till  I  get  your  matter  thro' ;  &  perhaps  shall  hardly  get  away 
much  under  a  week —  The  difficulty  is  to  know  where  to  go, 
when  I  get  to  Boston.  It  is  too  expensive  to  stay  at  the  Tre- 
mont — &  the  East  winds  will  be  cold  at  Marshfield. 

We  are  quite  well. 
D.  W. 


'&  Eeltefoug  and  jftoral  Character 


J_  HE  comparatively  little  that  Webster  had  to  say  upon  moral 
issues  during  his  long  public  life  contains  what  subjective  evi 
dence  we  have  as  to  his  moral  and  religious  character.  The  editor 
has  placed  here  such  letters  of  Webster  as  illustrate  these  mat 
ters  and  have  little  or  no  relation  to  his  political  career.  Among 
his  formal  productions  his  speech  in  the  Girard  College  case  is1 
most  prominent  in  elucidating  his  religious  views.  Among  the 
few  papers  on  this  subject,  we  have  mentioned  a  confession  of, 
faith  written  at  the  age  of  25,  and  given  a  short  address  made  at 
a  Sunday  school  meeting  some  twenty-four  years  later.  In  the 
McGaw  letter  there  is  a  brief  sentiment  upon  natural  religion — 
his  "conviction  of  the  existence  and  perfection  of  the  Deity." 

There  is  in  the  letter  to  Rev.  Goddard  a  conventional  state 
ment  of  his  belief  in  immortality.  The  inscription  for  his  tomb 
which  he  personally  dictated,  gives  further  testimony  of  this 
beUef.  The  inscription  may  be  found  in  the  closing  pages  of\ 
Curtis'  "Life  of  Webster."  In  the  Private  Correspondence  (Vol. 
i,  p.  453),  the  letter  to  Mr.  Haddock  throws  additional  light 
upon  his  religious  views. 

That  he  wished  his  name  identified  with  religious  activities  is 
testified  by  various  certificates  and  papers  among  his  literary  re 
mains.  His  certificate  of  life  membership  in  the  American  Bible 
Society,  and  his  appointment  as  an  honorary  member  of  the' 
American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions,  are 
among  the  Greenough  papers. 

Of  his  charity  and  philanthropy  there  is  abundance  of  evi 
dence  among  has  letters.  There  is  in  this  collection  a  letter 
showing  his  indignation  at  misplaced  charity,  and  another  show 
ing  his  compassion  and  willingness  to  aid  an  unfortunate  who  had 
been  guilty  of  a  crime.  There  are  preserved  here  very  definite 
statements  of  his  reverence  for  the  Sabbath  and  his  thorough 
approval  of  the  cause  of  temperance. 

As  concerns  his  own  moral  habits,  we  have  the  entry  in  James 
Kent's  diary,  and  the  somewhat  conflicting  testimony  of  Web- 

[735] 


736  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

ster's  physician.  I  wish  to  add  here  that,  after  reading  the  tes 
timony  of  many  men  who  knew  him,  and  after  reading  through 
many  years  of  his  correspondence,  the  unimportant  letters  of 
which  are  not  published,  I  am  convinced  that,  though  Webster 
drank  wine  at  his  table,  as  did  most  men  of  his  social  standing 
at  that  time,  and  though  he  used  liquors  for  medicinal  purposes,  I 
do  not  believe,  as  is  often  reported,  that  he  ever  appeared  before 
a  public  assembly  in  an  intoxicated  condition,  or,  indeed,  that  he 
ever  on  account  of  liquor  lost  perfect  control  of  his  mental  facul 
ties.  James  Kent's  testimony  that  Webster  lived  too  well,  must 
be  accepted  in  the  sense  that  he  was  a  lover  of  rich  and  highly 
seasoned  foods,  and  of  good  wines  in  moderation.  In  the  letter 
to  Anderson,  he  has  expressed  his  sentiments  upon  the  temper- 
perance  movement,  and  I  think  no  one  will  accuse  Webster  of 
hypocrisy,  whatever  other  charge  has  been  made  against  him. 
That  he  suffered  in  his  later  years  because  of  early  ignorance  of 
some  of  the  laws  of  health,  we  cannot  doubt.  But,  it  was  the* 
result  of  ignorance  and  carelessness  and  not  willful  immorality. 
Webster  had  inherited  too  much  of  the  Puritan  for  that. 

Many  dark  hints  have  been  made,  in  conversation,  concerning 
Webster's  relations  with  women,  and  one  reputable  historian, 
Mr.  Rhodes,  has  suggested  in  his  characterization  of  Webster 
that  "he  was  not  scrupulous  in  observing  the  Seventh  command 
ment."  That  his  personality  was  most  attractive  to  women  there 
is  every  testimony,  but  there  is  absolutely  nothing  but  idle  gos 
sip,  that  I  can  find,  which  substantiates  the  charge  that  he  took 
advantage  of  this  power  to  charm.  His  friends  rejected  with 
horror  the  insmuaiwn  of  such  an  immorality,  and  his  enemies1 
gladly  accepted  the  "trifles  light  as  air"  which  gave  such  calumny 
its  slightest  weight.  The  truth  seems  to  be  that  Webster  suf 
fered  the  penalty  which  invidious  cynicism  always  visits  upon  the 
man  whose  nobility  of  person  and  grace  of  manner  give  him 
favor  in  the  eyes  of  womankind. 


(To  Jacob  McGaw.1 ) 

My  Dear  Friend,  BOSTON  Oct.  11.  '28 

I  thank  you  for  your  letter  of  Sep.  25,  detailing  the  incidents 

1  This  letter  was  published  in  the  New  York  Sun  of  January  16,  1894.  The 
editor  takes  it  from  a  clipping  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  C.  E.  Bliss,  of 
Bangor,  Me. 


RELIGIOUS   AND    MORAL    CHARACTER      737 

of  your  tour.  It  has  enabled  me  to  go,  pretty  accurately,  over 
your  track.  I  have  followed  you,  by  the  means  of  it,  repeatedly 
from  Boston  round  by  the  West,  &  home  to  Bangor.  I  well 
understand  how  you  should  feel  excited  by  visiting  such  places  as 
Kingsbridge,  White  Plains,  Benn.  Heights  etc.  I  never  knew 
a  man  yet,  nor  a  woman  neither,  with  a  sound  head  &  a  good 
heart,  that  was  not  more  or  less  under  the  power,  which  these 
local  associations  exercise. 

It  is  true,  that  place,  in  these  things,  is  originally  accidental. 
Battles  might  have  been  fought  elsewhere,  as  well  as  at  Saratoga, 
or  Bennington.  Nevertheless  here  they  were  fought;  &  nature 
does  not  allow  us  to  pass  over  the  scenes  of  such  events  with  in 
difference,  unless  we  have  a  good  share  of  bluntness  &  stupidity, 
or  unless  the  scenes  themselves  have  become  familiar  by  frequent 
visits  to  them.  For  my  part  I  love  them  all,  and  all  such  as  they. 
An  old  drum  hangs  up  in  the  Senate  Chamber  of  Mass,  taken 
from  the  Hessians  at  Bennington,  &  I  do  not  think  I  ever  went 
into  the  room  without  turning  to  look  at  it.  And  that  reminds 
me  to  say,  that  I  have  a  pair  of  silver  sleeve  buttons,  the  material 
of  which  my  father  picked  up  on,  &  brought  away  from,  that 
same  field  of  Bennington.  If  I  thought  either  of  my  boys  would 
not  value  them,  fifty  years  hence,  if  he  should  live  so  long,  I  be 
lieve  I  should  begin  to  flog  him,  now. — 

The  day  we  parted  here  was,  in  truth,  very  hot.  I  reached 
Falmouth,  at  evening,  very  much  exhausted  by  heat  &  fatigue. 
The  next  morning  we  embarked  for  Nantucket,  &  had  a  good 
passage.  There  I  staid  a  week,  exceedingly  busy,  all  the  time, 
&  hurrying  thro*  business,  in  order  to  shorten  our  stay.  Work 
&  heat,  (a  good  deal  too  much  of  it  both)  made  me  sick ;  &  after 
I  returned  from  the  Island,  it  was  a  month  before  I  felt  quite 
well.  Cooler  weather  &  repose  have,  at  length,  accomplished  my 
restoration.  My  health  is  now  good,  &  I  shall  have  occasion  for 
all  of  it,  for  the  next  month  or  two,  during  which  professional 
engagements  are  usually  most  pressing. 

Julia  and  Edward  are  still  at  Boscawen.  At  the  end  of  this 
month  they  will  come  home,  and  both  their  little  cousins  with 
them.  Mrs.  E.  Webster  is  to  come  down,  &  to  keep  all  the  chil 
dren  here,  for  a  month  or  two,  while  her  husband  is  engaged  with 
the  Courts,  &  the  legislature —  My  present  purpose  is  not  to 
be  in  great  haste  to  depart  for  Washington,  unless  some  urgent 
public  duty  should  require  it.  In  the  present  condition  of  my 
household,  it  is  a  great  object  to  shorten  my  absence  as  far  as  I 


738  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

well  can.  I  rejoice  that  you  found  your  little  daughter,  &  your 
other  connexions  well;  &  that  the  journey  proved  so  favorable  to 
Mrs.  McGaw's  health.  Nothing  is  better,  I  think,  than  a  tour 
of  that  sort,  once  in  a  while,  to  places  not  before  visited,  &  to  the 
midst  of  society  a  little  different  from  that  in  our  own  circle. 
It  is  not  only  gratifying,  at  the  moment,  but  furnishes  many 
things  to  think  about,  &  talk  over,  for  a  long  time.  The 
mind  requires  occasionally  a  supply  of  new  ideas,  or  else  it  is 
likely  to  get  out  of  stock.  New  books  (or  books  never  read 
before)  will  sometimes  enable  the  inner  man  to  gratify  himself 
with  a  change  of  ideas,  which  are  his  diet),  &  a  visit  to  new  scenes 
&  new  circles,  often  does  the  same  thing  more  effectually.  For 
my  part,  I  journey  a  good  deal,  but  it  is  all  on  the  beaten  track 
from  Boston  to  Washington.  Once  we  made  an  exception,  & 
went,  as  you  know,  to  Niagara —  It  was  a  high  gratification. 
I  advise  you  to  keep  your  eye  on  such  a  tour,  at  some  time,  here 
after.  Why  is  it  not  a  sort  of  duty,  before  we  leave  this  world 
"thus  wondrous  fair",  to  see  all  the  wonders,  which  it  is  fairly  in 
our  power  to  see,  &,  by  beholding  them  to  derive  a  new  excitement 
to  our  veneration  &  adoration  of  the  Deity? 

I  confess  that  natural  Religion — that  conviction  of  the  exist 
ence  &  perfection  of  the  Deity,  which  the  contemplation  of  nat 
ural  objects  produces, — grows  daily  more  &  more  impressive  on 
my  mind.  But  I  must  stop — or  I  shall  write  a  sermon — Adieu — 
I  have  not  written  so  tediously  long  a  letter,  in  a  twelve  month. 

Give  every  good  wish  of  my  heart  to  your  wife — and,  as  we 
Yorkers  say,  "the  same  to  yourself" — * 

Yrs  always  truly 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 


(From  Ralph  Randolph  Gurley?) 

My  Dear  Sir,  WASHINGTON  May  15th  1830 

Having  knowledge  of  your  disposition  to  relieve  the  unfor 
tunate,  may  I  solicit  your  charitable  attention  to  the  Bearer  a 
very  respectable  man  of  colour,  who  is  seeking  some  aid  to  redeem 

1  The  editor  not  wishing  to  divide  this  letter,  has  chosen  to  place  it  here, 
although  some  of  the  matters  treated  would  place  it  in  another  division. 

2  From  1822  to  1872  R.  R.  Gurley  was  agent  and  secretary  of  the  American 
Colonization  Society  and  was  one  of  the  founders  of  Liberia.     He  edited  the 
African  Repository  and  wrote  several  books. 


RELIGIOUS   AND   MORAL   CHARACTER      739 

his  family.  You  will  be  glad  to  know  that  the  family  of  Philip 
Lee,  in  behalf  of  which  I  once  sought  your  friendly  assistance, 
are  now  free  &  happy. 

with  the  highest  respect 
&  esteem,  ever 

Your  friend  & 
servant 

R  R  GlJRLEY 

(Speech  at  a  Sunday  School  Meeting.1 ) 

CITY  OF  WASHINGTON,  Feb.  16,  1831. 

Francis  S.  Key,  Esq.  of  Georgetown  D.  C.  proposed  the  fol 
lowing  resolution : 

Resolved,  "That  the  Directors  of  the  American  Sunday  Union 
have  justly  estimated  the  piety  and  patriotism  of  their  country 
men,  in  relying  upon  them  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  great 
object  they  have  resolved  to  execute — and  that  Committees  be 
appointed  to  solicit  donations  throughout  the  District  in  their 
behalf." 

This  resolution  was  seconded  by  the  Hon.  DANIEL  WEB 
STER,  member  of  the  Senate  of  the  U.  States  from  the  state  of 
Massachusetts,  who  expressed  in  a  few  words  his  approbation  of 
the  objects  of  the  meeting. 

Notwithstanding  the  very  general  provision  made  for  educa 
tion,  in  the  part  of  the  country  to  which  he  belonged,  yet  Sunday 
Schools  were  there  extensively  established;  and  their  usefulness 
universally  acknowledged. 

Most  great  conceptions  were  simple.  The  present  age  had 
struck  out  two  or  three  ideas,  on  the  important  subject  of  edu 
cation,  and  the  diffusion  of  religious  knowledge,  partaking,  in  a 
very  high  degree,  of  this  character.  They  were  simple ;  but  their 
application  was  extensive,  direct,  and  efficacious.  Of  these,  the 
leading  one,  perhaps,  was  the  distribution  of  the  Holy  Scrip 
tures,  without  note  or  comment;  an  idea,  not  only  full  of  piety, 
and  duty,  and  of  candour  also,  but  strictly  just  and  philo 
sophical;  since  the  knowledge  of  the  general  truth  must,  of 
necessity,  be  communicated,  before  there  can  exist  a  capacity  to 
examine  and  decide  on  those  different  views  and  inferences,  em- 

1  This  is  taken  from  a  newspaper  clipping1  contained  in  Webster's  collection 
now  in  the  library  of  the  New  Hampshire  Historical  Society.  The  name  of  the 
paper  has  not  been  noted  on  the  clipping. 


740  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

braced  by  Christians  of  various  denominations  and  various  opin 
ions. 

The  object  of  Sunday  Schools,  and  of  the  particular  resolu 
tion  now  before  the  meeting,  was,  as  he  understood  it,  of  similar 
large  and  liberal  character.  It  was  to  diffuse  the  elements  of 
knowledge,  and  to  teach  the  great  truths  of  Revelation.  It  was 
to  improve,  to  the  highest  of  all  purposes,  the  leisure  of  the  Sab 
bath;  to  render  its  rest  sacred,  by  thoughts  turned  towards  the 
Deity,  and  aspiring  to  a  knowledge  of  his  word  and  will. 

There  were  other  plans  of  benevolence,  about  which  men  might 
differ.  But  it  seemed  to  him,  there  could  be  no  danger  of  error 
here.  If  we  were  sure  of  any  thing,  we  were  sure  of  this,  that 
the  knowledge  of  their  Creator,  their  duty  and  their  des 
tiny,  is  good  to  men;  and  that,  whatever,  therefore,  draws  the 
attention  of  the  young  to  the  consideration  of  these  objects,  and 
enables  them  to  feel  their  importance,  must  be  advantageous  to 
human  happiness,  in  the  highest  degree,  and  in  all  worlds.  In 
the  great  wants  of  their  moral  nature,  all  men  are  alike.  All 
were  born  in  want  of  culture,  in  want  of  knowledge,  in  want  of 
something  to  explain  to  them,  not  only  what  they  may  see 
around  them,  but  their  own  nature,  condition  and  destiny.  In 
civilized  times,  and  in  a  Christian  land,  the  means  of  this  knowl 
edge  were  to  be  supplied  to  the  young,  by  parental  care,  by  pub 
lic  provision,  or  by  Christian  benevolence.  They  were  not  as 
sembled  in  pursuance  of  a  call,  made  by  this  last  means  of  opera 
tion.  It  was  to  afford  to  some  what  all  needed.  It  was  to  ad 
minister  to  the  indispensable  moral  necessities  of  mankind.  It 
was  to  supply,  or  aid  in  supplying,  the  elements  of  knowledge, 
religious,  moral  and  literary,  to  the  children  throughout  a  most 
interesting  and  important  portion  of  the  country.  He  was  most 
happy  to  concur  in  this  object,  and  to  be  present  at  this  meeting, 
to  give  it  his  aid  and  encouragement.2 


(To  Rev.  Kingston  Goddard.1) 

My  Dear  Sir : — 

In  thanking  you  for  a  beautiful  and  excellent  sermon,  with 

1  A  confession  of  faith  written  by  Webster  at  the  age  of  twenty-five  years, 
may  be  found  in  "History  of  Salisbury,"  collated  by  J.  L.  Dearborn,  p.  839, 
also  in  New  Hampshire  Gen.  Association  Minutes,  1848,  pp.  77,  78. 

2  This  letter  is  taken  from  a  newspaper  clipping  in  the  possession  of  C.  E. 
Bliss,  of  Bangor,  Me.     Neither  date  nor  name  of  paper  is  known. 


RELIGIOUS    AND    MORAL    CHARACTER       741 

which  I  was  much  impressed,  it  occurred  to  me  to  suggest  to  you, 
perhaps  presumptiously,  that  motives  of  a  strong  and  peculiar 
character  might  be  addressed  to  the  third  and  last  class  of  per 
sons  described  by  your  text. 

"Domestic  happiness,  that  only  bliss 
Of  Paradise  that  has  escaped  our  fall," 

is  yet,  like  all  things  earthly,  transitory. —  The  circle  of  family 
love  must  one  day  be  broken  up  by  death;  but  if  its  members 
are  led  to  become  Christians,  it  will  be  joined  again,  and  united 
to  the  great  family  of  the  redeemed  and  blessed  in  another 
world. —  The  idea  is  common,  but  judging  from  my  own  feel 
ings,  and  what  we  see  of  its  effects  on  others,  it  is  persuasive  and 
touching. 

Undoubtedly,  an  amiable  man,  with  tender  sentiments  and 
affections,  is  liable  to  think  of  no  greater  felicity  than  is  afforded 
by  the  domestic  circle.  Do  you  remember  Dr.  Watts'  stanza — 

"The  fondness  of  a  creature's  love 

How  strong  it  strikes  the  sense ! 
Thither  our  warm  affections  move, 

Nor  can  we  call  them  thence." 

I  pray  you  my  dear  sir,  to  excuse  this  apparent  abruptness 
from  a  stranger,  but  a  very  sincere  and  most  respectful  good 
wisher. 

DANL.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Joshua  C.  Oliver,  Philadelphia.) 

gir  WASHINGTON  Jan.  3,  [1833] 

I  have  rec'd  your  letter.  Mr.  Fuller,  to  whom  you  refer,  was 
teller  in  the  B.  U.  S.  at  Boston.  He  was  tempted,  by  his  neces 
sities  I  suppose,  to  appropriate  to  his  own  use,  certain  monies  of 
the  Bank.  I  have  no  doubt,  that  when  he  began  the  peculation, 
he  intended  to  replace  the  money,  but  he  was  not  able  to  do  so ;  & 
his  defalcation  being  found  out,  he  was  prosecuted,  &  severely 
punished.  I  know  little  of  him,  except  that  his  character  was 
good,  among  the  gentlemen  in  the  Bank,  till  his  misconduct  was 
discovered.  He  is  an  uncommonly  good  writer,  a  correct  ac 
countant,  &  I  have  no  doubt  has  capacity  enough  to  earn  a  sup 
port  for  himself  &  family,  if  he  could  get  into  some  proper  em- 


74-2  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

ployment.  As  for  his  diligence  &  fidelity,  he  must  himself  make 
them  manifest.  I  cannot  vouch  farther  than  for  his  competency 
&  ability. 

If  he  can  get  some  employment,  such  as  that  of  a  writer,  or 
accountant,  by  which  he  support  himself  &  family,  by  hard 
work,  until  he  can  acquire  confidence,  it  is  the  best  thing  for  him. 

Yrs  [D.  WEBSTER]1 


(To  John  Fuller.2) 

Sir  WASHINGTON  Jan.  3  (1833) 

I  have  rec'd  y'r  letter  I  am  very  sorry  I  was  not  able  to  speak 
to  Dr.  Perkins,  in  your  behalf;  but  so  many  things  pressed  on 
my  attention,  that  I  could  not  find  an  opportunity — 

I  have  written  to  him,  by  this  Post,  &  also  to  Mr  Oliver 

I  hope  you  may  get  into  some  business  such  as  shall  enable  you 
to  maintain  your  family ;  but  things  depend  on  yourself,  &  on 
your  own  strict  conformity  to  every  dictate  of  duty  &  prudence. 
,You  cannot  restore  yourself  to  confidence  without  exemplary  good 
conduct  &  strict  diligence;  &  such  you  must  make  it  your  pur 
pose  to  exhibit. — 

With  good  wishes  for  yourself  &  family  I  remain 

Yrs 
D.  WEBSTER. 

(To  Horatio  G.  Cilley?) 

WASHINGTON  Sunday  Evening  Feby.  25,  1838. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

Before  this  reaches  you,  you  will  probably  have  heard  of  the 
death  of  your  Nephew,  the  Honble  Mr  Cilley,  member  of  the 
House  of  Representatives  from  the  State  of  Maine. 

This  melancholy  event  was  the  result  of  a  Duel,  fought  yester 
day  afternoon,  between  him  &  the  Honble  Mr  Graves,  a  member 
of  the  same  House  of  Congress,  from  the  State  of  Kentucky. 

I  have  no  authentic  information  of  the  circumstances  which  led 

1  This  is  the  draft  of  the  letter  sent  and  is  in  Daniel  Webster's  hand.  There 
is  among  the  Webster  papers  a  like  letter  to  Dr.  Perkins. 

9  A  young  man  who  had  embezzled  from  his  employers  and  for  whom  Daniel 
Webster  had  been  asked  to  intercede. 

3  Horatio  G.  Cilley,  of  Deerfield,  N.  H. 


RELIGIOUS    AND    MORAL    CHARACTER      743 

to  the  contest,  nor  of  those  which  accompanied  it.  The  friends 
of  the  Parties  will  no  doubt  immediately  lay  before  the  public 
statements  of  such  particulars  as  they  may  suppose  friends  may 
desire  naturally  to  be  informed  of.  The  main  object  of  this 
letter,  is  to  express  my  commiseration  with  the  numerous  branches 
of  your  family,  with  whom  I  have  been  more  or  less  acquainted, 
at  this  afflicting  occurrence.  Mr  Cilley  himself  I  had  not  known 
much.  He  had  so  recently  become  a  member  of  Congress,  that 
our  acquaintance  was  slight.  I  had  heard  him  speak  in  his  place, 
once  or  twice,  however,  &  I  thought  he  spoke  with  ability.  But 
having  known  his  father,  &  most  of  his  uncles,  either  in  public 
or  private  life,  &  having  had  some  little  acquaintance  with  his 
relatives,  of  his  own  generation,  I  have  felt  it  a  kind  of  duty  to 
express  toward  them  condolence,  &  commiseration ;  &  I  ask  you  to 
communicate  these  sentiments,  as  you  may  meet  with  the  mem 
bers  of  the  family,  whom  I  know. 

The  members  of  the  Delegation  from  Maine,  in  both  Houses, 
all  of  whom  are  deeply  affected  by  the  event,  will  do  all  that  re 
mains  to  be  done.  The  funeral  will  probably  be  attended  tomor 
row.  How  melancholy  it  is,  My  Dear  Sir,  that  neither  law,  nor 
religion,  nor  both,  can  check  the  prevalence,  in  society,  of  the 
practice  of  private  combat !  * 

With  friendly  regard, 

Yours 
DANL  WEBSTEE. 

(To  Mrs.  Caroline  Webster.) 

M    Dear  Wife  WEDNESDAY  EVE'  Feb.  12  (1840) 

I  reed  yr  letter,  night  before  last,  giving  the  awful  account  of 
poor  Mrs.  M's  conduct.  It  has  made  my  heart  bleed.  I  have 
regarded  her  as  an  excellent  religious  woman.  She  was  with  our 
family,  in  times  of  affliction,  &  I  had  the  most  grateful  &  respect 
ful  feelings  towards  her.  And  her  husband — poor  Mr.  March — 
what  will  he  do.  He  &  I  were  young  men  together —  Our  fath 
ers  were  friends.  We  were  fellow  lodgers,  at  the  commencement 
of  life,  &  have  been  friends  ever  since.  Many,  many  years  ago, 
he  introduced  me  to  the  first  circle  of  N.  Y.  friends,  which  I  ever 
had ; — Mr.  Gracie,  Mr.  Lenox,  D.  B.  Ogden,  John  Welles,  Saml 

1  A  copy  of  this  letter  was  kindly  sent  me  by  Horatio  Gates  Cilley,  of 

Manchester,  N.  H. 


744  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

Boyd,  &c  &c.  I  declare  I  have  had  no  happiness  since  I  rec'd 
y'r  letter.  The  only  consolation  is,  the  woman  must  be  crazy. 
She  cannot  be  so  wicked  as  to  do  such  things  in  her  right  mind. 
Poor  Mr.  M,  I  fear,  will  go  crazy  himself. 

I  have  been  very  busy  all  day,  in  preparing  some  written  argu 
ments  for  the  Court — &  in  passing  two  or  three  hours  in  the 
Senate.  Nothing  of  importance  in  the  political  world  has  oc 
curred  since  I  wrote  you  last.  Mr.  Hoffman  is  said  to  have 
made  a  very  good  speech  today,  on  some  subject,  in  H  of  R. 
His  reputation  is  fast  rising,  in  Congress.  You  know  he  has  a 
son.  I  have  not  seen  Mrs.  H. 

Night  before  last,  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Curtis  went  to  a  party  at  Mrs. 
O.  Taylor's.  Tonight,  there  is  an  assembly,  which  they  also 
attend.  Tomorrow  Eve,  a  party  at  Mr.  Forsythe's,  &  very  soon 
another  at  Mrs.  Clement  Hills.  I  attend  none  of  them. 

I  have  sent  Mr.  Jones  a  P.  office  Book.  My  news  from  Boston 
is  not  very  fresh,  but  I  had  a  letter  from  Julia  some  days  ago. 
She  says  Mr.  Davis  was  rather  better. 

It  is  now  the  middle  of  Feby,  &  in  six  weeks  I  shall  be  making  a 
visit  to  Boston —  Pray  remember  that,  &  come  along  as  soon  as 
you  can.  I  hope  this  milder  weather  is  favorable  to  your  father. 
Pray  give  my  love  to  him.  I  do  not  expect  him  to  take  the 
trouble  of  answering  my  letters ;  but  if  any  thing  important  oc 
curs,  I  will  write  him  again  soon. 

If  our  friends,  the  Messrs.  Whites,  have  at  last  reaped  the 
fruits  of  their  conduct,  in  supporting  the  outrageous  policy  of 
Genl  Jackson,  in  regard  to  money  matters,  I  shall  not  be  so  un 
christian  as  to  rejoice  in  their  misfortunes,  but  I  shall  pray  that 
this  discipline  may  tend  to  their  improvements,  &  edification. 

Adieu!     Yrs  always,  (with  a  rascally  steel  pen) 

DANL  WEBSTER 

(Extract  from  the  Diary  of  James  Kent.1) 

AUG  22  1840 

"August  22.  Daniel  Webster  dined  with  me  on  his  own  invi 
tation.  He  was  on  his  way  to  Morristown  and  to  Sussex  County 
to  meet  a  gathering  of  the  Whigs.  Dr.  Condit,  of  Morristown, 
dined  with  me.  Mr.  Collins  dined  here.  It  was  a  very  interest 
ing  party,  and  Mr.  Webster  charmed  the  party.  He  is  57  years 

1  Printed  in  the  "  Memoirs  of  Chancellor  Kent,"       261. 


RELIGIOUS    AND    MORAL    CHARACTER       745 

old,  and  looks  worn  and  furrowed ;  his  belly  becomes  protuberant, 
and  his  eyes  deep  in  his  head.  I  sympathize  with  his  condition. 
He  has  been  too  free  a  liver.  He  ate  but  little,  and  drank  wine 
freely."  

(To  Thomas Fessenden et  al*  ' 

WASHINGTON,  December  19,  1842. 
Gentlemen : 

It  will  not  be  in  my  power  to  be  among  you  on  the  22nd, 
but  my  heart  is  always  with  those  who,  on  that  occasion,  render 
honor  to  the  virtues  of  our  Pilgrim  Fathers. 

The  simple  language  of  the  venerable  Historian  of  Connecticut 
is,  that  our  ancestors  came  hither  "to  settle  on  bare  creation." — 
But  they  acted  on  principles,  and  set  an  example,  which  con 
verted  this  bare  creation  into  as  fair  an  inheritance,  as  has  ever 
fallen  to  the  lot  of  man.  Providence  disciplines  men  for  the  tasks 
which  they  are  called  on  to  perform;  and  the  difficulties  which 
these  emigrants  encountered,  were  hardly  more  than  were  requisite 
to  give  them  the  fearlessness  of  purpose,  and  hardihood  of  char 
acter,  which  were  demanded  by  their  situation. 

For  all  their  toils,  they  were  rewarded,  by  their  success,  by  the 
sense  of  duty  well  performed,  and  by  the  happy  consciousness, 
that  they  had  been  made  instruments,  by  which  God  had  intro 
duced  civilization  and  Christianity,  into  a  new  world. 

Happy  founders  of  a  new  Society !     Fortunate  benefactors  of 
succeeding  times!     May  all  who  enjoy  the  blessings  secured  by 
their  efforts,  cherish  their  memories,  and  imitate  their  virtues. 
I  am   Gentlemen,  with  regard,  vours 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 

(To  Charles  W.  Ridgely.) 

WASHINGTON  March  3,  1845. 
Dear  Sir, — 

I  feel  greatly  honored  by  your  communication;  which  I  re 
ceived  on  my  return  to  this  city  from  the  North,  on  Saturday; 
and  am  sincerely  obliged  to  my  friend  Mr.  Williams,  for  causing 
me  to  be  made  a  member  of  the  Baltimore  Sabbath  Association. 

1  This  letter  is  owned  by  the  Hon.  George  F.  Hoar. 


746  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

The  longer  I  live,  the  more  highly  do  I  estimate  the  impor 
tance  of  a  proper  observance  of  the  Christian  Sabbath,  and  the 
more  grateful  do  I  feel  towards  those  who  take  pains  to  impress 
a  sense  of  this  importance  on  the  community.  The  Lord's  day, 
is  the  day  on  which  the  Gospel  is  preached!  it  is  the  day  of 
public  worship  throughout  the  world.  And  although  we  live  in 
a  reading  age,  and  in  a  reading  community,  yet  the  preaching  of 
the  Gospel,  is  the  form  in  which  human  agency  has  been,  and  still 
is,  most  efficaciously  employed  for  the  spiritual  improvement  of 
men.  That  the  poor  had  the  gospel  preached  to  them,  was  an 
evidence  of  his  mission,  which  the  Author  of  Christianity  himself 
proclaimed.  And  to  the  public  worship  of  the  Deity,  and  the 
preaching  of  the  Gospel,  the  observance  of  the  Sabbath,  is 
obviously  essential. 

I  am,  dear  Sir,  with  much  regard, 

Your  obedient  Servant 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 

(To  -  -}) 

MAY  28.  '46 
D'r  Sir 

If  you  know  the  writer  of  this  letter,  &  he  is  both  poor  & 
deserving,  you  may  say  to  him,  when  you  see  him  that  I  am  just 
about  as  poor  as  he  is — that  I  have  worked  more  than  twelve 
hours  a  day  for  fifty  years,  on  an  average.  That  I  do  not  know, 
experimentally,  what  wealth  is,  nor  how  the  bread  of  idleness 
tastes —  But  that  I  have  been  generally  blessed  with  good 
health,  in  my  person,  &  in  my  family,  for  which  I  give  thanks 
to  Providence.  And  that  I  have  compassion  for  such  cases  of 
sickness  &  affliction  as  appear  to  have  visited  him  &  his  family. 
And  if  you  think  five  or  six  dollars  would  be  well  bestowed,  please 
hand  it  to  him  on  my  account. — 

Now,  another  subject.  I  was  foolish  eno  to  buy  of  W.  W.  the 
home  in  which  Mrs  Sargent  lives. —  I  have  no  use  for  it,  & 
should  be  glad  to  sell  it — and,  for  a  fair  price,  would  sell  with  it, 
the  land  in  Northfield,  near  it —  I  suppose  this  land  is,  or  will 
be,  soon,  valuable,  if  factories  are  to  be  built  near  it — 

What  is  the  House,  &  the  Land  worth? 

Yr  D.  W. 

1  There  seems  to  be  no  way  of  ascertaining  to  whom  the  letter  was  written. 


RELIGIOUS    AND    MORAL    CHARACTER      747 
(To  Rev.  Ichabod  S.  Spencer.1) 

My  Dear  Sir —  WASHINGTON,  Dec.  7,  1850. 

I  am  greatly  obliged  to  you  for  sending  me  a  copy  of  your 
sermon  delivered  on  the  24th  of  November.  It  is  refreshing  to 
read  a  production  which,  founding  itself  upon  the  express  in 
junction  of  the  holy  scriptures,  goes  back  from  theory  to  com 
mandment,  from  human  hypotheses  and  speculation  to  the  de 
clared  will  of  God. 

Obedience  to  established  government  is  something  more,  and 
much  more,  than  a  mere  idea  of  expediency;  it  is  a  Christian 
duty.  You  say,  very  truly,  that  "law  is  a  friend  to  the  human 
race."  Without  law  the  human  race  must  have  remained  forever 
in  a  state  of  barbarism.  Law  pervades  the  physical  universe,  and 
pervades  equally  the  social  system  of  mankind. 

You  are,  of  course,  familiar  with  Hooker's  celebrated,  most 
truthful  and  most  sublime  description  of  law.  If  you  have  not 
recurred  to  it  lately,  allow  me  to  ask  you  to  turn  to  it.  I  never 
read  it  without  the  strongest  emotions.  "Of  Law  nothing  more 
can  be  said  than  that  her  seat  is  the  bosom  of  God,  her  voice  the 
harmony  of  the  universe,"  etc.  To  the  same  effect  is  the  beauti 
ful  ode  of  Alcaeus,  translated  by  Sir  William  Jones.  But,  par 
don  me,  my  dear  sir,  I  am  making  suggestions  to  one  who  is  more 
fit  to  make  them  to  me.  I  am  appearing  to  lead,  where  I  am 
quite  content  to  follow. 

Yours,  with  the  sincerest  regard, 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 

(To  Porter  Wright.) 

Mr  Porter  Wright  WASHINGTON,  M  7"  '51. 

Dear  Sir. 

Almost  all  John  Taylors  family  are  sick  with  two  diseases, — 
hooping  cough  and  measles ;  it  would  an  act  of  charity  for  Mrs 
Baker  to  go  up  and  see  them  for  a  couple  of  days. 

Yours  truly 

DANI,  WEBSTER. 

1  On  Sunday,  November  24,  1850,  Rev.  Dr.  Ichabod  S.  Spencer,  of  Brooklyn, 
N.  Y.,  preached  a  sermon  on  the  Fugitive  Slave  Law.  The  sermon  was  pub 
lished  in  pamphlet  form,  and  Dr.  Spencer  sent  a  copy  to  Daniel  Webster.  In 
acknowledgment  of  the  receipt  of  the  sermon,  Mr.  Webster  wrote  Dr.  Spencer 
this  letter.  The  editor  takes  this  from  a  newspaper  clipping  belonging  to  C. 
E.  Bliss,  of  Bangor,  Me. 


748  LETTERS  OF  DANIEL  WEBSTER 

(To  F.  D.  Anderson  et  al.) 

MAESHFIELD,  October  8, 1851. 
Gentlemen : 

It  is  a  matter  of  deep  regret  to  me,  that  I  did  not  receive  your 
kind  letter  of  the  9th  of  August  till  a  very  late  day.  I  was  in 
the  mountains  of  New  Hampshire,  taking  a  breath  of  my  native 
air,  and  it  was  the  last  of  August  before  I  returned.  I  know  not 
whether,  if  I  had  received  your  communication  sooner,  it  would 
have  been  in  my  power  to  attend  the  meeting  to  which  I  was  in 
vited,  but  I  should  have  been  able  to  have  given  a  more  timely 
answer. 

There  can  be  no  question  that  the  Temperance  movement,  in 
the  United  States,  has  done  infinite  good.  The  moral  influences 
of  the  Temperance  associations  has  been  everywhere  felt,  and 
always  with  beneficial  results.  In  some  cases,  it  is  true,  the  Tem 
perance  measures  have  been  carried  to  excess,  where  they  have 
invoked  legislative  penalties,  and  sought  to  enforce  the  virtue  of 
Temperance  by  the  power  of  the  Law.  To  a  certain  extent,  this, 
no  doubt,  is  justifiable  and  useful;  but  it  is  the  moral  principle 
of  Temperance,  it  is  the  conscientious  duty  which  it  teaches,  to 
abstain  from  intoxicating  draughts,  such  as  are  hurtful  both  to 
mind  and  body,  which  are  the  great  agents  for  the  reformation 
of  manners  in  this  respect. 

Your  order  is  quite  right  in  connecting  benevolence  and  charity 
with  Temperance.  They  may  well  go  hand-in-hand.  He  whose 
faculties  are  never  debauched  or  stupefied,  whose  mind  is  always 
active  and  alert,  and  who  practices  self-denial,  is  naturally  drawn 
to  consider  the  deserving  objects  which  are  about  him,  that  may 
be  poor,  or  sick,  or  diseased. 

Love,  Purity,  and  Fidelity  are  considered  Christian  virtues; 
and  I  hope  that  those  "banners"  which  bear  these  words  for  their 
motto  may  rise  higher  and  higher,  and  float  more  and  more 
widely  through  this  and  all  other  countries. 

You  have  invited  me,  gentlemen,  if  I  could  attend  the  meeting, 
to  address  the  members  of  your  order  on  the  great  subject  of 
Union.  I  should  have  done  so  with  pleasure,  although  I  do  not 
propose  to  continue  the  practice  of  addressing  great  multitudes 
of  men ;  yet  I  could  not  have  refused  to  have  expressed  my  opin 
ions  on  the  great  topics  of  the  day,  in  the  State  of  Maryland. 
Out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth  speaketh. 

I  pray  you  to  be  assured,  gentlemen,  that  I  value  highly  the 


opinion  you  have  expressed  for  my  public  character  and  con 
duct  ;  and  I  indulge  the  hope  that  I  may  ere  long  meet  some  of 
you  in  the  city  where  my  public  duties  are  discharged ;  and  most 
of  all,  I  fervently  trust  that  you  and  I,  and  your  children  and 
my  children  will  remain  fellow-citizens  of  one  great  united  Re 
public,  so  long  as  society  shall  exist  among  us.  While  I  live, 
every  effort  in  my  power,  whether  made  in  public  or  in  private 
life,  will  be  devoted  to  the  promotion  of  that  great  end. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  very  respectfully,  your  obliged  friend  and 
fellow  citizen.1 

DANIEL  WEBSTEK. 

(To  Porter  Wright.) 

Dear  Porter  Wright  JAN-  U»  1852. 

I  have  rec'd  your  letter  of  the  7th.  We  are  quite  anxious 
about  your  wife,  &  hope  you  will  write  us  a  short  line  often. 
You  have  the  sick  all  round  you.  If  there  be  any  thing  in  our 
House  that  can  do  them  good,  be  sure  to  let  them  have  it.  Mrs. 
Webster  &  I  are  quite  well. 

Yrs      DANL  WEBSTER 


(To  D.  Fletcher  Webster.) 

N.  Y.  Sunday,  Nov.  7.  2  o'clock 
Dear  Fletcher 

We  left  Boston  yesterday  at  4,  for  this  City  by  way  of  Nor 
wich,  but  having  got  aground  in  the  Thames,  at  low  water,  were 
delayed,  &  arrived  here  only  at  1/2  past  12  today.  I  shall  stay 
here  but  a  day  or  two,  tho'  Mrs.  W.  may  stay  longer,  &  come  on 
with  Edward,  whom  we  left  behind. 

Caroline  wrote  us  of  the  folly  of  Chas  Mettinger,  which  is  con 
firmed  here.  Ann  is  greatly  distressed,  &  crying  her  eyes  out. 

I  gave  the  undutiful  boy  a  place,  mainly,  that  he  might  be  of 
help  to  his  poor  mother,  who  was  worked  so  hard  for  him;  & 
since  he  behaved  so  improperly  and  ungratefully,  I  choose  to  have 

1  This  letter  was  written  in  answer  to  an  invitation  from  Mr.  F.  D.  Anderson 
and  others  to  attend  a  celebration  of  the  temperance  cause  in  Harford  County, 
Maryland.  This  copy  is  taken  from  a  volume  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  C.  E. 
Bliss,  of  Bangor,  Me.,  entitled  "John  Randolph  of  Roanoke,"  by  F.  W. 
Thomas,  p.  373. 


750  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

no  more  to  do  with  him;  and  unless  you  know  good  reason  to 
the  contrary,  I  wish  you  to  pay  him  off,  &  dismiss  him,  before  I 
reach  Washington.  I  presume  Ann  will  remain  here.  I  have  not 
yet  seen  Mr.  Curtis,  nor  anbody  else.  Mrs.  W.  &  Uncle  G.  quite 
well. 

Yrs  truly 
DANL  WEBSTER 

(John  Jeffries  to  Mr.  Sleeper.1 ) 

BOSTON,  Nov.  20,  1852. 

Mr.  Sleeper;  Sir, —  I  send  you  for  publication  the  remarks 
made  by  me  at  a  late  medical  dinner.  I  am  not  confident  that  it 
is  in  the  precise  terms  which  I  then  used,  but  it  is  a  correct  ac 
count  of  the  incidents  to  which  I  referred  on  that  occasion. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  JEFFRIES. 

On  Wednesday,  the  10th  inst.,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  dining 
with  the  "Southern  District  Medical  Society,"  at  New  Bedford, 
and  in  answer  to  a  call  to  give  some  information  regarding  the 
sickness  of  the  late  Hon.  Daniel  Webster,  I  took  occasion  after  a 
brief  statement  of  his  case,  to  make  some  remarks  calculated  to 
remove  aspersion  upon  his  moral  character;  and  particularly  to 
show  that  the  assertion  was  false  that  he  was  under  the  influence 
of  intoxicating  liquor  on  the  occasion  of  his  public  address  in 
Faneuil  Hall  on  May  22d,  1852.  A  declaration  to  this  effect  I 
had  heard  several  times  emanating  from  persons  of  intelligence 
and  influence.  I  did  not  intend  to  vindicate  the  character  of 
Mr.  Webster — it  needed  no  defence.  I  did  it  to  disabuse  the 
minds  of  those  who  had  heard  it,  from  the  influence  of  a  direct 
assertion  which  I  knew  to  be  without  any  foundation.  I  meant 
by  a  simple  relation  of  circumstances  under  my  own  observation 
to  show  that  the  charge  was  entirely  untrue. 

I  stated  that  after  the  injury  Mr.  Webster  received  from  a  fall 
from  his  carriage  in  Duxbury  in  May,  he  came  to  this  city,  and 
was  under  my  professional  care  for  some  days  previous  to  the 
delivery  of  his  speech ;  that  I  had  visited  him  two  or  three  times 
daily,  and  had  reduced  his  diet  below  his  usual  mode  of  living,  in 
consequence  of  inflammation  in  his  arm.  . 

1  This  letter  is  taken  from  a  newspaper  clipping  made  by  Peter  Harvey. 


That  on  the  day  of  his  address,  I  visited  him  twice  in  the 
morning,  and  dressed  his  arm  particularly  for  the  occasion.  After 
dressing  him  I  said  "I  have  kept  you  very  low,  sir,  for  some  time, 
and  as  you  have  an  arduous  duty  to  perform  to-day,  I  think  I 
shall  advise  you  to  take  a  glass  of  wine  at  dinner,  and  to  eat  a 
little  meat." 

He  was  walking  across  the  room  at  this  time,  when  he  stopped, 
and  turning  towards  me,  replied  in  a  familiar  but  decided  man 
ner — 

"I  don't  know,  Doctor ;  I  think  I  shall  not.  I  have  found  the 
benefit  of  temperance.  I  shall  take  a  cup  of  soup,  retire  to  my 
chamber  and  lie  down  for  two  hours,  then  I  shall  dress  and  be 
ready  for  his  Honor  the  Mayor  when  he  calls  to  attend  me  to 
Faneuil  Hall." 

At  his  request  I  went  with  him  to  the  Hall,  and  am  fully  con 
vinced  that  he  had  not  on  that  day,  or  for  some  days  preceeding, 
taken  even  the  smallest  amount  of  stimulating  drinks.  I  ad 
mitted  that  Mr.  Webster  was  in  the  occasional  use  of  wine,  and 
sometimes  of  other  alcoholic  drinks,  and  gave  as  a  probable  rea 
son  that  it  was  much  more  the  custom  in  Washington  than  in 
this  City;  But  I  confidently  expressed  the  opinion  that  no  man 
could  be  produced,  who  could  show  that  he  knew — although  many 
might  erroneously  presume,  as  in  the  instance  above  referred  to — 
that  his  great  intellect  was  ever  clouded  by  stimulants ;  or  that  he 
was  unfitted  at  any  time,  even  for  the  production  of  State  papers. 

I  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity  to  add  a  few  words  more  in 
confirmation  of  what  I  have  stated  above. 

At  the  time  of  his  reception  by  the  City,  Mr.  Webster  ap 
peared  to  possess  his  full  intellectual  strength.  In  reply  to  an 
apprehension  expressed  by  me  that  morning,  he  said : 

"I  feel  as  able  to  make  a  speech  of  two  hours'  duration,  as  ever 
I  did  in  my  life." 

But  he  was  laboring  under  great  physical  debility,  requiring 
the  constant  assistance  of  an  attendant  about  his  person.  This 
was  dispensed  with,  by  a  great  effort  on  his  part,  as  was  also  a 
sling  for  his  arm,  because  he  did  not  wish  to  appear  before  his 
fellow-citizens  as  a  sick  man. 

I  have  always  found  Mr.  Webster  perfectly  obedient  as  a  pa 
tient,  especially  in  following  strictly  the  diet  and  regimen  pre 
scribed  for  him. 

The  nature  of  the  complaints  for  which  I  have  attended  him, 
has  required  that  these  restrictions  should  be  sometimes  severe, 


752  LETTERS   OF   DANIEL   WEBSTER 

and  on  one  important  occasion,  were  directly  opposed  to  his  own 
view  of  his  case;  but  he  nevertheless  yielded  implicitly  to  my 
instructions. 

In  his  last  sickness  he  required  the  most  exact  admeasurement 
of  such  stimulants  as  were  thought  advisable,  and  would  take  none 
without  my  express  directions. 

I  am  also  assured  that  he  always  practiced  the  greatest  self- 
denial  whenever  especiallv  called  upon  for  the  exertion  of  his 
intellectual  powers.  The  mighty  productions  of  his  pen  exhibit 
the  clearness  of  his  intellect  as  much  as  the  profoundness  of  his 
thought.  The  most  rigid  casuist  may  be  defied  to  point  to  one 
line  in  his  voluminous  works  which  indicates  the  weakness  of  the 
inebriate. 

I  fear  that  I  have  trespassed  too  much  upon  your  indulgence, 
Mr.  Editor,  and  will  only  express,  in  conclusion,  my  regret  that 
I  do  not  feel  at  liberty  to  give  you,  for  publication,  some  observa 
tions  upon  the  religious  character  of  Mr.  Webster;  a  subject 
which  I  entered  upon  in  my  late  remarks,  but  had  not  time  to 
continue. 

Some  unintentional  inaccuracies  have  entered  into  the  memo- 
riter  report  of  the  gentlemen  at  New  Bedford,  which  do  not, 
however,  affect  the  general  truth  of  his  statements. 


THE    END. 


CHRONOLOGICAL  INDEX 


LETTERS  FROM  DANIEL  WEBSTER 


Date               Sent  to                 Page 
1802 
Mar.  3.     Samuel  Bradley.  ...      6 
May  5.     Jas.  H.  Bingham  ...      7 
1803 
Sept.  28.  Jas.  H.  Bingham.  .  .    14 
1804 
Oct.  20.   Moses  Davis  16 

Date               Sent  to                 F 
1813 
June  28.  Chas.  March  

age 

46 
46 

47 
47 

49 
50 
50 
51 
54 
55 
69 

69 
68 

70 
71 

73 

74 

75 
76 

77 

77 

78 
79 
80 
81 

82 
82 

83 
84 
85 

86 
86 
87 

June  29.  Chas.  March  

July  6.     Chas.  March  

July  10.  Chas.  March  

1814 

1805 
May  25.  Ezekiel  Webster  .  .  . 
1807 
Dec.  2.     Fuller  

22 
25 

24 
24 

29 
29 

31 
32 
32 
34 
34 
35 
36 
36 
37 
37 
38 
38 
39 
39 
40 
40 
42 
42 
42 
43 
44 
44 
45 

Mr.   Lawrence  

Oct.  17.  William  Sullivan... 
Oct.  20.  Ezekiel  Webster.  .  . 
Oct.  30.  Ezekiel  Webster.  .  . 
Nov.  29.  Ezekiel  Webster.  .  . 
Dec.  22.  Moody  Kent,  Esq.  .  . 
1815 
Jan.  14.   Moody  Kent.    

1808 
Oct.  21.  Stephen  Moody  
Oct.  26.  Stephen  Moody  .... 
1812 
June        Moses  P.  Pay  son..  .  . 
Dec.  1  1  .  Timothy  Pickering  .  . 
1813 
May  24.  Ezekiel  Webster.  .  . 
May  25.  C.   March  

Jan.  22.  Ezekiel  Webster.  .  . 
1816 
Oct.  10.  Moses  P.  Payson... 
Oct.  29.  Jeremiah  Mason.  .  . 
1817 
June  28.  Jeremiah  Mason.  .  . 
Dec.  8.     Jeremiah  Mason.  .  .  . 
1818 
Mar.  1  1  .  Rev.  Francis  Brown  . 
June  29.  Jeremiah  Mason  .... 
July  27.  Jacob  McGaw  

May  26.  Edw.  Cutts,  Jr  

May  27.  Chas.  March  (?)  
May  28.  Chas.  March  

May  3  1  .  Chas.  March  

June  3     Chas  March  

June  4.    Ezekiel  Webster.  .  . 

Nov.  28.  Dr.  Cyrus  Perkins.  . 
1819 
Feb.  24.  Jeremiah  Mason  .... 
Feb.  28.  Jeremiah  Smith  .... 
Apr.  10.  Jeremiah  Mason.  ... 
May  5.     Jeremiah  Mason  .... 
May  —  .  Jeremiah  Mason  .... 
May  27.  Jeremiah  Mason  .... 
1820 
Feb.  1  5.  Henry  Baldwin  .... 
June  25.  Jeremiah  Mason.  .  .  . 
Nov.  1  2.  Jeremiah  Mason  .... 
1821 
July  1  1  .  Jeremiah  Mason  .... 
July  15.  Jeremiah  Mason.... 
Sept.  1  2.  Jeremiah   Mason  .  . 

June  7     Chas  March  

June  8     Chas.  March  

June  9     Chas  March  

June  10   Chas  March  

June  1  1    Chas.  March  

June  12   Moody  Kent  

June  1  4   Chas  March  

June  1  5   Chas  March  

June  1  9   Chas  March  

June  2  1    Chas  March  

June  22   Chas  March  

June  24   Chas  March  

June  26.  Chas.  March..  . 

755 


756 


CHRONOLOGICAL    INDEX 


Date               Sent  to                 F 
1822 
Jan.  3.     Samuel  Boyd,  Esq.  . 
Jan.  —  .  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.; 
Feb.  6.     James  W.  Paige  .  .  . 
1823 
Mar.  25.  Jeremiah  Mason.  .  .  . 
Jeremiah  Mason.  .  .  . 
Nov.  30.  Jeremiah  Mason  .... 
Dec.  22.  Jeremiah  Mason.  .  .  . 
1824 
Jan   9      Wm    Plumer  

'age 

88 
546 
90 

93 
91 
93 
93 

101 
101 
102 
103 
103 
105 
106 
107 

109 

110 
611 

110 
110 

111 

112 
113 
114 
115 
612 
691 
115 
115 

692 
116 
117 
119 
695 

120 
612 
122 
122 
122 
124 

Date               Sent  to                  Page 
1827 
Apr.  27.  Joseph  E.  Sprague.  .125 
May  23.  J.  E.   Sprague  1  26 

May  30.  J.  E.  Sprague  126 

May  30.  Nathan   Appleton.  .  125 
June  13.  Ezekiel  Webster.  .  .127 
June  22.  Ezekiel  Webster.  .  .  127 
June  30.  J.  Q.  Adams  128 

Dec.  3.     James  W.  Paige.  .  .570 
Dec.  4.    James  W.  Paige  .  .  .  570 
James  W.  Paige...  571 
1828 
Mar.  18.  Ezekiel  Webster.  .  .133 
Mar.  20.  Jeremiah    Mason.  .  .136 
Mar.  22.  Jos.  E.  Sprague  ....  1  34 
Mar.  25.  Robert  B.  Campbell.  .  1  37 
Apr.  13.  Jos.  E.  Sprague.  ...  135 
May  11.  D.    Fletcher    Web 
ster  574 

Jan.  1  2.  Nathan  Appleton.  .  . 
Feb.  15.  Ezekiel  Webster.  .  . 
Apr.  5.     Jeremiah   Mason.  .  . 
Apr.  6.     Jeremiah   Mason  .  .  . 
May  23.  Jeremiah   Mason.  .  . 
June  5.    Ezekiel  Webster.  .  . 
Sept.  8.    William  Gaston  
Nov.  14.  Jeremiah   Mason.  .  . 
Dec.  18.  Wm.   Plumer  (?)... 
Dec.  31.  Edward  Everett  
1825 
Jan.  18.  Ezekiel  Webster.  .  . 
Jan.  25.  Jeremiah  Mason  .  .  . 
Feb.  25.  Thomas  H.  Benton. 
Feb.  26.  John  Q.  Adams  
Feb.  26.  Ezekiel  Webster.  .  . 
May  21.  Jeremiah   Mason.  .  . 
May  22.  Jeremiah   Smith 
May  27.  James  W.  Paige.  .  . 
July  1  0.  James  W.   Paige  .  .  . 
Nov.  24.  James  W.   Paige.  .  . 
Dec.  1  1  .  Jeremiah    Mason  .  .  . 
1826 
Feb  4      Jared  Sparks  

July  20.  Jos.   E.    Sprague.  .  .138 
Aug.  —  .  Jos.   E.    Sprague  ...  1  39 
Sept  1  3  J  Q  Adams  140 

Sept.  —  .  Jos.  E.  Sprague  ....  1  40 
Oct   11    Jacob  McGaw  736 

W.  W.  Seaton  613 

Dec.  15.  Mrs.  Cyrus  Perkins.  6l  5 
1829 
Jan  25    Josiah  Quincy  615 

Feb.  5.     Ezekiel  Webster.  .  .  143 
Feb.  23.  Ezekiel  Webster.  ...  141 
Feb.  26.  Ezekiel  Webster.  .  .144 
Mar.  2.    Ezekiel  Webster.  .  .  145 
May  16.  Mrs.    Ezekiel    Web 
ster  576 

Aug.  1  1.  Jeremiah  Mason  ...  .619 
Sept  24   Henry  Clay  146 

Feb.  28.  John   Q.   Adams.  .  . 
Mar   20   (?)    

Nov   18   Jacob  McGaw           577 

May  3  1  .  William  Gaston 
Oct   12    Jared  Sparks  

Dec  21          718 

1830 
Feb.  15.  Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster          578 

1827 
Feb.  9-     Ezekiel  Webster.  .  , 
Feb.  21.  Jacob  McGaw  

Mar.  16.  Jos.  E.  Sprague.  ...  149 
Mar.  19.  Jeremiah  Mason.  ...  150 
Mar.  24.  Hon.  Jos.  E.  Sprague.  152 
Apr.  14.  Jeremiah  Mason....  152 
Anr.  1Q.  Louis    Dwierht..       .155 

Mar.  3.     J.  Q.   Adams  

Mar.  26.  J.  Q.  Adams  

Mar  27   J    Q    Adams      .  .  .  , 

Ar>r    .1        T?.r.f*\rie>]     \VpV»«tf>r 

LETTERS   FROM   DANIEL   WEBSTER 


757 


Date 

1830 

Apr.  20. 
Apr.  20. 
Apr.  27. 
May  28. 
June  4. 
June  28. 
Nov.  22. 

1831 

Feb.  23. 
Sept.  11. 
Sept.  24. 
Oct.  7. 
Nov.  16. 
Dec.  21. 

1832 
Jan.  4. 
Jan.  5. 
Jan.  6. 
Jan.  9- 
Jan.  24. 
June  — . 
June  5. 
June  11. 
July  2. 
July  7. 
Sept.  10. 
Nov.  7. 

1833 
Jan.  3. 
Jan.  3. 
Feb.  15. 
Feb.  — . 
Mar.  21. 
May  14. 
July  5. 
Aug.  6. 
Sept.  3. 
Oct.  26. 

1834 
Jan.  1. 
Jan.  11. 
Jan.  13. 
Jan.  17. 


Sent  to 


Page 


Thomas  H.  Benton.157 
Thomas  H.  Benton.171 

James  Kent 158 

H.  W.  Kinsman 158 

Jeremiah  Mason ...  1 59 
Jos.  E.  Sprague . . . .  1 60 
Dr.  Cyrus  Perkins.  .619 

.    160 

Nathan  Appleton.  .  162 
James  Buchanan.  .  .  163 

620 

Ambrose  Spencer ...  1 67 
Mr.  Kinsman  (?) 719 

Thomas  H.  Benton.l69 
Thomas  H.  Benton .  1 70 
Thomas  H.  Benton.171 
Thomas  H.  Benton.  173 

J.  Q.  Adams 173 

Nathan  Appleton.  .173 
Chancellor  Kent.  .  .620 

John  W.  Week 621 

Abm.  Van  Vechten.175 

J.   Q.  Adams 176 

Stephen  White 713 

J.  Q.  Adams 178 

Joshua  C.  Oliver  .  .  .741 

John  Fuller 742 

Edward  Everett 179 

Nathan   Appleton. .  179 

Henry  Clay  (?) 181 

Matthew  Carey 182 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.  5 86 
John  R.  Thomson.. 7 19 
Jeremiah  Smith ....  1 86 
Mrs.    Ezekiel    Web 
ster..  , 586 

I.   W.  Kelly 622 

H.  W.  Kinsman 720 

H.  W.  Kinsman 721 

Nathan  Appleton. . .  187 


Date 

1834 

Jan.  21. 
Feb.  2. 
Mar.  9- 
Mar.  21. 
June  5. 
Aug.  20. 
Nov.  9- 
Dec.  11. 
Dec.  19. 
Dec.  26. 

1835 
Jan.  1. 
Jan.  3. 
Jan.  29- 
Feb.  1. 
Mar.  2. 
May  30. 
May  31. 
Sept.  23. 

Sept.  25. 
Nov.  28. 
Dec.  7. 
Dec.  23. 
Dec.  28. 

1836 


Sent  to 


Page 


Edward  Everett 188 

Nathan  Appleton. .  .  188 

Edward  Everett 189 

Jeremiah  Mason.  .  .  188 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.587 
Edward  Webster.  .  .588 
Dr.  Cyrus  Perkins.  .621 

James  W.  Paige 189 

Nicholas  Biddle 190 

Miss  Ellen  Kelly.  .  .622 

A.  G.  Stevens 190 

Albert  Picket  el  al. .  696 

I.  W.  Kelly 722 

Jeremiah  Mason ...  1 93 

Edward  Everett 195 

Daniel  P.  King.... 697 

Edward  Everett 195 

Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster 623 

Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster , 589 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster  590 

Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster 591 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 196 

Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster 197 


Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster  (?) 723 

Jan.  10.  Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster 198 

Jan.  11.  Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster 66l 

Jan.  24.  Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster 199 

Jan.  29.  Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster  200 

Feb.  2.  Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster 201 

Feb.  6.     Edward  E,  Marshall.202 


758 


CHRONOLOGICAL    INDEX 


Date  Sent  to  Page 

1836 
Feb.  9. 

Feb.  21. 

Feb.  27. 
Feb.  29. 
Mar.  6. 

Mar.  7. 

Mar.  12. 
Mar.  14. 
Apr.  29. 

Apr.  29. 
May  6. 
May  13. 
May  23. 
June  9- 
June  12. 
Oct.  8. 
Oct.  31. 

183T 

Feb.  4.     Edward  Webster.  .  .595 

Mar.  4.    Edward  Everett 210 

Sept.  16.  Edward  Webster. .  .595 

1838 

Jan.  29.  Benjamin    D.    Silli- 

man 211 

Feb.  25.  Horatio  G.  Cilley..742 
Mar.  5.    N.  Ray  Thomas ....  666 
June  29.  Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 596 

July  4.     Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster 212 

July  6.     Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster 212 

July  6.  Edward  Webster ...  597 
Sept.  8.  Edward  Webster ...  597 
Sept.  18.  Edward  Webster. .  .599 
Sept.  21.  Edward  Webster. .  .599 
Sept.  27.  Henry  Cowper- 

thwaite 214 


Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster  203 

Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster 591 

Thomas  G.  Pratt... 204 

H.    Hunt 205 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster  205 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster  592 

Edward  Everett 203 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.  206 
Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 207 

Ray  Thomas  (?) 66 1 

James  Watson  Webb.  208 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  662 

Mr.   Murphy 662 

I.  W.  Kelly 663 

D.  Fletcher  Webster. 663 
Edward  Webster.  .  .593 
J.  Q.  Adams 698 


Date 
1839 

July  4. 

1840 

(?) 
Jan.  5. 

Feb.  12. 

Feb.  20. 
Mar.  2. 

Mar.  6. 
Mar.  9- 

Mar.  11. 
Mar.  12. 
Mar.  13. 
Mar.  14. 
Mar.  17. 

May  10. 
May  23. 
May  24. 
May  31. 
Sept.  29- 

Oct.  1. 
Oct.  22. 

Oct.  25. 
Oct.  26. 

Oct.  27. 
Oct.  28. 

Nov.  20. 

1841 

Jan.  28. 
Jan.  30. 


Sent  to 


Page 


Samuel  Jaudon 723 

Judge  Wilkinson.  .  .220 

Nathaniel  (?)  Coffin. 221 
D.    Fletcher     Web 
ster 668 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 743 

James  J.  Mapes .  ...  698 
Mrs.   Caroline   Web 
ster  599 

James  B.  Longacre .  1 49 
Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster  624- 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 625 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 625 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 626 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 626 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster  627 

(?)  Peter  Harvey..  .627 

John  Taylor 669 

Peter  Harvey 221 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.  222 
Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster  670 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 223 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster  225 

Geo.  W.  Nesmith. . .  224 
Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster  670 

Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster 671 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 672 

Mr.  Connell 628 

Theophilus  Parsons .  227 
C.  F.  Adams 230 


LETTERS   FROM   DANIEL   WEBSTER 


759 


Date 

1841 

Feb.  10. 
Mar.  17. 
July  — . 
July  15. 
Aug.  4. 

Aug.  16. 
Aug.  19. 

Aug.  20. 
Aug.  22. 

Sept.  10. 
Oct.  25. 
Nov.  13. 
Nov.  25. 
Dec.  21. 

1842 
Feb.  2. 
Feb.  9- 
Feb.  18. 
Feb.  19- 
Mar.  1. 
Mar.  11. 
Mar.  26. 
Mar.  30. 
Apr.  28. 
May  16. 
June  27. 
July  15. 
July  30. 
Aug.  — . 

Aug.  5. 
Aug.  8. 
Aug.  8. 
Aug.  — . 

Aug.  — . 

Aug.  28. 
Sept.  4. 
Oct.  4. 


Sent  to 


Page 


John  Davis 230 

Wm.  H.  Seward 231 

John  Tyler 232 

Joshua    A.  Spencer. 234 
Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 234 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster  235 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster  236 

John  Tyler 237 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 601 

Peter  Harvey 237 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.  241 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  241 

John  Tyler 241 

Edward  Kent 248 

Reuel  Williams 256 

John  Wilson 255 

Reuel  Williams 260 

Samuel  Rush  el  al .  .261 

Seth  Weston 673 

Pearce  &  Bullock. . .  263 

Chas.  H.Upton 726 

Edward  Everett  (?) .  266 
Edward  Everett ...  268 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.602 
Waddy  Thomson ...  269 

John  Davis  (?) 270 

272 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 602 

Fletcher  WTebster. . .  273 

John  Tyler ..274 

John  Tyler 275 

Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster  275 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster  276 

John  Tyler  (?) 276 

D.  Fletcher  Webster. 277 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.278 


Date 

1842 
Oct.  5. 
Oct.  6. 
Oct.  15. 
Oct.  19. 
Oct.  20. 
Oct.  20. 
Oct.  20. 
Nov.  1. 
Nov.(?)3, 
Dec.  19. 

1843 
Jan.  9. 
Jan.  21. 
Feb.  — . 
Mar.  11. 
Mar.  11. 
Mar.  18. 
Mar.  31. 
Apr.  9- 
Apr.  16. 
May  7. 

1844 

Jan.  23. 
Feb.  23. 

July  8. 
1845 

Jan.  27. 
Feb.  13. 
Feb.  18. 
Feb.  24. 
Mar.  2. 
Mar.  — . 
Mar.  3. 
Mar.  3. 
Mar.  5. 
Mar.  9- 
Mar.  11. 
Mar.  12. 
Mar.  24. 
June  21. 
Aug.  8. 
Sept.  11. 


Sent  to 


Page 


D.  Fletcher  Webster. 279 
D.  Fletcher  Webster. 279 
D.  Fletcher  Webster. 280 
D.  Fletcher  WTebster.28 1 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  281 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  282 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  282 

Seth  Weston 673 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.  282 
Thomas  Fessenden 
et  al 745 

John  Quincy  Adams. 285 
Mrs.  Jeremiah  Smith. 629 
D.  Fletcher  Webster. 286 

Jared  Sparks 286 

Jared  Sparks 286 

Jared  Sparks  ......  287 

Seth  Weston 674 

D.  Fletcher  Webster. 287 
D.  Fletcher  Webster. 28 8 
John  Q.  Adams 288 

Mr.  Bigelowe*  al.  .  .289 
Mrs.  Fletcher  Web 
ster  603 

R.  M.  Blatchford ...  629 

Seth  Weston 727 

Peter  Harvey  (?)...  295 

Peter  Harvey 296 

D.  Fletcher  Webster. 727 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  296 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  296 
D.Fletcher  Webster. 297 
Charles  W.  Ridgely.745 
D.  Fletcher  Webster. 298 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  298 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  299 
D.  Fletcher  Webster. 299 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  300 
D.  Fletcher  Webster. 302 
Nathan  Appleton. .  .  630 
Nathan  Appleton. . .  631 


760 


CHRONOLOGICAL   INDEX 


Date  Sent  to  Page 

1845 

Dec.  11.  D.Fletcher  Webster.  304 
Dec.  25.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.304 

1846 

Jan.  12.  D.Fletcher  Webster.  305 
Jan.  12.  Nathan  Appleton. .  .  305 
Jan.  14.  D.Fletcher  Webster. 306 
Jan.  20.  Nathan  Appleton. .  .  306 
Jan.  27.  D.Fletcher  Webster.  307 
Jan.  29.  (?)  Nathan  Appleton. 308 
Jan.  30.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  7 28 
Feb.  17.  D.Fletcher  Webster.  7  29 

Feb.  25.  Seth  Weston 675 

Mar.  3.     Seth  Weston 675 

Mar.  5.     John  Tyler 309 

Mar.  20.  Robert  C.  Winthrop.311 

May  9.     Edward  Curtis 325 

May  17.  D.  Fletcher  Webster. 3 25 
May  20.  D.Fletcher  Webster. 3 26 
May  25.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.327 

May  28 '. 746 

May  29.  D.Fletcher  Webster.  328 
May  31.  D.  Fletcher  Webster. 328 
May  31.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  328 
June  1.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  329 
June  10.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  3  30 
June  13.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  3  30 
June  — .  (?)  D.  F.  Webster... 331 
July  8.  Nathan  Appleton. . .  332 

July  16.  James  K.  Mills 334 

July  _.  (?) 335 

July  21.  James  K.  Mills 335 

July  21.  James  K.  Mills 335 

July  _.  James  K.  Mills  (?).  .336 

July  — .  James  K.  Mills 336 

July  29.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  337 
Aug.  1.  D.  Fletcher Webster.342 
Aug.  4.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  343 
Aug.  6.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  343 

Aug.  1 3.  Seth  Weston 714 

Oct.  28.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  343 

Nov.  3.     Seth  Weston 675 

Dec.  10.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  344 

Dec.  10.  Edward  Everett 345 

1847 
Jan.  — ,  Sherrod  Williams . .  .346 


Date  Sent  to  Page 

184T 
Jan.  10.   D.  Fletcher  Webster.  729 

Jan.  14.  Seth  Weston 675 

Jan.  25.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  349 
Feb.  — .  (?)  D.  F.  Webster. . .  349 
Feb.  5.  Edward  Webster  ...  353 
Feb.  6.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  350 
Feb.  7.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.350 

Feb.  12.  Seth  Weston 676 

Feb.  22.  Edward  Webster.  .  .353 
Mar.  1.  Thomas  D.  Grover 

etal. 351 

Mar.  17.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  352 

Mar.  21.  Edward  Everett 354 

Mar.  29.  Porter  Wright  (?)..  .677 
Apr.  5.  Benjamin  E.  Perry.  .356 
Apr.  18.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  356 
Apr.  21.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  357 
Apr.  27.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  357 

June  21.  W.  W.  Seaton 678 

May  1.  (?)  Edward  Curtis  (?).701 
Sept.  26.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.358 
Nov.  15.  Porter  Wright . . .,.  .678 

Nov.  24.  Peter  Harvey 729 

Dec.  7.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  359 
Dec.  20.  D.  Fletcher Webster.730 

Dec.  24.  Seth  Weston 679 

Dec.  26.  Samuel  Jaudon 730 

Dec.  29.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  603 
Dec.  30.  D.Fletcher  Webster.  731 

1848 

Jan.  23.  Seth  Weston 679 

Jan.  29.  Edward  Everett 361 

Jan.  31.   D.  Fletcher  Webster.  604 

Feb.  4.     Peter  Harvey 362 

Feb.  19.  (?)  D.  F.  Webster.. .  363 
Apr.  16.  (?)  Porter  Wright.. 710 

Apr.  22.  Seth  Weston 680 

.   D.  Fletcher  Webster.  7 10 

.   Mrs.  W.  W.  Seaton. 711 

May  2.     Mrs.  Harriette  Story 

Paige 702 

May  15.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  366 
May  25.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  366 
June  8.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  3 66 


LETTERS   FROM   DANIEL   WEBSTER         761 


Date 

1848 

June  10 
June  16 
June  16 
June  19 
July  5. 

Aug.  6. 
Aug.  13 
Aug.  16 
Aug.  16 
Aug.  23 
Sept.  1. 
Dec.  26 

1849 

Jan.  12. 
Feb.  — . 
Feb.  — . 
Feb.  9- 
Mar.  13 
Mar.  26 
Mar.  28 
Mar.  29 
Mar.  29 
Apr.  — 
Apr.  — 


Sent  to 


Page 


.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  367 
.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  367 
.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  368 
.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  369 
(?)  D.  Fletcher  Web 
ster 358 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.  369 
.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  370 
.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  370 
.  D.  Fletcher  Webster. 371 
.  E.  Rock  wood  Hoar  .371 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.  372 
.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  373 

Mr.  Hope 692 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.  373 
Peter  Harvey  (?) ...  374 

Porter  Wright 681 

.  Jacob  McGaw 632 

,  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  375 
.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  377 
.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  376 
.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  377 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  381 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  382 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  382 

.   D.  Fletcher  Webster.383 

.   D.  Fletcher  Webster.  383 

.    D.Fletcher  Webster.  384 

Apr.  2.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.381 
Apr.  3.  D.Fletcher  Webster.  381 
Apr.  11.  D.  Fletcher  Webster. 38 3 
Apr.  12.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.379 
Apr.  16.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.380 
Apr.  24.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.384 
Spring.  (?)  D.  Fletcher  Web 
ster 385 

May  1.     Thomas  Ewing 385 

May — .  D.Fletcher  Webster.  387 
May  — .  D.  Fletcher  Webster. 387 

.    D.  Fletcher  Webster.  388 

May  3.     D.  Fl etcher  Webster.  7 14 
May  8.     D.  Fletcher  Webster.  38  8 
June  12.  Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 609 


Date  Sent  to 

1849 

June  15.  Mr.  Blatchford 715 

June  28.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.7 15 

Oct.  6.     Moore  Russell 632 

Nov.  9-     Porter  Wright 681 

Dec.  — .  Porter  Wright 681 

Dec.  31.  Samuel  N.  Sweet..  .693 

.    Rev.  A.  Potter 693 

.   Dr.  Warren  (?) 694 

1850 

Jan.  25.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  391 
Feb.  1.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  391 

Feb.  2.     Porter  Wright 731 

Feb.  13.  Peter  Harvey 392 

Feb.  24.  Fletcher  Webster. . .  393 
Mar.  21.  D.  Fletcher  Webster. 405 
Mar.  22.  (?)  Peter  Harvey . .  .  405 

Apr.  — .  Peter  Harvey 408 

Apr.  3.  D.Fletcher  Webster.  409 
Apr.  8.  D.  Fletcher  Webster. 409 

Apr.  8.  (?)  John  Taylor 682 

Apr.  24.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.4 10 
May  8.  Worcester  Webster. 732 

May  1 1.  (?)  Peter  Harvey 412 

May  18.  J.  Prescott  Hall 412 

May  29.  Peter  Harvey 413 

May  29.  Peter  Harvey  (?).  .  .414 
June  — .  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  41 5 

June  2.     Peter  Harvey 415 

June  3.     Peter  Harvey  (?)...  41 6 

June  4.     Peter  Harvey 417 

June  10.  Fletcher  Webster..  .417 
June  18.  Samuel  Lawrence..  .418 
June  19-  To  the  Citizens  of 

New  York 418 

June  23.  Rev.  Hubbard  Wins- 
low  419 

June  28.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.7 1 6 
July  9-     Peter  Harvey ......  41 9 

July  12.  Millard  Fillmore  .  .  .421 
July  19.  Millard  Fillmore  .  .  .421 
July  24.  (?)  D.  Fletcher  Web 
ster  422 

July  30.  Millard  Fillmore 422 

Aug.  2.     Peter  Harvey 422 

Aug.  3.    Millard  Fillmore. . . ,  423 


762 


CHRONOLOGICAL    INDEX 


Date 

1850 
Aug.  6. 
Aug.  10. 
Aug.  14. 
Aug.  16. 
Aug.  19. 
Aug.  26. 
Aug.  28. 
Sept.  3. 
Sept.  3. 
Sept.  11. 
Sept.  19- 
Oct.  2. 
Oct.  19- 
Oct.  24. 
Oct.  28. 
Nov.  3. 
Nov.  7. 
Nov.  15. 
Nov.  16. 
Nov.  16. 
Nov.  28. 
Dec.  2. 
Dec.  2. 
Dec.  7. 

Dec.  21. 

Dec.  21. 

1851 


Sent  to 


Page 


Jan.  11. 
Jan.  — . 
Jan.  15. 
Jan.  17. 
Jan.  19- 
Feb.  11. 
Feb.  17. 
Feb.  28. 
Mar.  1. 
Mar.  — . 
Mar.  7. 
Mar.  17. 
Mar.  19. 


Millard  Fillmore 423 

Samuel  Lawrence. .  .  424 

Peter  Harvey 424 

Peter  Harvey 424 

Denning  Jarves ....  426 
Millard  Fillmore. .  .  .  427 
Henry  D.  Moore .  .  .  633 

Millard  Fillmore 428 

Don  Mariana  Arista.429 

Millard  Fillmore 430 

Millard  Fillmore 431 

Peter  Harvey 432 

Millard  Fillmore. .  .  .  434 

Millard  Fillmore 437 

Millard  Fillmore 438 

D.  Fletcher  Webster. 439 
Wm.  Prescott,  M.D.440 
Millard  Fillmore. .  .  .  440 

B.  F.  Ayer 442 

Millard  Fillmore. .  .  .  443 

Porter  Wright 683 

Millard  Fillmore. .  .  .  444 
Millard  Fillmore. . .  .  444 
Rev.  IchabodS.  Spen 
cer 747 

J.  S.  Spencer 444 

Asabel  Huntington .  445 

W.  W.  Seaton 633 

W.  W.  Seaton 633 

Millard  Fillmore. . .  .445 
(?)  Millard  Fillmore .  446 
John  M.  Clayton .  . .  454 
Millard  Fillmore. . .  .  446 
Millard  Fillmore. . .  .  447 
Millard  Fillmore. . . .  447 

Jacob  Harvey 457 

Millard  Fillmore 457 

Luther  Severance  . .  458 

Henry  S.  Foote 460 

Peter  Harvey 460 

Millard  Fillmore 461 

To  the  French  Minis 
ter  of  Foreign  Af 
fairs.  ...  . . 462 


Date  Sent  to  Page 

1851 

Mar.  23.  Millard  Fillmore 464 

Mar.  27.  Duke  of  Rutland .  .  .  635 
Apr.  — .  (?)  D.  Fletcher  Web 
ster  464 

Apr.  4.  Millard  Fillmore. . .  .  464 
Apr.  4.  Millard  Fillmore. .  .  .  466 

Apr.  4.     Geo.  Lunt 466 

Apr.  6.  Millard  Fillmore. .  . .  467 
Apr.  — .  Millard  Fillmore. .  .  .  468 

Apr.  7.     Peter  Harvey 468 

Apr.  7.     Henry  W.  Hilliard.468 

Apr.  9.     Millard  Fillmore 470 

Apr.  12.  William  Sweatt 634 

Apr.  23.  Henry  B.  Rogers^ al. 474 
May  4.  Peter  Harvey  (?)...  474 
May  5.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  47 5 
May  9-  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  475 

.   Thomas  Corwin  (?)..475 

June  3.     Peter  Harvey 476 

June  9.    Thurlow  Weed 477 

June  9-    Edward  Curtis 478 

June  11.  David  Henshaw. . .  .477 
June  12.  To  the  Lowell  Com 
mittee  479 

June  16.  D.  Fletcher  Webster. 479 
June  2 2.  D.  Fletcher  Webster. 481 
June  29.  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  7 16 

June  29.  John  Taylor 716 

July  10.  J.  de  Marcoleta 483 

.  Millard  Fillmore 483 

July  14.  Luther  Severance  .  .484 

Sept.  10.  Millard  Fillmore 487 

Oct.  3.  Wm.  W.  Story 636 

Oct.  8.  F.  D.  Anderson  et  al .  748 

.  7.  Porter  Wright 747 

Nov.  15.  Mr.  Hulsemann.  .  .  .  491 

Dec.  8.  Millard  Fillmore 505 

Dec.  16.  To  the  Chevalier 

Hulsemann 494 

Dec.  18.  To  the  Chevalier 

Hulsemann 495 

.   D.  Fletcher  Webster.  506 

Dec.  19-  Millard  Fillmore 506 

Dec.  21.  Millard  Fillmore 506 


LETTERS   FROM   DANIEL   WEBSTER 


763 


Date  Sent  to  Page 

1851 

Dec.  29.  Abbott  Lawrence . .  .  507 
Dec.  31.  William  C.  Rives. .  .508 

1852 

Jan.  11.  Porter  Wright 749 

Jan.  15.  Charles  J.  McCurdy.497 
Jan.  18.  Abbott  Lawrence. ..  5 1 3 
Feb.  6.  Mon.  de  Sartiges.  .  .511 
Feb.  7.  Joseph  B.  Varnum, 

Jr 512 

Feb.  26.  Franklin  Haven 514 

Feb.  27.  Millard  Fillmore 515 

Mar.  5.     Peter  Harvey 516 

Apr.  9.    G.  A.  Tavenner 521 

Apr.  30.  C.  J.  McCurdy 523 

May  — .  D.  Fletcher  Webster.  524 

June  1.    Porter  Wright 685 

June  9.    Porter  Wright 685 

June  11.  J.  J.  Chittenden...  .637 

June  11.  Millard  Fillmore 531 

July  4.     Fletcher  Webster... 532 

July  4.     Edward  Curtis 533 

July  5.     Charles  A.  Stetson. .  533 

July  8.     Millard  Fillmore 533 

July  13.  John  Stimpson 534 

July  23.  Benjamin  C.  Clark.. 717 
July  25.  Mrs.  D.  Fletcher 

Webster 505 

July  26.  A.  C.  Kingsland 637 

.   D.  Fletcher  Webster.  605 

.   D.  Fletcher  Webster.  506 

.   Mrs.  Fletcher  Web 
ster.. .  ..606 


Date 

1852 


Sent  to 


Page 


Aug.  2. 
Aug.  4. 
Aug.  10. 
Aug.  15. 
Aug.  22. 
Sept.  17. 
Sept.  25. 
Sept.  28. 
Oct.  8. 
Oct.  10. 
Oct.  12. 
Oct.  13. 
Oct.  20. 
Year  not 
known 
May  11. 
Jan.  6. 

Feb.  28. 
Mar.  2. 
Mar.  24. 
Apr.  20. 
Aug.  27. 
Sept.  30. 


Nov.  7. 
Dec.  6. 


Mrs.  Fletcher  Web 
ster 606 

Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster 607 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.  607 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.608 

C.  (?)C.  Felton....637 
Millard  Fillmore 535 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.  5  36 

J.  L.  Petigru 536 

D.  Fletcher Webster.537 

Hiram  Noyes 638 

Edward  P.  Little . . .  638 
Le  Roy  Pope  et  al.  .539 
George  Griswold . . .  732 

Rev.  Savage 639 

M.  H.  Grinnell  '. ...  541 
M.  H.  Grinnell  et  al.54,1 
Mr.  Hatch 543 

David  Tomlinson . .  .  684 

John  Taylor 687 

John  Taylor 687 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.687 
D.  Fletcher  Webster. 7 33 
D.  Fletcher Webster.734 

D.  A.  Hall 640 

Porter  Wright 689 

John  Taylor 688 

Porter  Wright 688 

Porter  Wright 688 

D.  Fletcher  Webster. 749 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  733 


LETTERS  TO  DANIEL  WEBSTER 


Date 

1804 

July  12. 
Oct.  6. 
Dec.  21. 
Dec.  21. 

1805 

Jan.  18. 
May  23. 

1809 
Mar.  13 

1811 
June  26. 

1813 

Apr.  20. 
Dec.  28. 
Dec.  — . 

1814 
Oct.  29. 

1822 
Jan.  1. 


From 


Jacob  McGaw 15 

Mehitable  Webster . .  14 

Sally  Webster 17 

Ebenezer  Webster .  .  18 

Judson  Dana 23 

Ezekiel  Webster  ...  22 

Geo.  Herbert 25 

Samuel  Sparhawk  .  .  26 

Geo.  Herbert 27 

Mr.  Waldron 48 

Mr.  Lawrence 49 

Mr.  Ezekiel  Webster  52 


Daniel  Fletcher 

Webster 545 

Jan.  28.  Ezekiel  Webster  ...  89 
Henry  Baldwin  ....  84 
T.  H.  Perkins  et  al. .  90 


Oct.  18. 

1823 

Feb.  10. 
Dec.  15. 

1824 

Apr.  11. 
May  4. 
June  6. 
June  6. 
Dec.  4. 
Dec.  6. 
Dec.  9- 
Dec.  11. 
Dec.  13. 
Dec.  19. 
Dec.  29. 
Dec.  31. 


Ezekiel  Webster 
C.  W.  Greene. . 


William  Gaston  ____ 
H.  A.  Dearborn  .... 
Mrs.  Grace  Webster. 
Mrs.  Grace  Webster  . 
Mrs.  Grace  Webster. 
Mrs.  Grace  Webster. 
Mrs.  Grace  Webster  . 
Mrs.  Grace  Webster  . 
Mrs.  Grace  Webster. 
James  W.  Paige  ____ 
Mrs.  Grace  Webster. 
Mrs.  Grace  Webster. 


Page          Date  From  Page 

1825 

Jan.  1.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  5 54 
Jan.  7.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  5 54 
Jan.  12.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  555 
Jan.  14.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  556 
Jan.  18.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  5 56 
Jan.  20.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  557 
Jan.  24.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  558 
Jan.  26.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  557 
Jan.  31.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster  .558 
Feb.  3.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster .  559 
Feb.  5.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster .  559 
Feb.  8.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  5 59 
Feb.  10.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  560 
Feb.  1 1 .  Mrs.  Grace  Webster .  560 
Feb.  14.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  561 
Feb.  17.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  561 
Feb.  18.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  562 
Feb.  21.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  562 
Feb.  24.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  5 63 
Feb.  25.  Thomas  H.  Benton  .112 
Mar.  1.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster .  563 
Mar.  5.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  5 64 
Mar.  9-  D.Fletcher  Webster.  565 
Mar.  10.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  565 

1828  (?) 

Apr.  — .  Henry  Clay 118 

July  19.  Timothy  Pickering. .  695 

1827 

Jan.  16.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster .  566 
Jan.  1 7.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster .  566 
Jan.  21.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  5 66 
Jan.  29.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  567 
Feb.  5.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster .  567 
Feb.  10.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  5  67 
Feb.  15.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  568 
Feb.  16.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  568 
Mar.  8.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster.  569 
Dec.  10.  Joshua  Phillips 131 


91 

546 

107 
104 
548 
549 
549 
550 
551 
551 
551 
552 
553 
553 


764 


LETTERS  TO  DANIEL   WEBSTER 


765 


Date 

1828 

Jan.  27. 
Jan.  29. 
Mar.  13. 
Mar.  25, 
Apr.  20. 
May  11. 
July  16. 
July  24. 
Oct.  1. 

1829 

Jan.  31. 
Apr.  16. 
July  8. 

1830 
Jan.  1. 

Jan.  26. 
Feb.  1. 
Feb.  5. 
Feb.  12. 
Mar.  8. 
Mar.  23. 
Apr.  17. 
Apr.  20. 
May  14. 

May  15. 

Aug.  28. 

1831 
Jan.  3. 
Feb.  6. 
Aug.  7. 
Oct.  24. 

1832 
Jan.  4. 
Jan.  4. 
Jan.  5. 
Jan.  8. 
Feb.  25. 
Mar.  11. 
Apr.  21. 
June  27. 


From 


Page 


Jeremiah  Mason. .  .  .572 
Jeremiah  Mason. .  .  .131 

Lafayette 574 

Robert  B.  Campbell.  1 37 
D.  Fletcher  Webster. 574 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  574 

Thomas  Rich 614 

Lafayette 614 

Jacob  McGaw 736 

Ezekiel  Webster  .  ..141 
Jeremiah  Mason. .  .  .61 6 
William  Wirt 617 

Eliza  Buckminster 

Lee 576 

Edward  Everett ....  1 46 

Isaac  Munroe 147 

H.  A.  Dearborn ....  1 47 

J.  W.  Scott 148 

Robert  Walsh 148 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.  1 5 1 
Joseph  D.  Story     . .  153 
Thos.  H.  Benton.  .  .157 
Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster  579 

Ralph  Randolf  Gur- 

ley 738 

Samuel  B.  Wallcot. .  580 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.  5 80 
D.  Fletcher  Webster. 581 

Stephen  White l6l 

Ambrose  Spencer. . .  1 64 

Thomas  H.  Benton.  1 69 
Thomas  H.  Benton  .169 
Thomas  H.  Benton  .170 
Thomas  H.  Benton  .  172 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.581 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.582 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.573 
Abraham  Van  Vech- 
ten  .  . . .174 


Date 

1832 

Aug.  27. 
Dec.  31. 

1833 
Jan.  1. 

Jan.  22. 
Feb.  25. 
Aug.  12. 
Aug.  12. 
Aug.  12. 

,1834 
Dec.  24. 

1835 

Jan.  18. 
Feb.  28. 
Aug.  14. 

1836 

Feb.  24. 
Nov.  20. 

1837 

Feb.  24. 
Apr.  5. 
Dec.  28. 

1838 

Sept.  6. 
Sept.  13. 
Sept.  26. 

1839 

Mar.  25. 
June  23. 
June  24. 

1840 
Jan.  20. 

Mar.  2. 
Mar.  16. 
Apr.  16. 
June  30. 

1841 
Jan.  26. 

Apr.  2. 
July  20. 
Oct.  11. 
Dec.  18. 


From 


Page 


Henry  Clay 176 

Mrs.  Caroline  Web 
ster 584 

Mrs.   Caroline  Web 
ster 585 

D.  Fletcher  Webster. 5 85 

Silas  Wright :  179 

Rufus  Choate 184 

H.  A.  Dearborn 185 

H.  A.  Dearborn 186 

D.  Fletcher  Webster. 5 88 

H.  W.  Kinsman 190 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.  5 89 
Wm.  W.  Stone  et  al  196 

Thomas  G.  Pratt .  .  .  204 
Samuel  Houston  .  .  .  209 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.  209 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  21 0 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.665 

Nicholas  Biddle 213 

Edward  Webster.  .  .598 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.667 

E.  Phinney 668 

Lewis  Cass 218 

Charles  Sumner 219 

N.  Ray  Thomas 623 

Mrs.  Sidney  Smith.. 628 
James  B.  Longacre  .  148 
D.  Fletcher  Webster. 221 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.  600 
D.  Fletcher  Webster.223 

Chas.  Francis  Adams. 228 

John  Tyler 231 

Washington  Irving.  .232 

John  Tyler 234 

John  Tyler 239 

Thurlow  Weed  . .    ..248 


766 


CHRONOLOGICAL   INDEX 


Date 

1842 
Jan.  2. 
Jan.  12. 
Feb.  12. 
Mar.  26. 
Apr.  19. 
July  19. 
July  31. 
Aug.  1. 
Aug.  8. 
Sept.  28. 

1843 
Jan.  2. 
Feb.  — . 

1845 
June  5. 
Sept.  11. 
Nov.  26. 

1846 

Jan.  — . 
Mar.  12. 
Apr.  21. 
Apr.  30. 
July  — . 
July  6. 
July  13. 

1847 

Jan.  14. 
Mar.  17. 
Nov.  10. 
Dec.  8. 

1848 
Feb.  1. 
Feb.  23. 

Apr.  2. 
May  2. 

1849 
May  8. 
May  30. 

1850 
Jan.  9- 
Jan.  9. 
Mar.  13. 
Mar.  25. 
Apr.  26. 
May  5. 


From 


Page 


Lord  Ashburton ....  252 
Lady  Ashburton ....  254 

Reuel  Williams 258 

Joseph  Story 263 

Joseph  Story 267 

Isaac  C.  Bates 272 

Lord  Ashburton.  . .  .272 

John  Tyler 273 

John  Tyler 274 

R.  B.  Minturn  et  al.  278 

Lord  Ashburton 283 

John  Tyler 285 

John  C.  Spencer  .  .  .301 
Nathan  Appleton.  .  .631 
Henry  Wheaton 303 

Lord  Ashburton 308 

John  Tyler 310 

John  Tyler 317 

Francis  O.  J.  Smith.318 
Spencer  Jarnagin.  ..342 

Edward  Everett 331 

James  Kent 333 

Sherrod  Williams. .  .  345 
Edward  Webster.  .  .354 
Edward  Webster. .  .359 
Edward  Webster.  .  .360 

B.  B.Tibbs 361 

Julia  Webster  Apple- 
ton  604 

Chas.  W.  March 363 

Millard  Fillmore  ...  364 

D.  Fletcher  Webster.380 
R.  B.  Forbes 715 

W.  H.  Furness 389 

Chas.  W.  March 390 

Calvin  Hitchock 403 

T.  H.  Perkins  et  al.A06 

Richard  Rush 411 

Thomas  G.  Clemson.411 


Date 

1850 

July  27. 
Oct.  4. 
Oct.  15. 
Oct.  23. 
Oct.  28. 

1851 

Jan.  12. 
Jan.  16. 
Feb.  24. 
Mar.  18. 
Mar.  20 
Apr.  7. 
Apr.  18. 
Apr.  19- 
Apr.  21. 
May  5. 
June  21. 
June  21. 
June  27. 
July  28. 
Sept.  30. 
Oct.  3. 
Oct.  3. 
Nov.  4. 
Nov.  14. 
Nov.  15. 

Nov.  23. 
Nov.  29- 
Dec.  2. 
Dec.  13. 
Dec.  17. 

1852 
Apr.  8. 
Apr.  8. 
Apr.  12. 
May  2. 
May  20. 
June  29. 
July  14. 
Aug.  2. 
Sept.  16. 
Sept.  24. 
Oct.  9- 
Oct.  10. 


From 


Page 


Mr.  Hulsemann ....  477 

Wm.  Hunter 452 

Wm.  Hunter 452 

Millard  Fillmore 436 

Millard  Fillmore  . .  .  430 

John  M.  Clayton .  .  .  452 
Millard  Fillmore..  .  .456 
Nathaniel  Sawyer. . .  3 

Lewis  Cass 461 

M.  R.  Brenner  et  «L462 

William  Sweatt 545 

Francis  Brinley  ....  472 

H.  A.  Dearborn 472 

Henry  B.  Rogers  e*a/.473 
Hiram  Ketcham ....  474 

J.  C.  Spencer 482 

Chas.  W.  March 480 

Fletcher  Webster.  ..483 
Charles  Stetson ....  486 

Mr.  Hulsemann 487 

Wm.  W.  Story 635 

Wm.  W.  Story 636 

Mr.  Hulsemann ....  490 

Chas.  W.  March 501 

Chevalier  Hulse 
mann 490 

Chas.  W.  March 501 

Fletcher  Webster. .  .  503 

Chas.  W.  March 504 

Mr.  Hulsemann ....  491 
Chevalier  Hulse 
mann  495 

Chas.  W.  March 517 

G.  A.  Tavenner 520 

Chas.  W.  March 518 

John  Taylor 684 

Millard  Fillmore 527 

Chas.  A.  Stetson. .  . .  532 
Chas.  W.  March  (?).534 

C.  C.  Felton 637 

John  Taylor 686 

W.  H.  Grinnell  et  al..537 
Moses  H.  Grinnell . .  540 
Richard  J.  Mapes. . .  539 


MISCELLANEOUS 

Date  Subject  Page 

July,  1 802.         An  Oration 7 

Apr.  18,  1805.   Review  of  the  First  Canto  of  the  Terrible  Tracto- 

ration 19 

Dec.  9,  1814.     An  Unpublished  Speech 56 

Dec.  1,  1816.     Grace  Webster  to  James  W.  Paige 72 

Dec.  14,  1816.  Grace  Webster  to  James  W.  Paige 73 

Jan.  3,  1824.      Mrs.  Grace  Webster  to  Daniel  Fletcher  Webster.  547 

Jan.  16,  1824.    Mrs.  Grace  Webster  to  D.  Fletcher  Webster 547 

Mar.  13,  1824.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster  to  D.  Fletcher  Webster 548 

Feb.  25,  1825.   Memorandum 112 

Aug.  22,  1825.  Mrs.  Grace  Webster  to  James  W.  Paige 711 

Sept.  5,  1826.    Mrs.  Grace  Webster  to  James  W.  Paige 712 

Sept.  6,  1826.    Mrs.  Grace  Webster  to  James  W.  Paige 712 

Dec.  2,  1827.     Mrs.  Grace  Webster  to  James  W.  Paige 569 

Mar.  25,  1828.  Robert  B.  Campbell  to  John  Randolph 138 

Summer,  1828.  George  Tichnor  to  Prescott 713 

Feb.,  1829.         Memorandum 142 

Feb.  16,  1831.  Speech  at  Sunday  School  Meeting 739 

Memorandum 174 

1832.     Seeds  and  Plants  from  Mr.  Pierce's.  . .  ; 645 

June  20,  1832.  Sheep  Marks ; 654 

1833.     Provisions 646 

About  June  1,  1833  (?).  Objects 185 

Nov.,  1836.         D.  Webster's  First  Will 593 

Mar.  23,  1838.  Extract  from  Speech  in  Senate 397 

Mar.  10,  1839.  Memorandum 215 

Apr. .       A  Scheme  for  the  Settlement  of  the  Northern 

Boundary 215 

July  10,  1839.   Memorandum 220 

Nov.  8,  1839.     Memorandum  upon  Farming  in  England 647 

Aug.  22,  1 840.  Extract  from  Diary  of  James  Kent 744 

Dec.  3,  1840.     The  Next  Senate 226 

Sept.  25,  1841.  Editorial  on  Writing  Letters  to  the  President. .  .  237 

Sept.  25,  1841.  The  Ex-Members  Publications  Abbreviated 238 

Dec.  — ,  1 841.  The  Message 242 

Dec.  — ,  1841.  (?)  A  Message  Prepared  for  the  President  Tyler 

on  the  Tariff 245 

Jan.  — ,  1842.    The  Exchequer. 249 

Extract 290 

767 


768  CHRONOLOGICAL   INDEX 

Date                                                    Subject  Page 

Extract 290 


1845.     Remarks  on  Education 699 

Mar.  23,  1846.  William  Seward  to  R.  M.  Blatchford 311 

May  27,  1 846.  By  Peleg  Sprague 318 

1846.     Memorandum  on  the  Ingersoll  Charges 319 

A  Proposed  Retraction  by  Mr.  Ingersoll 322 

Hon.  R.  C.  Schenck's  Statement  in  Regard  to 

Mr.  Ingersoll 324 

May  8,  1 846.     Francis  O.  J.  Smith  to  Fletcher  Webster 324 

Memorandum 341 

Speech  of  August  12,  1848 399 

Memorandum  for  Farming  1848 650 

May  1,  1849.      Memorandum 386 

Notes  of  March  7,  Speech 393 

Nov.  5,  1 849.     Mr.  Schwarzenberg  to  Mr.  Hulsemann 454 

Mar.  15,  1850.  Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey 404 

Mar.  22,  1850.  Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey 406 

Mar.  28,  1850.  Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey 407 

Apr.  12,  1850.  (?)  Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey  (?) 408 

Apr.  21,  1850.  Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey. 409 

May  30,  1850.  Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey 414 

June  17,  1850.  Daniel  Webster  Toast 418 

July  1 1,  1850.    Memorandum 420 

July  15,  1850.   D.  Fletcher  Webster  to  Peter  Harvey 419 

Aug.  16,  1850.  Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey 425 

Nov.  3,  1850.     Memorandum  for  Mr.  Taylor 651 

Nov.  8,  1850,     Memorandum  for  Cattle 652 

Farming  for  1851 651 

Mar.  22,  1851.  Hiram  Ketcham  to  Peter  Harvey 463 

Apr.  — ,  1851.   Rufus  Choate  to  Geo.  Lunt,  District  Attorney  .  .  465 

Apr.  12,  1851.  G.  J.  Abbott  to  Edward  Everett 702 

Apr.  17,  1851.   Resolutions  of  the  Boston  Common  Council 471 

May  28,  1851.  (?)  Observations  upon  Mr.  Le  Roy's  Farm 660 

June  12, 1851.  Correction  of  a  Translation 701 

Dec.  22,  1851.  Mr.  Webster's  lines  on  Foote  at  Mr.  Barney's 

Dinner  at  Walkers 636 

1852.     Mr.  Webster  on  Farming 644 

Jan.  8,  1852.      Hulsemann  to  President  Fillmore 496 

1852.     G.  J.  Abbot  (?^  to  Peter  Harvey 516 

Apr.  12,  1852.   Hiram  Ketcham  (?)  to  Peter  Harvey  (?) 523 

May  4,  1 852.      Edward  Curtis  (?)  to  Peter  Harvey 524 

May  9,  1852.     D.  Fletcher  Webster  to  Peter  Harvey 526 

May  10,  1852.   Hiram  Ketcham  to  Peter  Harvey .  526 

May  25,  1852.   Edward  Curtis  to  Peter  Harvey  (?) 529 


MISCELLANEOUS 


769 


Date  Subject  Page 

June  — ,  1852.  Webster's  interview  with  Chas.  A.  Stetson 531 

June  14,  1852.  Memorandum 530 

Oct.  1 1,  1852.    G.  J.  Abbott  to  Peter  Harvey 540 

Oct.  21,  1852.    Memorandum  dictated  by  Daniel  Webster 542 

Oct.  25,  1853.    Mr.  Abbott  to  Mr.  Fillmore 543 

-  Memo  for  Mr.  Doncaster 649 

-  Duke  of  Portland's  Water  Meadows 649 

-  Plan  of  Farming 654-659 

History  of  Washington  Administration 705 

-  Memorandum 503 

Apr.  12,  1854.   G.  J.  Abbott  to  Edward  Everett 702 

Apr.  1 3, Extract 449 

Apr.  22,  1854.   G.  J.  Abbott  to  D.  Fletcher  Webster 449 

May  3,  1854.      Wm.  Hunter  to  D.  Fletcher  Webster 449 

May  8,  1854.      Edward  Everett  to  D.  Fletcher  Webster 451 


THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 
STAMPED  BELOW 


RENEWED  BOOKS  ARE  SUBJECT  TO  IMMEDIATE 
RECALL 


«  9  19651 


LIBRARY,  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA,  DAVIS 

Book  Slip-10»w-l,'63(D5068s4)458 


286061 


Webster,  D. 

Letters  of  Daniel 
Webster, 

Webatcr 


Call  Number: 

E337.8 
W376 


286067 


